Problem

We recognized the pressing need to streamline our onboarding process for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to ensure a smoother and more efficient collaboration with our Instructional Design Team. The existing approach, relying heavily on emails and meetings, led to inefficiencies, miscommunications, and delays in project timelines. To address these challenges, we embarked on a journey to develop an innovative solution that would transform the way our teams worked together.

Solution

After careful analysis and brainstorming, we conceptualized and brought to life a comprehensive website designed to be a centralized hub for all resources and training materials relevant to our SMEs. This platform aimed not only to provide a repository for important information but also to foster independence for SMEs as they collaborated with Instructional Designers. Our vision was to create an intuitive, user-friendly interface that would empower SMEs to access the tools and knowledge they needed at their convenience.

The development process involved several stages. First, we conducted in-depth interviews with both SMEs and Instructional Designers to understand their pain points, requirements, and expectations. This invaluable feedback guided us in defining the website's architecture and features. Next, we collaborated with designers to craft a visually appealing and functional interface. The design prioritized clear navigation, searchable content, and interactive elements that would enhance the user experience.

The impact of our solution was significant. SMEs gained easy access to a wealth of information, significantly reducing the back-and-forth communication with Instructional Designers. They could now confidently tackle tasks independently, contributing to accelerated project timelines. Instructional Designers, in turn, could focus more on strategic planning and content creation, rather than repetitive information dissemination.

Our journey to address the challenges in onboarding SMEs resulted in the creation of a comprehensive website that transformed the way our Instructional Design Team collaborated with Subject Matter Experts. Through careful analysis, user-centric design, and a commitment to ongoing improvement, we successfully bridged the gap between expertise and execution, ultimately enhancing the efficiency, productivity, and overall quality of our projects.

Team

Karen Burkhart - Project Manager, Director of Instructional Design
Jenn Grossner - Sr. Instructional Designer
Dianna Kistler- Sr. Instructional Designer

SME Training Resource Site Boosts Efficiency in Instructional Design Process