Episode 005 · Design decisions
Good at Storyline? You might be building the wrong thing.
Your favorite authoring tool can quietly steer a design. Explore the work, the constraints, and the support people need before choosing a format.
The idea
Choose the response before the tool.
Being good at building courses is useful. The trouble starts when we picture the interaction before we understand the problem. A polished Storyline course can still be the wrong response to what somebody needs.
The same task can call for practice, a quick reference, a clearer process, or a combination of those things. The format should follow the work and the conditions around it.
Take it into your work
Three things to consider.
- Name the task.
What does somebody need to do, and what is making it difficult?
- Choose useful support.
Do they need a chance to practice, something to look up, or a change in the workflow?
- Check the environment.
Consider access, delivery, maintenance, and what people can use while working.
Try this
Pause before opening your authoring tool.
First
Write down the task and the moment where people need help. Describe it without naming a tool.
Then
Compare two possible responses. Choose the one that fits the work, then decide how to build it.
Take the thinking further.
Read the related perspectiveKeep going
More conversations about learning for real work.
Find a useful question, a practical example, or an idea for your next project.