Durable skills training for artists and technicians
The Challenge
Recording studio interns are often musicians, sometimes technicians, and occasionally both. Their skills and knowledge are important to the smooth operation of recording sessions, and the studio owner sought to improve the client’s experience with the goal of better client retention and reviews.
The Solution
An in-depth discussion with the owner resulted in the conclusion that the studio interns needed a period of instruction that would help them contribute more fully to the smooth operation of the studio sessions.
My proposed solution was a hybrid course that provided guidance and instruction in durable skills development and basic electronic maintenance skills.
Task&Skills Mapping
Starting with a measurable business goal, I mapped the tasks and skills the interns needed, from which the desired learning outcomes were derived. My focus was upon skills interns need to develop and responses they need to model. This is a process that requires I maintain the principle of simplification, aiming for the essence of the problem with a precise, uncomplicated approach. The results of this process are presented below.
Text Storyboard
Based on the tasks and skills, I then wrote a storyboard that includes the main features of my idea. This is where I mapped a macro-view of the course structure, which is two learning tracks. The programming and visual features of the slides as well as the questions the learner is required to answer were developed here. Changes in the responses of the learners is the goal, so positive reinforcement and consequences of incorrect choices are at the center of the learning design.
Visual Mockup
Most of the images used are photos I took in the studio. I chose the animated characters to create a strong, attention-grabbing contrast with the background photos. Next, I focused on creating a flow for the learners that is easy to follow and realistic enough to keep them engaged with a relevant scenario.
The animated portions allow learners to experience the effect that arises from their performance, in the form of opinions the clients communicate to their friends and colleagues.
Interactive Prototype
I created the visual mockup and the interactive prototype in Articulate Storyline. The prototype was used to get feedback on content and programming. Based on user comments during this phase, I created a work aid using Canva that is included as a PDF at the end of the Client Relations learning track.
Finished Product
I wrote and recorded the music for the audio-check slides, created the animations and voiced their characters. Each of the scenario-based questions has three answer choices. The correct and incorrect answers lead to a corresponding explanation slide which leads to an animated scene showing the consequences of the chosen answer. Guidance is provided in the form of an avatar named “Marilyn”. When clicked, the avatar reveals text-based guidance to help the learner make the correct answer choice.
Experience this course
Final thoughts about this course
This course was designed to allow for full involvement in Experiential Learning Theory based evolution, from online to in-person guidance. The result was a 20% increase in favorable client feedback.