• Audience: New and experienced nurses and nursing assistants
• Responsibilities: Instructional Design, Needs Analysis, Action Mapping, Storyboarding, Visual Design, Script Writing, Voice-over, Visual Design, and eLearning Development
• Tools Used: Articulate Storyline 360, MindMeister, Vyond, Canva Pro, and Figma

Though this is a concept project for a fictional skilled nursing facility called ABC Grove Skilled Nursing Facility, it addresses a real problem I discovered during my 10-year position as a certified occupational therapy practitioner. The issue at hand is the lack of awareness among both new and experienced nurses and assistants regarding potential fall hazards, resulting in resident falls. These incidents not only lead to liability lawsuits, decreased residency rates, and high hospital bills for the facility, but can also result in resident fatalities, poor quality ratings, fines, and ultimately, facility closure.

I explored a few solutions for this issue, including checklists in the form of job aids, infographics, and PowerPoint presentations. However, none of these options seemed as effective or engaging as a "day in the life" experience. Following the ADDIE model, I analyzed the problem to craft an optimal, real-world, scenario-based eLearning experience—a fall prevention protocol. This immersive journey enables users to navigate through typical workday scenarios, make decisions, and witness the consequences, thereby challenging their attentiveness and decision-making skills.

Creating this project involved multiple stages with continuous analysis and research. By utilizing action mapping and identifying the learners' needs, I defined the goal, established a solution, and developed high-priority actions to tackle the problem. This process involved collaborating with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), utilizing my personal knowledge, creating an action map, drafting a text-based storyboard, designing visual mockups, developing an interactive prototype, and ultimately, creating the final product.

Action Mapping

Since this was a concept project, I assumed the role of Subject Matter Expert (SME). However, in a real-world project, I would convene with all SMEs to create an action map that identifies the high-priority actions aimed at preventing and resolving the most significant problems for stakeholders and/or employees. Together, we would establish a business goal.

Text-based Storyboard

I aimed for authenticity in this experience, crafting a text-based storyboard as the project's roadmap. Reflecting a typical workday for nursing staff, the storyboard includes a snippet for user engagement and developer notes. Users would select an avatar to represent themselves. Since, nursing often collaborates with other disciplines, such as occupational therapists. Janet, the occupational therapist, serves as the mentor character, offering a fall prevention protocol. This protocol provides instructions to identify potential hazards. Users navigate morning, mid-day, and evening routines, making decisions that can prevent falls or deal with the consequences of resident falls.

Samples from Storyboard

Visual Mockups

I gathered and organized colors, fonts, graphic elements, and mood-based insights from a skilled nursing facility where I was previously employed. These elements aided me in devising a theme, flow, and pattern for an optimal user experience.

Interactive Prototype

It was time to begin crafting an interactive prototype for testing before proceeding with the full project. Utilizing Vyond for images, voice-overs, and videos, I then imported the designs into Articulate Storyline 360. As I programmed the initial interaction, my focus was on ensuring users could connect with common challenges and explore solutions. The prototype featured animations, transitions, triggers, states, buttons, variables, and audio effects. With this crucial step finished, it was time to commence development of the final product.

Full Development

After incorporating feedback from test users, I transitioned to full development. Utilizing advanced features of Storyline, I crafted intricate actions, interactions, and story pathways.

Key highlights of the project include:

• Three distinct avatar characters for user selection, enhancing personalization.
• Implementation of a name entry box at the onset, ensuring user engagement throughout.
• Integration of Variable Triggers, including toggles, slide layers, and if/else conditions.
• Download feature enabling users to access and print the fall prevention protocol for continued training and reference.
• Inclusion of a flashing red arrow icon, emphasizing collaboration and mentor tips icon.
• Creation of a challenging drag-and-drop experience to stimulate critical thinking and engagement.

Results and Takeaways

Although this concept project was not implemented, I received numerous positive comments from users who experienced the final version, suggesting that the animations were effective and entertaining without being overbearing.