Process

Our standard development methodology

“The most important principle for designing lively eLearning is to see eLearning design not as information design but as designing an experience.” – Cathy Moore
01

Contract awarded implementation plan

Captovate requests an initial kick off meeting with the client to confirm the scope and timeline, and receive all the project assets. This meeting should include all of the project team members to get clarity around expectations, challenges and decision points.
  • Read more

    Following this meeting, Captovate will develop an implementation plan. This would map out the project’s processes, milestones and constraints as well as the overarching approach to the learning design. It is through this plan that tasks would be allocated to the different production staff.  


    Captovate works within an agile environment, working on different sections at their stage of readiness, rather than a linear approach of finishing one before moving onto another. For example, a complex interaction may be required, and that can be constructed by our e-learn specialists while the remaining content is finalised. Equally video content could be scripted first, allowing the video capture to occur while the module script is being designed. Having a coordination role, undertaken by e-learn specialist Karen Hawkes, ensures time efficiencies.

01

Kick off

Captovate requests an initial kick off meeting with you to confirm the scope and timeline, and receive all the project assets. This meeting should include all of the project team members to get clarity around expectations, challenges and decision points.
  • Read more

    Following this meeting, Captovate will develop an implementation plan. This would map out the project’s processes, milestones and constraints as well as the overarching approach to the learning design. It is through this plan that tasks would be allocated to the different production staff.  


    Captovate works within an agile environment, working on different sections at their stage of readiness, rather than a linear approach of finishing one before moving onto another. For example, a complex interaction may be required, and that can be constructed by our eLearn specialists while the remaining content is finalised. Equally video content could be scripted first, allowing the video capture to occur while the module script is being designed. Having a coordination role, undertaken by eLearn specialist Karen Hawkes, ensures time efficiencies.

02

Design

The initial design phase involves our instructional designer, e-learn specialist and developer. At this stage, we will discuss the approach to the task. Decisions include:
  • whether there is an introductory module directing people in using the system and giving an overview of the course and outcomes; 
  • how the different modules are accessed (linear or cyclical, which requires the users to come back to the first slide to navigate to the next module);
  • whether activities are embedded within the content, or only at the end; and
  • our approach to activity based learning (see information below).
  • Read more

    It is also at this stage that our designer would create the initial graphics.


     This includes:

    • presentation of screens (within NTG branding)
    • graphical treatments
    • activity styles
    • avatars
    • module templates
    • This allows the designer to create static representations and receive feedback from the client before going into full build.
02

Design

The initial design phase involves our instructional designer, elearn specialist and developer. At this stage, we will discuss the approach to the task. Decisions include:
  • whether there is an introductory module directing people in using the system and giving an overview of the course and outcomes; 
  • how the different modules are accessed (linear or cyclical, which requires the users to come back to the first slide to navigate to the next module);
  • whether activities are embedded within the content, or only at the end
  • our approach to activity based learning.
  • Read more

    It is also at this stage that our designer would create the initial graphics.


     This includes:

    • presentation of screens
    • graphical treatments
    • activity styles
    • avatars
    • module templates
    • This allows the designer to create static representations and receive feedback before going into full build.
03

Content development and storyboarding

Our content developer would work with you to build the core messaging of the content. This process would identify any need for graphics or interactions. Usually we build the content within PowerPoint, that way notes can be made onto the slides to give direction to the developer, with ideas for approach to development. The PowerPoint slides would require sign off before moving into full development.

It is at this point that assets could be developed, such as screen recordings, videos etc.
  • Read more

    Once the PowerPoint storyboards are signed off we can commence developing the narration scripts. This allows our script writer to understand what will appear on the screen, and what instruction and narrative needs to be given. At this stage we will provide sample voice recordings to ensure you are happy with the quality of the audio and talent.


    Scripts are signed off before progressing to voice recordings. We have an agreement with our audio company that errors in the recording, for example mispronunciation, will be re-recorded free of charge.


    At the same time our elearn developer could then commence storyboarding. This means that the core content is developed and designed, without the full animation effects. We may also use stock imagery or example graphics, so that sign off can be efficiently received on the content. We then agree to and collect any additional assets. Once decided, the developer can go back and add the polish through interactions and engagement, adding sourced images etc.


