Liz Bastian

June Jumpstart: Tips for New Articulate Designers When I first started working in Storyline, I assumed having the software meant I was ready to build courses. I quickly learned that real instructional design takes more than clicking and dragging. It requires thought, structure, and a strategy. Here are some of the most valuable lessons I've learned along the way: Design before you develop Storyline does not come with built-in design instincts. Before you start building slides, take time to plan the structure of your course. Think through your navigation, learner flow, player settings, feedback layers, and slide masters. Getting clear on these pieces up front will help you avoid frustration later and lead to more polished outcomes. Leave breadcrumbs for yourself and others If you're building a custom or complex interaction, take a moment to document how it works. You can leave a small text box off-screen with a brief note explaining the logic. This helps if you need to update it in the future or if another developer picks up your file later. Clear notes are a small step with big long-term value. Make it great, then duplicate Put effort into building one high-quality version of a slide or interaction. Once you're happy with it, duplicate and reuse it across your course. Storyline’s Team Slides and Media Library features make this easier and more efficient. You’ll save time, ensure consistency, and reduce rework. Test early, test smart Before you go too far into content development, create a short prototype. Include your fonts, colors, layouts, and a few sample interactions. Share this prototype with your stakeholders or clients to confirm it meets their branding and accessibility standards. It is much easier to course-correct early than to revise a full course later. Learn your shortcuts Switching between views in Storyline can slow you down if you are clicking through menus. Instead, use keyboard shortcuts to move faster. Press F3 for Slide View, F4 for Slide Master, and F5 for Feedback Master. These shortcuts, along with others, can dramatically speed up your workflow over time. Whether you are just beginning or looking to sharpen your process, these habits can make your design experience smoother and more effective. What’s one tip you wish you had known earlier in your instructional design journey? #InstructionalDesign #ArticulateStoryline #ElearningDevelopment #LXD #LearningDesign #AccessibilityInLearning #JuneJumpstart #NewToID #IDTips

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Given the resurgence of video and talking head video in learning, and in my opinion way too many narrated eLearning experiences.... I thought this post by Christy Tucker was worth resurfacing! Generative AI makes its so easy to revert back to practices we know are not always the most effective without thoughfully and critically thinking through when things like narrated eLearning slides and what should and shouldn't be on screen in narrated videos are needed. https://lnkd.in/eHmXYDZB

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Let’s talk gamification in instructional design. No, I don’t mean slapping a badge on a something and calling it a day. Too often, LMS platforms promise gamification but deliver little more than points and leaderboards. True gamification is about motivation. It’s about crafting experiences that make learning feel rewarding, meaningful, and worth coming back to. ✅ Done right, gamification can: - Drive intrinsic motivation - Reinforce key behaviors and habits - Offer real-time feedback - Encourage progress, curiosity, and exploration 💡 Tips for better gamification: - Tie rewards to learning outcomes, not just completions - Use progress tracking to build a sense of momentum - Create scenarios or challenges that require decision-making - Give learners autonomy and meaningful choices - Test and iterate—engagement data is key 🛠️ Pro tools to explore: - Bunchball for dynamic engagement mechanics - Axonify for gamified reinforcement in the flow of work - Classcraft for story-driven learning experiences - Mambo.IO or Centrical for real-time behavioral gamification Gamification isn’t just about “making it fun.” It’s about making learning stick. Let’s stop pretending that badges alone are enough. Let’s build better learning. What’s a gamification approach or tool you’ve used that actually worked? #InstructionalDesign #LXD #LearningAndDevelopment #Gamification #LearningStrategy #Engagement #AdultLearning

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If you use Articulate Storyline or RISE, you should read this article on what is coming in 2025. Articulate has already made many changes including integrating AI into Storyline and RISE. It is so much easier to have a paragraph changed while in the app and not have to use an external AI. This post will give you more information.

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We've just embedded an interactive avatar in Articulate Storyline. Learners can speak directly to the avatar, and get real-time, intelligent responses. This opens up huge potential for immersive training: roleplays, coaching, language practice, and more, all inside Storyline. We explored how it works in this demo: https://lnkd.in/e8TGKbPW #Storyline360 #elearning #PharmaTraining #LxD #ImmersiveLearning

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I’ve drafted my big, beautiful BUILD for Instructional Designers: the BIGGEST and BEST! We’re mostly drafting death-by-PowerPoint, endless slide decks that kill engagement and leave behavior change in the dust We treat instructional design like policy paperwork, ticking boxes instead of sparking real action My big beautiful BUILD lays out five pillars to transform this for any program into a performance engine: ***Behavior-Based Objectives Define what learners will actually do on the job, not just what they’ll know ***User-Focused Analysis Partner with SMEs in rapid discovery sessions to surface real challenges and success metrics ***Iterate Fast Prototype a five-minute micro-module, test with a small group, gather feedback, and refine ***Learning Practice Embed realistic scenarios with immediate feedback and peer coaching circles for habit formation ***Data-Driven Refine Track simple metrics—quiz results, task completion, manager observations—and loop back to tweak content Which piece of my big beautiful BUILD are you most excited to try first? Share below #InstructionalDesign #PerformanceChange

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“𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗿𝘆, 𝗲𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.” In this clip, Tim Slade reflects on the overlap between accidental instructional designers and those who view eLearning as just content output. The result? Designs that don’t always serve the learner. Great reminder that tools alone don’t make great learning; thoughtful design does. 🎧 Watch the full episode via the link is in the comments. #InstructionalDesign #eLearning #LearningTheory #AdultLearning #LearningAndDevelopment

