CommQuest: Mastering Workplace Communication.

This project features a fully immersive, scenario-based learning experience designed to teach employees key communication skills like giving constructive feedback, mediating conflict, and collaborating with diverse teams. The module is designed with real-world application in mind, allowing learners to practice communication strategies in a safe, engaging environment.

Overview

The Audience

Professionals and companies seeking to improve their workplace communication skills through interactive, scenario-based learning.

Tools Used

  • Storyline 360

  • Adobe Suite (Photoshop & Illustrator)

  • Adobe XD

  • MindMeister

  • Google Suite (Docs, Slides, Sheets & Drive)

  • ChatGPT

  • Anthropic (Claude)

Job Duties

  • Instructional Design

  • eLearning Development

  • Visual Design

  • Prototyping

Business Problem

In today’s fast-paced workplace, communication breakdowns are one of the leading causes of project delays and employee disengagement. A recent survey found that 60% of mid-level managers report difficulties providing constructive feedback, while 45% of employees feel that unresolved conflicts are hindering their team’s productivity. Additionally, communication barriers within diverse teams often lead to misunderstandings, with 40% of employees reporting struggles in collaborating effectively across cultural differences.

The lack of effective communication costs businesses significantly. According to industry reports, poor communication results in an estimated $62.4 million in losses per year for companies with 100 employees or more. In response to these challenges, CommQuest was designed to address the critical need for improved workplace communication. Through interactive scenarios, employees can develop key communication skills like giving feedback, handling conflicts, and working with diverse teams—leading to more engaged employees, better collaboration, and a reduction in project delays.

The Solution

To address the problem of poor workplace communication, I developed CommQuest, a scenario-based eLearning experience where employees can practice real-world communication challenges, such as giving constructive feedback, resolving conflicts, and collaborating with diverse teams. This interactive training allows learners to reflect on their communication approaches and see the long-term consequences of their actions, creating a deeper learning experience.

Some of the reasons eLearning is the ideal solution for this problem include:

  • Flexibility: CommQuest can be easily adapted to different work environments, whether in-person, hybrid, or remote, making it accessible for all employees.

  • Scalability: The module can be deployed across multiple departments and job levels, providing a consistent training experience at scale.

  • Reusability: Learners can revisit the scenarios at any time, allowing for continual learning and reinforcing best practices over time, which makes it a cost-effective option compared to in-person workshops.

  • Customization: The content can be adjusted for specific team needs, whether it's for new hires, managers, or employees seeking professional development.

In addition to this scenario-based eLearning experience, I recommended further steps to ensure the skills learned in CommQuest are applied effectively within the workplace:

  • Group Learning Sessions: Implement a series of four to five on-demand group meetings where learners can discuss and apply key communication skills with their peers, fostering reflection and real-world application.

  • Mentorship: Encourage employees to identify a leader within the organization who excels at communication and set up one-on-one meetings to discuss how they’ve successfully implemented these skills in their day-to-day management.

The Process

To create CommQuest, I followed a detailed, learner-focused instructional design process to ensure the solution met both learner needs and organizational goals. Here’s how I approached the project:

Needs Analysis:

I began by conducting a comprehensive needs analysis, gathering data from team leaders, managers, and employees. This step helped identify the root causes of communication breakdowns, such as difficulties with constructive feedback, conflict resolution, and cross-cultural communication. The analysis clarified the core issues that the training needed to address, providing a solid foundation for the learning objectives.

Action Mapping:

Based on the needs analysis, I used Action Mapping to focus on what behaviors the training should change. This method ensured that each scenario in CommQuest was tied to a specific, measurable business goal, such as improving feedback delivery or enhancing team collaboration. The map outlined the actions learners needed to take in each scenario, keeping the training practical and directly linked to performance improvements.

Text Storyboard:

After outlining the desired actions, I developed a detailed text storyboard. This storyboard served as the foundation for each scenario, specifying dialogue, decision points, and feedback for every possible learner choice. It ensured that the content flowed logically and supported the learning objectives, while creating a consistent voice and tone throughout the module.

Mockups:

With the storyboard in place, I designed visual mockups to plan the look and feel of the module. Using tools like Adobe Illustrator, I created a visual framework for each scenario, including character placement, user interactions, and feedback mechanisms. These mockups provided a clear picture of the final product and allowed for early feedback from stakeholders.

Prototype:

Once the mockups were approved, I developed a prototype in Articulate Storyline. This version included the first few scenarios and interactive elements, giving a realistic preview of how learners would interact with the module. I gathered feedback from a small user group to test the flow, engagement, and functionality before proceeding with full development.

Full Development:

After refining the prototype, I moved into full development. I built out the remaining scenarios, adding voice-overs, real-time feedback, and branching paths to ensure a highly interactive experience. Accessibility considerations were incorporated to meet ADA standards, and the module was optimized for use across various platforms and devices.

Evaluation:

Post-launch, I implemented a robust evaluation strategy. Using learner feedback, completion rates, and performance metrics, I measured the impact of CommQuest on communication within the organization. Data-driven insights allowed for continuous improvements, ensuring that the training remained effective and relevant over time.