The Design phase translates the analysis into concrete plans for building the Feedback That Fuels course. This stage organizes learning objectives, activities, and assessments into a cohesive learner journey. Using storyboards, wireframes, and visual mockups, the design work ensures that every element of the course is intentional, engaging, and aligned with Firefly’s goals. 

Table of Contents

Research

The content for this course is informed by research and draws on the foundational framework outlined in the following source: 

Center for Creative Leadership. (2019). The SBI Feedback Method. In Feedback that Works: How to Build and Deliver Your Message. 

Chapters Informing Course Design

The following chapters directly influenced the design of Feedback That Fuels:

1. The SBI Feedback Method

   • Provides information about the components of the SBI framework and demonstrates how to apply it in conversations. 

   • Informed the content of Module 2 assets. 

2. What is Effective Feedback?

   • Provides the foundation for understanding why feedback is essential in building trust and driving performance.

   • Informed the design of Module 1 (orientation) and Module 2 (analyzing SBI).
     
     

3. How to Further Develop Your SBI Skills?

   • Offers strategies for deepening application of the SBI method in real-world contexts.

   • Informed the design of Module 3 (applying SBI) and Module 4 (integration and reflection).

Course Map

The course map outlines the structure of Feedback That Fuels, aligning learning objectives, activities, instructional materials, and assessments to ensure a cohesive, learner-centered experience. Learners begin with an orientation and reflection, then move into identifying the components of the SBI framework before practicing how to apply SBI in real-world conversations. The course concludes with a summative quiz that validates mastery and awards the badge.

This design reflects best practices in instructional design and assessment alignment. As a Quality Matters–certified instructional designer, I ensured that each module follows QM principles for clarity, alignment, and learner engagement. Activities such as simulations, knowledge checks, and reflections were strategically chosen to support both novice and experienced managers while keeping the course concise, practical, and workplace-relevant.

I intentionally chose an online microcredential course over blended or in-person training for both organizational and learner-centered reasons. At the project’s outset, key details such as budget, audience size, and learner demographics were still unclear. An online delivery format provided the most cost-effective, scalable solution—avoiding the expense of in-person workshops while remaining accessible regardless of how many managers ultimately required training. The online approach also gave managers flexibility to engage with the material on their own schedules, a critical factor given the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of work at Firefly Aerospace.

Framing the course as a microcredential added further value. It positioned the training not just as a one-time workshop but as a stackable, career-building credential that can become part of a larger development program for new and emerging managers. This approach supports Firefly’s culture of continuous learning by offering a sustainable, repeatable model for internal training that grows with the organization and its people.

Storyboards

Storyboards illustrate the flow and content of video scripts, simulations, and interactive activities. They combine what the learner sees and hears with notes about instructional purpose. This allows stakeholders to preview how concepts like the SBI framework will be introduced, demonstrated, and practiced before development begins in tools like Synthesia, Canva, and Storyline 360. 

Video Creations

All video assets were developed with accessibility in mind, including closed captions and a downloadable transcript file within the LMS. The videos were created in Synthesia and compiled in Canva. Using Synthesia allowed me to generate realistic narration and create fictionalized employee testimonials in the absence of actual video footage from Firefly Aerospace staff. Canva supported rapid prototyping and streamlined visual assembly of the segments. While my traditional preference for video editing is Wondershare Filmora, this project prioritized efficiency and tool alignment with the prototyping workflow. 

You can view the videos & their corresponding transcripts from the Development subpage. 

• Module 1 Overview Video Storyboard

• Module 2 Overview Video Storyboard

• Module 2 Vanessa's Firefly experience

• Module 3 Overview Video Storyboard

• Module 3 Michael's Firefly Experience

• Module 4 Summary Video Storyboard

Storyline 360 Simulation

When designing the Feedback That Fuels simulation in Storyline 360, I made several intentional decisions to ensure the activity aligned with both learning objective three and Firefly’s workplace context. The primary goal was to give learners a safe environment to practice applying the SBI framework in realistic conversations.

Key insights and rationales included:

• Scenario authenticity: I designed the character “Rachel” as a C-Class employee who occasionally deflects responsibility. This reflects real managerial challenges at Firefly, where employees work under pressure and may respond defensively. Including these reactions ensures the simulation feels credible and prepares learners for authentic interactions.

• Three-step branching structure: Each decision point corresponds to one element of the SBI framework—Situation, Behavior, and Impact. This sequential design reinforces the step-by-step nature of the model and prevents learners from skipping ahead without practicing each component.

• Branching logic with consequences: Correct and ineffective responses both lead to visible consequences through Rachel’s reactions. This immediate feedback helps learners understand why certain phrasing works and why others can damage trust or clarity.

• Concise but practical design: I kept the branching to three main decisions to balance depth with rapid prototyping. This ensures learners experience meaningful practice while keeping the simulation short enough to fit within a microcredential module.

• Accessibility integration: Closed captions, text-to-speech, and transcript resources were included from the outset. This was both a compliance decision and a design philosophy, ensuring all Firefly managers could engage equitably with the training.

• Alignment with course objectives: Every decision point maps directly back to the stated objective—Apply the SBI framework during constructive dialogue. This alignment keeps the simulation focused, practical, and tied to assessment outcomes.

Overall, the simulation was designed as a rapid-prototype deliverable that provides a highly applied learning experience. It bridges the gap between learning about the SBI framework and practicing it in a realistic workplace context, ensuring new and emerging Firefly managers gain confidence before applying these skills on the job.

You can view the Storyline 360 deliverable posted on the Development subpage. 

Wireframes of LMS

Because this artifact was developed on a rapid timeline, I skipped the wireframing phase and moved directly into building a prototype within the LMS. Under normal circumstances, I create both low-fidelity and high-fidelity wireframes in Figma, using an LMS UI kit to streamline the process. I typically apply wireframing when stakeholders unfamiliar with our LMS are involved, as it helps communicate course structure and navigation clearly. However, when working only with the internal L&D team, wireframing may not be necessary—its inclusion depends on the project scope and stakeholder involvement. 

Assessments

Assessment in Feedback That Fuels was designed to reinforce learning and validate mastery of the SBI framework in practical, workplace-relevant ways. Each assessment item bank is aligned to course objectives and emphasizes application rather than rote recall. Learners demonstrate their ability to identify and apply the components of the SBI framework through knowledge checks, scenario-based decision points, matching activities, and reflection prompts. These assessments provide both formative feedback to guide learning and summative validation through the final quiz, which unlocks the course badge. 

• Knowledge Check Module 2 (Formative Assessment)

• Knowledge Check Module 3 (Formative Assessment)

• Final Exam (Summative Assessment)