Remember the User

This article from Tom Kuhlmann relating reality TV to developing elearning is pretty solid. What I liked most, though, was his recommendation to “Design for Others.”

Most of the people who make it to the television competitions already have some sort of creative talent.  Otherwise they wouldn’t be on the show.  The challenge for them is to focus on how others can benefit from their skills and less on how they’re a gift to humanity.

• Your success hinges on the success of others.  Focus on the customer’s needs and deliver a course that helps them succeed.
• When it comes to elearning, the more learner-centric your course is the more likely it is that you’ll succeed.

These are great points. If you’re lucky enough to have a great designer on your team, make sure they’re not just designing to show off or because they can. Make sure the design has a purpose and helps the user accomplish something.