Project Reflection

This project is a training module for on-boarding new hires for a team I help manage as part of my current position. It is culmination of two consecutive courses, in the first I developed the Course Design Document that became the foundation this project was built upon. Having that structure in place as we moved into this course was incredibly helpful, giving me a reference point for each stage of this project. Along with that I found the requirement to utilize an alignment chart proved to be invaluable. As another point of reference, it not only helped to organize the visual layout of information, but also my thoughts and workflow. I found myself referencing the chart regularly, particularly when I felt unsure of my direction or next steps, a few moments reviewing the alignment frequently cleared up any blocks I was experiencing. I am grateful to have it in my proverbial toolbox, and plan to utilize it again as I develop the rest of my training module.

Early in the progression of this course I chose to approach the development of this instruction by focusing on a principle of design that Horton outlined in the text: “Good Design can prevent common failures.” Which, for me, boiled down to ‘Scope’. A concept I picked up from Game Design, and using it as a guidepost, I was able to stay focused and avoid two major hazards Horton describes as “Trying to teach too much,” and “Failing to teach what people really need.”

This approach helped me keep the objectives clear and concise by focusing on the core elements of the learning goals. Surprisingly, I found the design principles and philosophies that I was exposed to this semester matched well with, supported, and expanded the approach to design that I have developed through my experience with illustration, graphic design, and game development.