I was approached by the communications manager of SML-RFID in Plano, Texas, about developing a training to equip sales personnel, software developers, and other key stakeholders with the knowledge of how supply chain works, the challenges it presents, and how SML can provide solutions to these challenges.

The communications manager had already begun the ADDIE process by conducting an informal survey in order to determine the knowledge gaps that the training would need to address. He determined that a systematic training program would be necessary to provide the information that key stakeholders will need to be able to speak intelligently about the company’s solutions, processes, and use-cases. The analysis process showed that a series of trainings would be necessary to bridge the knowledge gaps, and supervisors agreed to start with one training, in order to gauge the effectiveness.

As we began the design phase for this project that is still in development, we determined that I would serve as the senior instructional designer, and there would be three main SMEs (Subject Matter Experts), including the communications manager, from the company that I would be working with. We used Miro Whiteboard to develop a timeline for completing each phase of the process, as well as the role of each member of the team.

We continued to use the same whiteboard for each member to post information and visuals. I used this information to develop a storyboard for the project that I would be developing in Articulate Storyline.

The SMEs and I determined that some users would require more background information than others, so I presented the idea of a mentor character. The user can click on the mentor’s picture on each slide, and will be taken to a layer that will include detailed information about the subject matter. I named the character Otto, and the information that will be included on the mentor layer is included on the storyboard. The SMEs have been very pleased with the slide mockups I have provided them.

I have also provided examples of the interactivity that I will be including in the training, such as tab interactions, and diagrams with clickable hotspots. This project is still in the design phase, as SMEs are working with personnel from different branches around the world to obtain information and visuals that will be included in the project. The SMEs are working to obtain videos of equipment in operation, as well as interviews with key personnel that will be imbedded into the course to raise the level of user engagement. Though I am not able to publicly share details from the project due to the company’s proprietary information that is included, it has been very exciting to be a part of this process. I will continue the design phase as I am provided additional information from SMEs, and then will move quickly into the development phase. The SMEs and I are discussing the implementation phase, and are looking into an LMS that will fit the needs of all stakeholders. Once the project is implemented, supervisors and SMEs will evaluate its effectiveness, and determine whether or not to continue with subsequent trainings.