Take Charge!

Can you help nurses identify their mistakes?

Image of the title screen of the featured project being used on a cellphone.

Audience: Charge Nurses

Responsibilities: Instructional design, action mapping, storyboarding, visual design, prototyping, authoring, eLearning development

Tools Used: Articulate Storyline 360, Vyond, Figma, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, InDesight, Google Suite, FreePik

This concept project is a scenario-based eLearning that helps charge nurses provide actionable feedback to new nurses in a clinic setting.

Experience the Full Project

The Problem

MidAmerica Medical Center (MMC), a fictitious medical system, has clinics across Ohio. Based on survey data, orientation materials and current training are not enough to prevent the majority of new nurses from feeling unprepared to perform the quintessential functions of their job. A combination of data, collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs), and independent research led me to identify the main cause of low preparedness as low-quality, unactionable feedback from charge nurses during training and observation.

The Solution

The presence of skill gaps suggests a learning solution would be appropriate. An ILT (instructor-led training) and non-learning, materials-based solutions were considered. However, the number of employees and their disbursement across multiple clinic locations make an eLearning solution most applicable. As the main gaps in skill are related to interactions between employees a scenario based eLearning was the best solution. 

The Process

To develop the most effective learning solution for MMC, I used the ADDIE model to build out the project. My process starts with a needs assessment and action mapping. Next, I design the storyboard and visuals. Then, the designs are improved, developed, implemented, and evaluated.

Action Map

Through research, I identified actions consistent throughout several performance feedback models. I identified the high-priority action steps that would be the most efficient and effective for creating an actionable solution. I decided that for a single test portion of a large build, we would have charge nurses identify a mistake, describe the observed action, and communicate it without judgment. The process of narrowing focus through action mapping ensures that all of the actions connect to the overall goal.

An image of an action map with a main goal and three actions identified in pink..

Text-based Storyboard

Image of a text-based storyboard for one slide of the featured project.

With information provided by the SMEs (a nurse and charge nurse at a clinic near me), I was able to develop a realistic text-based storyboard. I included scripting for characters, visual design information, and programming notes. I continuously refined the components of the storyboard throughout the remaining phases of development. The storyboard provided a good foundation for a cohesive, interactive, and engaging learning experience.

A collage of fonts, medical websites, logos, and offices.

Visual Mockups

Image of the style guide for the featured project including color scheme, text styles, text colors, and button styles.

Using the information from the storyboard, I created visual design mockups of the scenarios. I started with a mood board looking at typical imagery, color patterns, and fonts used in medical learning experiences. Based on what I learned, I created a style guide that was visually pleasing, accessible, and functional. Then I developed wireframes that, over time, became more complex and fleshed out visual mockups. In the design phase, I am building a base for the scenes before they are fully developed, making it efficient for me and consistent for the learner.

Image of a number of wire frames with grey asset outlines on a white background.
Image of a mockup of the work email platform in the featured project.
Image of a red haired woman talking to a black man with a speech bubble above her head.

Interactive Prototype

Image of the email screen interactivity being built in Articulate Storyline.
Image of a question slide interactivity being build in Articulate storyline.

The development phase is where the magic happens. I changed my mockups from images, videos, and text into an immersive experience that lends itself to practical application and positive learning outcomes. From the start of development, I consider accessibility, adult learning methodologies, and how the interactivity might affect success. My interactive prototype underwent several versions before being turned into a fully developed project.

Full Development

Computer monitor with the clinic logo and a login screen.
Image of a black man talking to an elderly patient with a speech bubble above his head introducing himself.
Image of the fully developed question slide.

I received valuable feedback from the SMEs, other instructional designers, and people who knew nothing about the project. Each group provided different insights into the user interface, clarity of the story, and components that were not working appropriately. Most importantly, I received feedback on adapting the story to allow the learner to experience consequences and situations rather than reading about them. From the feedback, I made changes and developed the entire scenario-based eLearning. Next, I gave the full project to the SMEs to test run and evaluate. From that point, the ADDIE model starts over with analyzing the evaluation, adjusting the design, developing, and implementing. At this point, I began to consider the next steps if the eLearning was successful and needed to be expanded to meet the company’s goals.

Experience the Full Project