Custom eLearning, as opposed to generic, "off the shelf" type of eLearning, is developed for a particular client to meet their specific needs. Custom eLearning development is one of Obsidian’s specialties, and we’ve been doing it for quite some time.
In fact, since 1998, we have developed hundreds of interactive eLearning programs for Fortune 500 firms and other organizations. Our proven methods, grounded in cognitive research and adult learning theory, reduce time to competency for staff by delivering the right learning, in the right way, at the right time. So, how do we do all that?
One important factor is our standard project lifecycle. We say "standard" because no custom project is exactly like another. Clients have different workflows, preferences and needs, so flexibility is key. However, every project typically includes at least the following activities:
- Kickoff
- Course design, review, and approval
- Storyboard development, review, and approval
- Course production and testing
- Review and approval of final build
- Deployment
But nearly everybody follows some kind of process to get their projects done, right? At Obsidian, we understand that the real secret to successful completion of an eLearning project is more than a process or a set of prescriptive rules. It’s the personal journey we take with our clients.
When we work with a client, we partner with them to jointly identify performance issues and design innovative, meaningful solutions to address those issues. There are usually more iterations in the design phase than in the development phase, because we believe that the upfront work makes a huge difference. We think about the project design phase as part of a communication project, so we spend a good amount of time identifying the audience, main messages, goals, preferences, etc. Here are a few tips that capture the essence of our custom eLearning development philosophy:
1. Engage The Client
At Obsidian we always strive for a warm, collaborative working relationship. We build partnerships with SMEs and stakeholders, ensuring that all actors know they are part of the team. We value SME input, and accept as a universal truth that the relationship established with a SME can make or break a project. Stakeholders are equally important to project success. Try to analyze project needs from the stakeholder perspective: What pressures are they under? How can you help them be successful?
2. Know The Client
Really get to know your client. What is their industry? How does your client contribute to that industry? Who needs to be trained, and why? What are the performance gaps? Is it really a training problem, or is it something else? How can we measure success? Both through informal conversation and formal analysis, we build a picture that provides us with a clear understanding of our clients and their needs.
3. Keep Your Promises
Set clear goals and expectations from the beginning. Make a schedule clearly outlining deliverables, reviews, and final sign-offs. Establish a solid working relationship in which both you and your clients agree on what you’ll do and when you’ll do it. More importantly, be open, communicate, and keep your word. Account for changes, roadblocks, and obstacles because they will always be part of any project. Be firm, but flexible, when setting deadlines.
4. Have Fun!
We find the greatest joy in our work when we are fully engaged in the creative process. We work together in an old house in Houston, where we share ideas, design and build great interactions, and just have fun. Often, lucky clients get invited over for meetings, cookies, and puzzles. You may not be in Houston, or even like cookies, but you can certainly do your part to make it fun for your team.