Audience: Employees with limited leadership experience seeking to improve their leadership skills or take on leadership roles.

Responsibilities: Instructional Design, Design Document, Storyboard (Includes script and storyboard for embedded video), Video Editing

Tools used: Articulate Storyline, Camtasia, Canva, Text to Speech (Amazon Web Services)

Project Features: Embedded video, Layers,States, Branching Scenarios, Closed captioning, Simulations, Variables,Accordion Tabs, Sliders, Charts

The Problem

At InnovateTech, a leading software development company, a thourough company-wide survey revealed significant diversity and inclusion challenges affecting the workforce. The survey, completed by 85% of stakeholders and employees, highlighted four critical issues: minority employees felt unable to confidently express opinions or communicate concerns; a general consensus that the company was not sufficiently inclusive; employees with disabilities reported that their needs were not fully being met; and a widespread feeling of limited career growth opportunities across the company.

The Solution

The Understanding Diversity and Inclusion Training directly addresses these issues by creating an inclusive environment in which all employees can freely express their identities and concerns. The training uses the Backwards Design model to ensure that the end goals of understanding, acceptance, and practical application of diversity principles are integrated throughout the course. Modules on defining diversity and inclusion, exploring its dimensions, and understanding its benefits assist employees in recognizing the value of a diverse workforce. Employees are given practical tools to help create an inclusive workplace, as well as strategies that address unconscious bias. This thorough approach provides InnovateTech's employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to establish an equitable workplace environment that promotes both personal and organizational growth. 

My Process

For the "Understanding Diversity and Inclusion Training," I followed a thorough instructional design process based on the Backwards Design model. This approach ensured that every part of the course was carefully planned to achieve the desired goals of fostering an inclusive environment and empowering all employees to respect and value diversity.

Design and Media

The training used a visually appealing and inclusive color palette of white, blue, green, and coral to reflect the theme of diversity and harmony. Using advanced Articulate Rise features, interactive elements like accordion tabs, sliders, and branching scenarios were added. These features kept learners more interested and gave them flexible ways to move through the content. Graphics, animations, and voice-over narrations enhanced the learning experience, while royalty-free images ensured adherence to copyright laws.

Subject Matter Expertise

I collaborated with a Subject Matter Expert (SME) from my local school board's Department of Diversity, Equity,  and Inclusion to ensure the content was accurate and culturally appropriate. Additionally, I contributed my expertise, supported by peer-reviewed studies and articles, to strengthen the training's foundation in current research and best practices in diversity and inclusion.

Accessibility and Compliance

Special attention was paid to accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All video content included closed captions, and the design emphasized color contrast and text size to accommodate various learning needs. Voiceovers and alternative text were used extensively to ensure that all learners, regardless of ability, could fully engage with the course material.

Technology and Interactivity

The training was technically sound, using layers, states, variables, and other interactive elements to create a rich, multi-layered learning environment. Real-life scenarios played a significant role, with scenario-based assessments strategically placed to challenge learners to apply their knowledge in realistic, thought-provoking situations.

Assessment Strategy

The course included a number of scenario-based assessments designed to present students with realistic challenges that reflected real-world diversity issues. These assessments were essential in assisting learners to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, reinforcing the training's objectives and real-world significance.

Audio Visual Elements

A significant portion of the training involved video editing and the use of AI voiceovers, which were designed to be engaging and cater to a variety of learning styles. This multimedia approach helped to illustrate key points and ensure that learners could absorb information in a variety of formats.

Results and Takaways

While the Understanding Diversity and Inclusion Training is a conceptual project that has not yet been implemented in a real-world setting, it is intended to significantly improve corporate understanding and application of diversity principles. If implemented, I anticipate this training will be well-received due to its engaging content and interactive design.  The use of scenario-based assessments is expected to provide practical insights and help learners in applying their knowledge in real-world situations, effectively transforming theoretical understanding into actionable behavior.

Creating this training was a rewarding experience that demonstrated the importance of presenting sensitive information with care and respect. Diversity and inclusion requires a delicate balance of educating and engaging while not oversimplifying or trivializing the complex issues at hand. This project emphasized the importance of conducting thorough research and collaborating with subject matter experts to ensure authenticity and accuracy.

I also really enjoyed the creative aspect of designing this training, especially developing the style elements. Using Canva, I created a visually appealing color palette that not only reflected the theme of inclusivity, but also improved the overall aesthetic appeal of the training modules. This visual strategy not only supported the content but also played an important role in keeping learners engaged throughout the course.

Overall, the project was an excellent opportunity to apply instructional design principles to create a meaningful and impactful learning experience that addresses critical workplace needs. It has also prepared me for future projects that require a sensitive and informed approach to complex social issues.