I’ve continually refined my approach to course design documentation. The two documents presented here represent different stages in this evolution, showcasing a shift from comprehensive, text-heavy documentation to a more streamlined, visually-focused approach.

Detailed to Digestible

The first document, “Blank Training Design Documentation (Spiral, 2023),” represents a thorough, traditional approach to course design. It covers every aspect of the instructional design process in detail, from initial needs analysis to final delivery. While comprehensive, I found that this level of documentation could sometimes be overwhelming, particularly for subject matter experts (SMEs) and stakeholders less familiar with instructional design processes.

In contrast, the “Quick Course Design Doc 2024 Version” reflects my current approach, which prioritizes simplicity and visual communication. This evolution stems from several key realizations:

1. Reduced Documentation: I’ve learned that less can often be more. By focusing on essential elements and reducing the overall volume of documentation, the design process becomes less daunting and more accessible to all parties involved.
2. Visual Focus: The newer document leverages visual elements to convey information quickly and effectively. This approach not only makes the document more engaging but also helps in communicating complex ideas more efficiently.
3. Presentation-Ready Format: By building the document in Slides, it’s inherently ready for presentation. This dual-purpose nature saves time and ensures that the design process can be easily shared and discussed with stakeholders at any stage.
4. Collaborative Emphasis: The updated format better facilitates collaboration between the learning experience designer (LXD) and subject matter experts (SMEs). It clearly outlines roles and expectations, making the partnership more transparent and effective.
5. Agile Workflow: The simplified document supports a more agile design process, allowing for quicker iterations and adaptations as the course develops.
6. Focus on Key Elements: While reducing overall documentation, I’ve maintained emphasis on crucial aspects like defining goals, understanding the audience, and outlining the course structure. This ensures that despite its concise nature, no critical elements are overlooked.

Some notable changes between the two documents include:

• Streamlined Sections: The newer document condenses multiple detailed sections into more focused, action-oriented segments.
• Integration of Theory: Rather than extensive explanations of learning theories, the new format incorporates these principles more subtly into the design process.
• Emphasis on Collaboration: The roles of LXD and SME are clearly defined, promoting a more collaborative approach from the outset.
• Flexible Design Space: The newer format provides more flexibility for brainstorming and iterative design, encouraging creativity and adaptability.

By adapting my documentation process in this way, I’ve found that it not only simplifies the course design workflow but also enhances communication and collaboration with stakeholders.

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