How to Solve 3 Instructional Design Problems

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Instructional designers and eLearning developers are constantly faced with hurdles: from difficult customers to product unknowns, and lack of inspiration. It’s not always easy to make it to the finish line. I was in this exact same place yesterday. Sound the winner’s circle music--here are three common problems and ways get the gold.

  1. Blank Page Paralysis

We’ve all experienced it before. The blank page of a course staring back at you with no inspiration or direction in sight. But it doesn’t have to be that way! To get over blank page paralysis, start by creating a storyboard. A storyboard is a great way to pull together content, design, and functionality into a formed idea. Don’t have a storyboard template already? Check out our free storyboard template that we shared as a Friday Freebie.

  1. Difficult Customers or Clients

Every client is different--some are content to sit back and let your expertise do the work, and some like to be more involved. Micromanaging or indecisive clients can be frustrating, but remember that you both share the same end goal--creating the best learning. Start by having a clear conversation during a “kick-off” meeting. Share basic project information, like why the course should be built, who will be playing the various roles, and establish a timeline. Topics can be curated using a template or presentation, but the conversation should flow freely and openly until everyone is comfortable with the basic information.

  1. Lack of Inspiration

Inspiration can be a sneaky and elusive feeling or sensation. Talk to anyone, and there’s more than likely a term for a lack of inspiration that they too have to deal with in their industry: writer's block, analysis paralysis, etc. My favorite place to beat the block is the Trivantis® Community. Visiting the Share or Contest section can help you gather ideas on layout, design, and functionality. I also like to look at Pinterest, ask coworkers for help, and take a break from my project until inspiration hits. PS--How did I beat it this week? Talking it out with coworkers. It really works!

Are you experiencing instructional design problems? Check out this thread to ask for and give advice to fellow eLearning professionals in the Trivantis Community.