Project Details
Interactive Audio Podcast
Client
Independent Instructional Design Project
Service
Self-Paced Learning
Experience Design
Role
Instructional Designer, Learning Experience Designer, Visual Designer
Date
11 July 2023
Tools Used
Articulate Storyline, Canva, Animaker Studio, Google Suite, WellSaidLabs
Project Summary
This self-paced microlearning experience takes the shape of an interactive audio podcast designed to help creative professionals overcome the fear of sharing their work. It blends narration, guided reflections, and visual storytelling into an immersive learning journey. Through authentic narratives and practical takeaways, learners are equipped to showcase their work more fearlessly and purposefully.
Instructional Rationale
I followed Gagné’s Nine Events of Instruction as the backbone of the learning experience. By using the interactive audio podcast format, the lesson created a sense of intimacy and reflection, allowing learners to hear real voices and stories from designers who had conquered similar fears.
Gain Attention: Scenario-based introduction featuring “Maya,” a relatable young designer.
Stimulate Recall & Present Content: Real designer podcast snippets and animated scenes.
Guide Learning: Interactive exercises, guided prompts, and platform walkthroughs.
Elicit Performance & Provide Feedback: Reflection checkpoints and actionable next steps.
This structure ensured emotional engagement while promoting meaningful learning and behavioral change.
My Role & Responsibilities
Learning Experience Design: Defined learning objectives and sequenced content flow using backward design.
Media & Visual Production: Designed branded visuals and mock-ups with Canva to set tone and emotional resonance.
Instructional Animation: Produced storytelling animation via Animaker Studio for immersive learning.
Interactive Development: Developed the full module in Articulate Storyline, integrating user pathways, learner decision points, and audio narration.
User Testing: Conducted usability testing with aspiring and junior designers, gathered feedback, and iterated based on real user insights.
Results & Impact
100% of testers reported increased confidence in sharing their work publicly
Sparked community discussions on LinkedIn and design forums around vulnerability and self-worth
Cited by learners as a “motivating and emotional first step” toward building their public design portfolios
Received recognition within design peer groups for its emotional intelligence and learner-centered design
Takeaways
This project affirmed the importance of:
Designing with empathy and personal storytelling in mind
Leveraging scenario-based learning to build emotional connections
Validating learning through peer voices, not just assessments
It stands as a powerful example of how instructional design for creative professionals can not only inform but transform — especially when learners are navigating fear, vulnerability, and identity in their creative journey.