Before you brief anyone for your eLearning project: 5 things to get clear on
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
A client asked us recently if we could share a high-level production plan - something to help their project team understand the eLearning design process and know what to prepare.
It was such a good question that I thought it deserved a proper answer.
Because the bit that trips most people up isn't the build. It's everything that happens before you even talk to an eLearning partner.
So, here's a useful starting point - five things to get clear on before your first conversation with anyone like us.
1. Identify the need Not "we need a training module for our policy." Deeper than that.
Why does this training need to exist? What's happening now that shouldn't be - or not happening that should? What do you want people to do differently after they've completed it?
Those questions matter more than the content itself. They're what separate a module that changes behaviour from one that just gets clicked through.
2. Identify your SMEs Who actually knows this stuff?
Your subject matter experts are the heart of any eLearning project. Knowing who they are early, and how much of their time they can realistically dedicate to the project, shapes everything that follows.
3. Gather your content It doesn't need to be perfect. Policies, briefing notes, existing training materials, rough notes - all of it is useful.
What you're looking for at this stage is a solid starting point, not a finished script. A good instructional designer will help you shape it from there.
4. Think about format eLearning isn't one thing. Short and snappy microlearning, scenario-based modules, branching pathways, video-led content - the right format depends on your learners, your content, and the behaviour you're trying to change.
You don't need to have this decided. But having thought about it means the conversation with your eLearning partner will go a lot further, a lot faster.
5. Decide how hands-on you want to be Some teams want to be closely involved at every stage. Others want to hand over the content and come back to review the result.
Neither is wrong. But knowing your preference upfront helps your eLearning partner scope the project and helps you understand what you're signing up for.
Get those five things reasonably clear, and you'll walk into your first conversation with an eLearning partner in a much stronger position.
The infographic below walks through each stage with some prompts to help you think it through - save it if it's useful.
If you're at the "we know we need something but don't know where to start" stage, drop your question in the comments. What's the bit that's got you stuck?
Nicola
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