Design Thinking

PROLOGUE

"Walk a mile in my shoes." -- Joe South

DESIGN

Last year via a Stanford University MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) I learned how to put a new spin on an old problem solving process. I'm talking ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate) and Design Thinking.

THINKING

Design thinking adds empathy with learners to the instructional design process. ADDIE's analysis phase typically involves working with subject matter experts (SME) to identify attributes, needs, and gaps. How learners feel usually isn't evaluated.

The instructional design process can benefit greatly if designers begin the process by empathizing with learners: feeling their pain and learning about their perspective.

Partnering with learners in designing learning means the chances of a miss are greatly decreased. Learners prototyping and tinkering with content and activities help produce experiences that meet real needs.

EPILOGUE

In my projects I advocate for eLearning that is brief and focused. Assessment comes in the form of making: producing evidence of mastery and sharing with peers and managers.

It's human science, not rocket science.