The Art of the Push: Ensuring Course Launches by Instructional Designers
This is a little talked about challenge facing instructional design teams, organizations, and universities. When it comes to course development, success hinges not just on creativity and technical expertise, but on the proactive “push” that drives projects forward.
This art of the push involves strategically engaging subject matter experts (SMEs), department chairs, and other stakeholders to secure high-quality content, maintain momentum, and achieve launches that are on time, on budget, and backed by enthusiastic buy-in. Far from a passive role, instructional designers must act as motivators, facilitators, and coordinators, transforming potential roadblocks into opportunities for collaboration.
At its core, the push begins with knowing when to reach out. Timing is critical: initiate contact early in the project lifecycle to align expectations and gather initial content, then follow up at key milestones to prevent delays. For instance, if an SME is lagging on deliverables, a well-timed email or call—framed positively as an invitation to contribute their expertise—can reignite enthusiasm. The how is equally important: personalize communications to highlight the value of their input, such as how it will enhance learner outcomes or advance organizational goals. This inspires SMEs to provide “great content” rather than minimal efforts, fostering a sense of ownership.
To keep projects on track, instructional designers should schedule periodic meetings and sessions. These aren’t mere check-ins; they’re demonstrations of learning management system (LMS) functionality, where designers showcase interactive features, multimedia options, and customization choices. By offering stakeholders a hands-on preview—perhaps through prototypes or wireframes—designers build excitement and solicit feedback early, reducing revisions later. This proactive approach ensures the course evolves collaboratively, staying aligned with timelines and budgets while maximizing stakeholder investment.
The benefits of mastering this art are profound. Courses launched on time minimize disruptions to training schedules, while staying on budget preserves resources for future initiatives. Maximum buy-in, achieved through inclusive engagement, leads to higher adoption rates and sustained support, turning stakeholders into advocates. In essence, the push transforms instructional design from a solitary task into a symphony of shared effort, where every participant feels valued and vital.
Common Pitfalls
Top 5 Reasons Why Instructional Designers Don't Push
While the art of the push is essential for success, many instructional designers fall short due to common misconceptions and habits. Understanding these pitfalls can help IDs shift to a more proactive approach. Here are the top 5 reasons why IDs often fail to push effectively:
Passive Mindset
Some IDs adopt a “wait and see” attitude, believing that projects will naturally progress without their active intervention. This leads to stalled timelines as they underestimate the need for ongoing motivation and coordination.
Assuming SMEs Will Reach Out
IDs might think that subject matter experts will proactively contact them with questions or content updates. In reality, SMEs are often busy with their own responsibilities, resulting in delays unless the ID initiates and sustains communication.
Believing the Job Ends with the Design Document
After sharing an initial design doc or blueprint, some IDs consider their role complete and simply wait for content to arrive. This overlooks the collaborative nature of instructional design, where ongoing guidance is crucial to refine and enrich materials.
Neglecting LMS Demos and Options
IDs may fail to hold demonstrations of learning management system (LMS) functionality or offer choices for content delivery, assuming stakeholders will figure it out. This not only hinders buy-in but also risks misaligned expectations and rework down the line.
Lack of Inspiration and Guidance for SMEs
Without actively engaging SMEs to inspire great content—such as through brainstorming sessions or highlighting the impact of their contributions—IDs miss opportunities to elevate the quality and relevance of the course, leading to mediocre results.
Stop the Blocks to Content Development
Let’s explore the last pitfall in more detail “failing to inspire and guide subject matter experts (SMEs)” as this is a critical misstep that can derail the instructional design process. Many instructional designers (IDs) lack training or experience in conducting effective development sessions, particularly via video conferencing, which has become a cornerstone of modern collaboration. This gap in skills can prevent IDs from eliciting high-quality, relevant content from SMEs, leading to lackluster courses that fail to meet learning objectives or engage stakeholders.
The Challenge of Development Sessions
Conducting a development session over video conferencing requires more than just scheduling a call and asking SMEs to share content. Without proper training, IDs may struggle to create a structured, engaging environment that encourages SMEs to contribute their expertise fully. Common issues include:
Unclear Objectives
IDs may enter sessions without a clear agenda, leaving SMEs unsure of what’s expected. This can result in vague or incomplete content submissions.
Discomfort with Technology
Video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Teams have unique dynamics—managing screen sharing, breakout rooms, or interactive tools—that untrained IDs may not leverage effectively, leading to awkward or unproductive meetings.
Failure to Inspire
SMEs, often experts in their field but not in instructional design, need motivation to see their role as vital to the course’s success. IDs who don’t actively inspire—by connecting content to learner outcomes or organizational goals—may receive minimal or uninspired contributions.
Poor Facilitation Skills
Without training in facilitation, IDs might dominate the conversation, fail to manage time, or neglect quieter SMEs, missing out on diverse perspectives and valuable insights.
Strategies for Effective Development Sessions
To overcome these challenges, IDs must adopt deliberate strategies to guide and inspire SMEs during video conferencing sessions:
Set a Clear Agenda
Before the session, share a concise agenda outlining goals, such as brainstorming module topics or reviewing specific content needs. For example, an agenda might include 10 minutes for discussing learning objectives, 20 minutes for SMEs to share key concepts, and 10 minutes for exploring delivery options in the LMS.
Master the Platform
IDs should be trained to use video conferencing tools effectively. This includes sharing screens to display wireframes, using polls to gather quick feedback, or employing breakout rooms for small-group discussions. Familiarity with these features creates a dynamic, interactive session that keeps SMEs engaged.
Inspire with Purpose
Start sessions by emphasizing the impact of the SMEs’ contributions—how their expertise will empower learners or drive organizational success. For instance, an ID might say, “Your insights on cybersecurity will equip employees to protect our company’s data, making this course a game-changer.”
Facilitate Actively
Use open-ended questions to draw out content, such as, “What’s the one concept learners must master in this module?” or “How can we make this topic more engaging?” Actively listen, summarize key points, and encourage quieter SMEs to contribute, ensuring a collaborative atmosphere.
Showcase LMS Possibilities
During the session, demonstrate LMS features—like interactive quizzes, video embeds, or discussion forums—to spark ideas for content delivery. For example, an ID might share a sample module and ask, “Would a scenario-based quiz or a short video work better for this topic?” This not only inspires SMEs but also aligns content with the platform’s capabilities.
The Consequences of Inaction
When Instructional Designeres fail to guide and inspire SMEs effectively, the consequences are significant. Content may be incomplete, overly technical, or misaligned with learning goals, requiring extensive revisions that delay timelines and inflate budgets. SMEs may feel undervalued, reducing their buy-in and enthusiasm for the project. Ultimately, the course suffers, lacking the depth and engagement needed to resonate with learners.
Bridging the Gap
To address this pitfall, IDs need training in conducting a Course Development Meeting, video conferencing best practices, and strategies for inspiring non-educators like SMEs. Organizations can support this by offering workshops or partnering with us to provide tailored instructional design consultations and trainings to equip IDs with these critical skills.
Ready, Set, Push!
Ready to master the art of the push for your instructional design projects? Reach out to YellowHammer IT, LLC today for expert consultation, services, and trainings tailored to your needs. Contact us to schedule a free initial session and elevate your course development process.
