The Challenge

This challenge is called “Mixology and Beverage-Making Classes with E-Learning #381” from E-Learning Heroes. The challenge asks users to create a step-by-step example that demonstrates how to make a beverage.

If you are not familiar, E-Learning Heroes hosts weekly eLearning challenges that are “designed to help course designers practice eLearning development and instructional design.” 

You can learn more about the E-Learning Heroes challenges here. 

My Process

This is the first challenge I participated in, and I really enjoyed the experience! I learned a lot about using Articulate Storyline 360, and I look forward to participating in more challenges. 

Choosing a Topic

When it came to choosing a topic - or, in this case, a beverage - it was easy for me to choose iced coffee. I love starting my day with a yummy iced coffee from a local coffee shop, so I started thinking about what it might be like to make a delicious iced coffee at home. 

After doing some research online, I found a recipe for a great iced coffee at home. I decided to base my learning experience around the recipe. 

You can check out the recipe here. 

Project Development

When it came to developing the learning experience, I used the recipe as my guide. 

I first created an outline of the steps needed to create the iced coffee. Using the recipe as my guide, I knew that users first needed to create a vanilla simple syrup and then needed to craft the iced coffee. 

Based on my outline, I created a text-based storyboard that you can view here. (This storyboard is the final version.)

Following my storyboard, I developed the learning experience in Articulate Storyline 360.  I found all backgrounds, pictures, and graphics in Canva. I wanted all of the images to be as realistic as possible and still have a “coffee shop vibe” while reminding users of their kitchen at home.

Feedback

I shared the first iterations of my project and the storyboard with the IDOL courses Academy community. 

Peers and IDOL coaches shared valuable feedback that I utilized in my second and final iteration. Some of that feedback included:

• Eliminating unnecessary information: It was suggested that the slide that listed the ingredients needed for the iced coffee be eliminated, as this didn’t contribute to the learning experience.

• Adding a hover state for buttons and objects: This helped make it more clear to the learner what I wanted them to interact with, which was not totally clear during the first iteration. 

• Choosing a font that was easier to read: I initially chose a script font that reminded me of a coffee shop, but it was difficult to read the user instructions. I ended up only using it in the title and choosing a font that was easier to read for the rest of the project.

• Making my project more accessible: I initially included language such as “click here”, which I have since learned is not inclusive. I changed all such instances to “select” to make the experience more inclusive and accessible.

Additions

After creating the step-by-step guide to make the iced coffee, I added some features to make the learning experience more engaging and fun for the user. 

• Music: I found audio to play at the beginning and end of the experience. I wanted the audio to have a “coffee shop vibe”, and I think I found a perfect fit. 

• Recipe: To add to the experience, I added an interaction at the end of the course that allowed the user to view the recipe for their own use. (My original project does allow users to download a PDF of the recipe I used to develop this, but I was not able to share that feature in the portfolio version you see here. If you'd like to see the original project and download a PDF of the recipe, please view it in  Review 360.)  

Final Project

To experience the project, you can select  "play" below or select this link to open the project in a new tab.