Using templates to create eLearning
By
Cath Ellis
As a learning experience designer, I’ve always believed that creativity isn’t just about inventing something entirely new—sometimes, it’s about re-engineering existing ideas to create something uniquely impactful. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting a vibrant discussion with some of the brightest minds in our field: Lin Wong, Amanda Nguyen, Emma Pawson, and Troy Ashman. Together, we explored the concept of “stealing like an artist” and how we can draw inspiration from the world around us to enhance our learning designs.
During our conversation, Troy shared a fascinating example of how he re-engineered a design concept he found on a hotel website. Inspired by a custom cursor effect, he dove into the world of code, figuring out how to replicate this polished feature in Articulate Storyline. His journey wasn’t just about copying a cool idea; it was about adapting it to fit the unique needs of an e-learning environment, making the final product feel more high-end and engaging.
What resonated with me most about Troy’s experience is the idea that creativity often stems from curiosity. By exploring how web designers use custom elements, Troy was able to introduce a fresh, polished look to his learning projects. This kind of cross-disciplinary inspiration is something I deeply value in my work. It reminds me that no idea is too outlandish to be considered—if it can enhance the learner’s experience, it’s worth exploring.
Amanda Nguyen brought a different perspective, emphasizing the importance of finding inspiration from a variety of sources. She showcased her process of gathering ideas from UI websites, Instagram, and design blogs, highlighting how even the smallest design elements, like the placement of a button or the animation of an icon, can spark new ideas for e-learning projects.
Amanda’s approach is a perfect example of how learning designers can blend instructional design with user experience (UX) principles. By meticulously dissecting design components and integrating them into her work, she creates learning experiences that are not only educational but also visually captivating. This is something I advocate strongly for—learning shouldn’t just be about transferring knowledge; it should also be about creating an experience that engages and inspires.
The discussion naturally led us to a broader conversation about the evolving roles within our industry. As Lin Wong pointed out, the lines between instructional design (ID) and UX design are increasingly blurred. In today’s digital learning environment, it’s no longer enough to focus solely on content; the experience itself is just as crucial.
This resonates with my own journey. When I started out, the focus was primarily on content development. But as I delved deeper into the world of learning design, I realized that creating an engaging learning experience requires more than just great content. It requires an understanding of how people interact with digital environments, how they navigate through information, and how design elements can facilitate or hinder their learning process.
This realization has led me to adopt a more holistic approach to learning design—one that considers both the instructional and experiential aspects. It’s about designing for the whole person, not just their cognitive needs but their emotional and aesthetic needs as well. This is where the principles of UX design become invaluable.
One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the idea that creativity in learning design is a continuous journey. As Troy wisely noted, “Don’t blame the tool.” It’s easy to get bogged down by the limitations of our tools, but true creativity comes from pushing those boundaries and finding new ways to use the resources we have.
For me, this means constantly exploring new tools, techniques, and ideas. Whether it’s experimenting with new design software, like Procreate, or delving into the world of 3D modeling, I’m always looking for ways to expand my creative toolkit. This willingness to experiment and learn is what keeps my work fresh and innovative.
As a thought leader in the learning design space, my goal is to inspire others to think differently about how we create learning experiences. It’s not just about following trends or using the latest technology—it’s about understanding how to craft experiences that resonate with learners on a deeper level.
The insights shared by Lin, Amanda, Emma, and Troy have reinforced my belief that great learning design comes from a place of curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to re-engineer the world around us. By blending the principles of instructional design with the best practices of UX design, we can create learning experiences that are not only effective but also memorable and engaging.
I encourage you, as fellow learning designers, to embrace this mindset. Look beyond the traditional boundaries of our field, draw inspiration from unexpected places, and don’t be afraid to “steal like an artist.” After all, it’s through this process of re-engineering that we can create something truly innovative.
