Design Before Development (cont.)

Ask Questions and Listen to the Answers

A great design plan starts with listening to the subject matter experts, knowing the learners, asking questions and presenting new ideas. A collaborative effort can achieve more than just great ideas. Asking questions early and often can build rapport with all members of the project team and the learners. Everyone wants to be heard - even if their ideas may not be part of the final outcome, having been a part of the process goes a long way to overcoming any adoption issues later.

Align Design with Achievements

When great design aligns with what the training program needs to achieve, it helps to ensure that outcomes and expectations are met. No matter what you are designing, whether a bridge over a river or a training plan to bridge a learning gap - the one thing it must achieve is the end result you desire.

And that brings us full circle: how can you achieve what you desire without having a good design plan in place, one in which:

• Everyone is on the same page
• The expectations are clear
• The purpose and goals are clearly mapped
• The learners don't learn, but apply what they have learned

Let's now go back to the weekend "get away". If you could have that Saturday morning as a 'do-over' - would you avoid disappointment and take a bit of time to determine your route before jumping in the car? No one wants to waste a weekend. The same philosophy should apply to our work - avoid wasting valuable time and money by encouraging our clients to start with a solid design plan - design before development.

For more information on this topic, please contact info@trainingfolks.com.