Overview
I designed a scenario based eLearning experience to help administrative assistants at a large fictional government agency strengthen their time management skills. The course focused on building decision-making skills in realistic work situations rather than just delivering content.
- Audience: Administrative Assistants in a government agency
- Responsibilities: Instructional Design, eLearning Development, Visual Design, Prototyping
- Tools Used: Articulate Storyline 360, Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After Effects Google Docs
Project Goal:
- Enable learners to practice prioritizing tasks and managing interruptions
- Provide safe opportunities to experience consequences of decisions
- Increase confidence and competence in real-world application
Problem
Administrative assistants faced productivity challenges and high stress. Key issues included:
- Competing priorities causing missed deadlines
- Frequent interruptions reducing focus and efficiency
- Difficulty applying time management strategies in real-world contexts
- Reduced return on investment for the CRM implementation
Core Challenge: Learners needed practice making effective decisions under pressure, not just access to information.
Solution
I developed a scenario based eLearning course designed to give learners a safe space to practice decision making. Key features included:
- Interactive scenarios that replicate authentic workday challenges
- Narrative storytelling to immerse learners in realistic situations
- Optional mentor guidance for personalized support
- Immediate feedback and opportunities to retry decisions
- Focused design informed by Action Mapping to target behaviors that drive performance
Key Insights
Collaboration with a subject matter expert and iterative testing revealed:
- Decision-making under pressure is the main barrier to effective time management
- Learners benefit from realistic practice opportunities with clear consequences
- SME input ensures scenarios reflect authentic challenges and priorities
- Safe failure and guided reflection build confidence and reinforce learning
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Design Approach
I applied a combination of ADDIE and Action Mapping to structure the project:
- ADDIE: Guided analysis, design, and iterative refinement
- Action Mapping: Ensured learning activities targeted behaviors that drive measurable performance improvement
Strategic design choices:
- Scenario based learning to simulate workplace complexity
- Narrative-driven storyboard to place learners in the role of a busy assistant
- Clean interface, muted color palette, and consistent typography to reduce cognitive load
Final Learning Experience
Learners experienced a highly interactive and engaging course:
- Decision points embedded throughout realistic scenarios
- Mentor feature providing optional guidance without slowing learners ready to proceed independently
- Tasks focused on prioritization, managing interruptions, and meeting deadlines
- Immediate feedback with opportunities to retry and learn from mistakes
- Custom visuals and subtle animations to support engagement and comprehension
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Outcome
Feedback from the SME and test learners highlighted:
- Scenarios felt authentic and relatable
- Interface and layout improved clarity and focus
- Animations and pacing reduced cognitive load
- Iterative refinements enhanced navigation, dialogue, and engagement
Reflection
Key takeaways included:
- Designing for decision-making rather than content enhances real-world applicability
- Strategic use of scenarios and narratives supports engagement and skill-building
- SME collaboration ensures authenticity and relevance
- Iteration and prototyping strengthen usability and instructional impact