    Once we have sign off on slides/content and the scripts, we are able to progress to adding all the sound files and final polish, heading towards the final product.

03

Content development and storyboarding

Our content developer would work with the client to build the core messaging of the content. This process would identify any need for graphics or interactions. Usually we build the content within PowerPoint, that way notes can be made onto the slides to give direction to the developer, with ideas for approach to development. The PowerPoint slides would require sign off before moving into Articulate.

It is at this point that assets could be developed, such as screen recordings, videos etc.
  • Read more

    Once the PowerPoint storyboards are signed off we can commence developing the narration scripts. This allows our script writer to understand what will appear on the screen, and what instruction and narrative needs to be given. At this stage we will provide sample voice recordings to ensure you are happy with the quality of the audio and talent.


    Scripts are signed off before progressing to voice recordings. We have an agreement with our audio company that errors in the recording, for example mispronunciation, will be re-recorded free of charge.


    At the same time our e-learn developer could then commence storyboarding into Articulate. This means that the core content is developed and designed, without the full animation effects. We may also use stock imagery or example graphics, so that sign off can be efficiently received on the content. We then agree to and collect any additional assets. Once decided, the developer can go back and add the polish through interactions and engagement, adding sourced images etc.


    Once we have sign off on the Articulate slides/content and the scripts, we are able to progress to adding all the sound files and final polish, heading towards the final product.

04

Testing

We then undertake our quality assurance testing, which includes:
  • terminology used is consistent throughout the training materials; 
  • the final product is free of spelling and grammatical errors;
  • all media elements such as graphics, animations, video and audio must be thoroughly checked for quality, function, file size and format;
  • all media elements must be thoroughly checked against the scripts and storyboards to ensure learning outcomes are achieved;
  • all navigational interactivity, including button clicks and mouse hovers, must be quality checked;
  • all subtitles must be checked against audio to ensure accurate synchronisation;
  • ensuring consistent branding;
  • browser and mobile testing;
  • (WCAG) level 2.1, the design, content and any downloadable documents of the eLearning module must meet all WCAG requirements.
Post testing, the product is provided via a temporary web link for final approval.

04

Testing

We then undertake our quality assurance testing, which includes:
  • training material aligns with NTG processes;
  • terminology used is consistent throughout the training materials; and
  • the final product is free of spelling and grammatical errors;
  • all media elements such as graphics, animations, video and audio must be thoroughly checked for quality, function, file size and format;
  • all media elements must be thoroughly checked against the scripts and storyboards to ensure learning outcomes are achieved;
  • all navigational interactivity, including button clicks and mouse hovers, must be quality checked;
  • all subtitles must be checked against audio to ensure accurate synchronisation;
  • ensuring consistent branding;
  • browser and mobile testing;
  • (WCAG) level 2.1, the design, content and any downloadable documents of the e-Learning module must meet all WCAG requirements.
Post testing, the product is provided via a temporary web link for final approval.

05

LMS integration

Once approved, we provide the Learning Management System (LMS) output for your team as well as any additional versions, such as HTML5 for the website, or USB versions (an option for environments where internet connectivity is limited). We then provide the raw files as completion of the project.
05

LMS integration

Once approved, we provide the Learning Management System (LMS) output for your team as well as any additional versions, such as HTML5 for the website, or USB versions. We then provide the raw files as completion of the project.
06

Ongoing training and support

We are happy to continue to provide training and support to your team to ensure the ongoing maintenance of the product via Articulate. In the past, Captovate has provided instructional design training to the internal team for them to understand the nuances of learner behaviour. Additionally, we can provide support with LMS integration or Articulate editing.
06

Ongoing training and support

We provide training and support to your team to ensure the ongoing maintenance of the product. In the past, Captovate has provided instructional design training to the internal team for them to understand the nuances of learner behaviour. Additionally, we can provide support with LMS integration or Articulate or Captivate editing.

Timeline

Once the project has been awarded a full timeline will be developed in consultation with your team. It will take into consideration the state of readiness of the content. Where there are mulitple modules we can work on them concurrently, or roll out one before another.  
Between 4 - 8 weeks 
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