Introduction to Instructional Design
Over the course of 10 weeks, I designed and refined a series of Mini Projects that built a complete learning system to support TaskLane users, moving from onboarding storyboards to adaptive assessments and engagement strategies.
TaskLane Storyboard
MINI PROJECT 3
Context & Purpose
The purpose of this project was to design a storyboard that guided new TaskLane clients through building their first project board. The intent was to give learners scaffolded practice, authentic application, and immediate feedback so they could gain confidence early in onboarding. By designing this module, I learned how to translate objectives into concrete learner experiences and build flow across multiple segments.
Process Overview
My design approach started with backward design: I aligned objectives with authentic tasks learners would actually complete in TaskLane. From there, I mapped a sequence that moved from high support (guided practice) to low support (independent practice).
Key decision points: I had to decide how to balance detail with simplicity in the storyboard. I also chose to integrate adaptive pathways after receiving feedback, ensuring that novices received micro-support while advanced users could explore challenge tasks.
Time and resource management strategies: I broke the project into phases—objectives first, storyboard outline second, detailed scripting last. I relied on templates and feedback checkpoints to keep myself on track and avoid rework.
Growth Through Revision
In revising MP3, I learned how to incorporate adaptivity into my design. Adding pathways triggered by platform logs or CSM review made the storyboard more dynamic and relevant to different learner types. I also refined my ability to write objectives that are both measurable and flexible enough to allow differentiated support.
Takeaways
Significant Insights:
Scaffolded practice is essential for building early confidence
Adaptive pathways ensure training stays relevant across experience levels.
Challenges Faced: It was difficult to keep the storyboard both detailed and easy to follow. I addressed this by using clear section headers and visuals to maintain clarity without losing depth.
Most Effective Strategies: Backward design, scaffolded sequencing, and layering adaptivity selectively so it enhanced learning without overwhelming the structure.
TaskLane Formative Assessment
MINI PROJECT 4
Context & Purpose
The goal of this project was to design a formative assessment that checked in on new TaskLane clients’ early progress with the platform. The purpose wasn’t only to prepare learners for a CSM call—it was also to help them see TaskLane’s value in their own workflow through authentic practice and reflection.
Process Overview
My design approach was to create an interactive simulation that mirrored real onboarding tasks, reinforced with multiple layers of feedback.
Key decision points: One major choice was how to keep the assessment supportive rather than punitive, so I prioritized immediate feedback and retry options. After feedback, I added differentiated pathways: novices received more scaffolding, while advanced users could accelerate through challenge tasks like advanced filtering or integrations.
Time and resource management strategies: I used a structured timeline (objectives → simulation flow → reflection prompts → evaluation plan). I leaned on course readings for theoretical grounding and peer feedback to strengthen my design choices.
Growth Through Revision
In revision, I learned how to design assessments that adapt to prior experience. The feedback pushed me to think about variability: some learners are brand new to project management, while others already have a Trello or Asana background. By building acceleration pathways, I learned how to make assessments flexible without losing rigor.
Takeaways
Significant Insights:
Formative assessments can double as confidence-building tools
Designing for learner variability is critical in corporate training contexts.
Challenges Faced: Balancing novice and advanced learner needs in one assessment was tricky. I resolved this by branching the simulation so learners could either slow down for more practice or speed up with advanced challenges.
Most Effective Strategies: Authentic scenarios, immediate feedback loops, and differentiated reflection prompts that connected practice back to real workflows.
Reflection
Ethical Considerations
One ethical consideration that really sticks with me is accessibility. For me, accessibility isn’t just a checklist item — it’s a promise that every learner deserves a fair shot. Learning should feel possible, not frustrating. That means designing with barriers in mind from the start, whether it’s vision, hearing, cognitive load, or even bandwidth. In future projects, I’ll keep testing for usability and offering multiple ways to engage so no one feels left out. This connects back to one of my core values: equity. Everyone deserves to feel capable in a learning space.
Another ethical consideration is learner trust. When we collect reflections or track analytics, we’re asking learners to be vulnerable. I believe that information should be used to guide and encourage, never to shame or penalize. Protecting privacy and being transparent about how data is used ties into my value of integrity. Learners need to know the design respects their dignity while still helping them grow.
Lessons Learned
What drew me to Instructional Design in the first place was curiosity, empathy, and the chance to create learning that actually makes a difference in real life. Looking ahead, I want to sharpen that into three areas of growth:
Adaptive Learning Design – I want to keep practicing how to flex a design for both beginners and advanced learners. That balance makes learning feel personal and keeps everyone engaged.
Learning Analytics – I want to get more confident using data to make design decisions while still holding onto the ethical side of it. Data is powerful, but only if it’s used with care.
Multimedia Development – I want to polish my technical skills in Rise, Storyline, and similar tools so my designs don’t just work well, they also look and feel professional.
Resources and Strategies: I’ll lean into advanced courses, workshops, and communities like ATD to learn from others in the field. I also want to build portfolio pieces that let me experiment with these skills in action, not just in theory.
Timeline:
Next 3–6 months: Spend focused time practicing in Storyline and Rise and complete a short course on adaptive design.
6–12 months: Join and engage with a professional ID community and start running small analytics projects to learn by doing.
1–2 years: Apply these skills in professional contexts, expand my portfolio with adaptive and accessible projects, and work toward an advanced certification.