Striders Project

Audience:

Customer service representatives at a fictitious running store called Striders Running Company


Responsibilities

Instructional Design, Visual Storyboard, Action Mapping, Script Writing, Graphic Design, Character Creation and Animation


Tools Used:

Adobe Illustrator, Articulate Storyline, Figma, MindMeister 

The Problem

In this concept project, the client is a nationally-recognized specialty running store called Striders Running Company. The company noticed that they were getting regular refund requests across their many stores. Additionally, their reviews on major running-related sites were significantly lower than they would like. They realized the largest problem stemmed from the customer service representatives were fitting new customers for shoes improperly. In order to address the problem, Striders made the decision to create a scenario-based elearning dedicated to a shoe-fitting method they devised called the SAL Method. This method was more of a generalized guideline beforehand, whereas now they are hoping to make it a more formalized process.

The Solution

After a meeting with the team at Striders about the SAL Method, I understood that they had multiple opportunities for solutions. Firstly, a scenario-based elearning that grounded the learner in the processes of the SAL Method would strengthen understanding of the necessary steps for proper shoe-fitting. Additionally, multiple infographics outlining the SAL Method and its steps placed around the store would regularly reinforce the knowledge that was gained during the elearning. The solution shown below is the scenario-based elearning which allows users to experience an example customer interaction. the main steps of the SAL Method.

My Process

Creating this project involved a number of tools and regular iteration. Feedback provided by instructional designers aided in the development of the project, but, ultimately, all elements were created by me. 

Action Map

To begin, we identified the ultimate goal of the created materials: to decrease Poorly-fitted shoe-related complaints by 50% within the next six months. The team believed that this was an achievable goal given the regularity with which they were receiving complains and their generalized SAL Method. After speaking with members of the Striders team who helped develop the SAL Method, as well as some outside research, I developed the high-priority actions necessary for successful shoe-fittings. With an emphasis on behavior change over knowledge retention, we focused our high-priority actions around visible steps that could be observed and coached. With our action map filled out, we were able to start building out what the training would include. 

Text-Based Storyboard

With our high-priority actions outlined in our action map, I began work on a text-based storyboard. This item served as the basis for the eventual elearning that was to be developed. It was here that I fleshed out the narrative surrounding the problem, the solution, and how to work toward achieving the goal. The story that I wrote out was created in an effort to immerse the learner in the process of proper shoe-fitting. Further, the narrative also outlines the likely consequences of a poorly-fitted shoe: frustration, refund requests, and, at worst, injury to the customer. A mentor character was also devised to help guide the learner through the steps of the SAL Method. Since the process was only loosely organized before the elearning, I believed it was important to create a character who could help the learner when they approached any potential obstacle. 

Visual Mockups

In order to create a visually appealing project, mockups were needed to guide the creative process. Inspiration for the project was gathered from real-world examples of running-based media and marketing. A simple, yet edgy look was developed to celebrate the culture that is running. With these ideas in mind, I worked on a mood board that would serve as the general feel for the project. The mood board was regularly iterated upon and proved incredibly useful as a visual guide for the elearning. With the mood board developing into general wireframes, the design elements that were to be present in the project were added to the visual mockups. As the two progressed, the overall feel of the project became much clearer. The final mockups were created with all the previous creative work coming to the fore. The main tools used during this process were Adobe Illustrator and Figma.

Interactive Prototype and Full Development

In an effort to make a product that was what the customer dreamed of, I created a functional interactive prototype. This prototype allowed me to receive creative and procedural feedback from the client. With this feedback, I developed a project that was more tailored to what, specifically, they wanted. I developed the prototype in Articulate Storyline.


With the feedback from the client in hand, I developed the final product. Firstly, I changed the sizing and spacing of my elements so that there would be less strain on the learner's vision. Additionally, alterations to the mentor layers and overall font choices made the project feel more accessible to all audiences. Taking each creative decision a step further, I completed the project with flourishes of personality in my characters. The project functions smoothly and gives the learner a feel of seamlessness as they progress throughout the learning. While the project was difficult, the result is a very adequate product for the client and helped them achieve their goals.

Results and Takeaways

As a result of the project, Striders achieved their goal of decreasing poorly-fitted shoe-related complaints by 50% within six months! The project was very well received by the client and the larger instructional design community for both its functionality and overall style. Many people who provided feedback on the project praised it for its color scheme and visual style, while also noting that the project ran smoothly and helped them understand the necessary steps for proper shoe-fitting.