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The world of instructional design and eLearning is evolving at a breakneck pace. New trends. New tools. New terminology. For L&D, HR, and Operational leaders, staying ahead of the curve can feel like a full-time job. That’s why Litmos created a comprehensive Glossary of Instructional Design Terms — your go-to reference for the language shaping modern digital learning. Whether you’re a manager looking to better train your team, a seasoned L&D professional, or just beginning your instructional design journey, this guide delivers clear, simple definitions to help you confidently navigate the ever-changing learning landscape. Ready to sharpen your learning vocabulary? Explore the glossary and stay ahead of what’s next. https://lnkd.in/eCvJtKbm

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🚀 Meet Your New Teammate: First Impressions of Articulate’s AI Assistant After 14+ years of working with Articulate Storyline, I didn’t think anything could seriously speed up my workflow... until now. With the launch of #Articulate’s AI Assistant in Storyline and Rise, AI is no longer just a buzzword....It’s a real, practical tool for #eLearning designers like us. In my latest blog post, I share my first impressions and explain why having AI built inside the tools we already use is a total game-changer compared to general AI tools like #ChatGPT or #DALL·E. If you’re curious how AI can actually help you design or improve courses, without jumping between apps, this one’s for you. 👇 Check out the full post on Articulates Community website: https://lnkd.in/etwv_dwg or visit my Personal website: https://lnkd.in/ec3Zzcfp Have you explored Articulate’s AI Assistant yet? I’d love to hear how you’re using it—or if you're still figuring out where it fits in your workflow. Let’s discuss! #eLearning #InstructionalDesign #ArticulateStoryline #Rise360 #LND #Productivity #AI

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🤖 **"AI isn't replacing instructional designers—it's making us unstoppable."** As an L&D professional, I've seen the fear around AI disrupting our field. But here's what I've learned after integrating AI into my instructional design workflow: **🔹 Content Creation Acceleration** AI helps me generate learning scenarios, case studies, and assessment questions in minutes instead of hours. I provide the context and learning objectives—AI handles the heavy lifting. **🔹 Personalization at Scale** Creating multiple learning paths for different skill levels used to be time-intensive. Now AI helps me design adaptive content that meets learners where they are. **🔹 Data-Driven Design Decisions** AI analyzes learner engagement patterns and suggests content improvements I might have missed. It's like having a constant feedback loop. **🔹 Administrative Task Automation** Course scheduling, progress tracking, reminder emails—all automated. This frees up bandwidth for what truly matters: designing impactful learning experiences. **💡 The Real Win:** AI handles the repetitive tasks, allowing me to focus on creativity, strategy, and human connection—the irreplaceable elements of effective learning design. **⚖️ The Balance:** Technology enhances our expertise; it doesn't replace our understanding of adult learning principles, organizational needs, or the human element in development. **✅ Key Benefits I've Experienced:** • 40% faster course development • More personalized learning experiences • Better learner engagement metrics • Time for strategic initiatives 👉 **How are you leveraging AI in your L&D work? What's been your biggest win or concern?** #InstructionalDesign #AIinLearning #LearningAndDevelopment #EdTech #FutureOfLearning #DigitalTransformation

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🛑 Let’s Be Honest: Instructional Design Is Broken. Most L&D teams are stuck creating courses—endlessly checking boxes, updating content, and hoping something sticks. But too often, “instructional design” stops at delivery… instead of driving real-world change. The result? Courses that look great, but don’t change behavior. Training that’s measured by attendance, not by impact. Frustrated business partners who want results, not reports. It’s time for a new approach. The Kirkpatrick Performance Designer Certification is for learning pros ready to break the cycle and build training that actually moves the needle. This isn’t another theory-heavy program. You’ll learn to design for what matters: on-the-job behavior change and business results. Ready to move beyond content—and into true performance? 👉 Explore the Performance Designer Certification: https://lnkd.in/ehva7Q5A #InstructionalDesign #PerformanceDesign #Kirkpatrick #L&D #BehaviorChange #LearningImpact

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Why should you explore the best books for instructional designers before creating a new eLearning course? Because even the best IDs need a creative recharge. These books pack in the principles, models, and design smarts that make your courses clearer, sharper, and way more engaging. And if you’re wondering which ones deserve a spot on your shelf, here’s the full list: https://lnkd.in/gdiXy2ux #instructionaldesign #elearning #lnd #corporatetraining #blog

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With retaliation, discrimination and harassment claims at a record high in 2024, there’s never been a more critical time for ER professionals to sharpen their investigation skills. That’s why we’re offering Investigation Essentials: An interactive training led by workplace investigation experts VM Mastered and, created in partnership with HR Acuity. Over the course of three live, virtual workshops designed specifically for ER professionals, you’ll learn how to:  ✔️ Build and follow a structured investigation plan  ✔️ Conduct effective, impartial interviews  ✔️ Evaluate credibility and analyze evidence  ✔️ Draft reports that are clear and defensible 📅 December 2, 9 & 16 | 💲 $350 | 🎓 6 SHRM/HRCI credits | Offered exclusively through empowER — signing up is free and fast: https://lnkd.in/ezUQKUTZ

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📌 This Week’s HR & Compensation Roundup: From transforming compensation into a strategic business driver to leading AI-powered teams and preparing for Massachusetts’s new pay transparency law, stay informed on the trends shaping the workplace.

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