Quality Assurance: Product Intake
A scenario-based eLearning experience designed to help merchandise associates
implement effective QA measures when onboarding new inventory.
Audience: Warehouse associates
Responsibilities: Instructional Design, eLearning Development, Visual Design
Tools Used: Articulate Storyline, Adobe XD, Mindmeister, Canva
Overview
This scenario based eLearning experience helps warehouse associates effectively apply quality checks on incoming and outgoing tile orders. Associates are failing to complete consistent quality checks, which is having an overall impact on customer satisfaction and retention.
After analysis of the company’s quality assurance policy and meeting with a member of the management team, I determined that the source of the performance issue was a lack of skill and knowledge. For this reason, I proposed a scenario-based eLearning training.
Associates are stretched for time, however following these simple and effective guidelines would ensure thorough quality checks would be implemented regularly.
Process
Once the problem was identified, I met with the Subject Matter Expert to define the goal and identify the specific steps that needed to be completed to ensure a thorough quality check. I created an action map, wrote a text-based storyboard, designed visual mockups, developed an interactive prototype, and, finally, developed the final product.
Action Map
I met with a Subject Matter Expert to define the goal and develop an action map. We identified exact actions that the associates would need to take to successfully complete a thorough quality check. The action map revealed the most high priority actions and thus became the foundation of the eLearning experience and helped guide the development of the text-based storyboard.
Text-based Storyboard
Once the action map was completed, I moved onto creating the text-based storyboard. The high priority actions served as the correct answer choices, while the common mistakes served as distractors. If the learner chooses the correct action, they will see the positive consequence and progress in the scenario. If a wrong action is selected, the learner will see the real-life consequence. A “try again” button will be shown and will lead the learner back to the question. A mentor is included in the scenario and the learner can seek help at any point before selecting their answer choice. The focus was on creating a story that the associates could relate to on a daily basis.
Visual Mockups
Moving on to the visual design phase, I created visual mockups using Adobe XD. I created a color theme and selected a font type and weight for the headings and body text. I created layouts for the opening scene, prompts, questions, and mentor slides. After developing several iterations, the project was ready to move on.
Visual Storyboard
Next, I developed a storyboard that showed how all the pieces would work as a whole. I pulled the text from my storyboard, added notes and images from my visual mockup in Adobe XD.
Interactive Prototype
To create the interactive prototype, I used Articulate Storyline 360. Creating this helped me iterate the functionality throughout the project. After multiple iterations and improvement to the layout, animations, and interactions - the project was ready to move into full development in Articulate 360.
Full Development
To see the final development of this project was a very rewarding experience. Working with the features of Articulate Storyline, I was able to manipulate slides which helped make the learning experience smooth and engaging. Learning how to work with variables and adding conditions to triggers helped impact the user experience. In addition, using Canva, I created a custom certificate for the company. Once the learner completes the course, it leads them to a page where they type their name and click a submit button. I used JavaScript to execute the PDF certificate download that displays their name and the date of completion. I also used Canva to create and design a job aid. At the completion of the course, the learner has the option to click on a button to download a PDF copy of the Quality Assurance Checklist.
Takeaways
This project helped deepen my knowledge and skills in many ways. Below are my key takeaways:
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This project helped deepen my knowledge of the instructional design process. Working with a SME and creating an Action Map helped identify performance needs and narrow down actionable steps for the learner.
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Creating my prototype in Adobe XD was beneficial because it allowed me to see the multiple iterations of the slides and allowed me to work at a more efficient pace.
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Developing the project in Articulate Storyline allowed me to further my learning and understanding of the many tools and functions that added value to the learning experience.
Overall, I was completely immersed in the design process from beginning to end. I learned a lot about the instructional design and eLearning process. I developed skills I didn’t have before this project and am looking forward to continuing to grow as an instructional designer.