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Core:

An eLearning storyboard is vital to your interaction with stakeholders, clients, and developers—but not learners.

You and your partner, best friend, or favorite child are invited to a potluck dinner party this weekend. You decide to bring a homemade Dutch apple pie using your grandma’s favorite heirloom recipe.

Who should you show the recipe to?

The dinner party guests?

Of course not.

You make sure that your cooking buddy sees the recipe and understands exactly what they need to do so that the pie comes out just like your grandma’s, scrumdiddlyumptious.

What might you also show your buddy before you get started?

A picture, right?

They need to see how the pie is supposed to come out so you both can work towards the same goal.

In a similar manner, your storyboard is not designed for learners. It is, however, crucial for stakeholders, instructional designers, and eLearning developers because they all play a role in creating the pie, the learning experience.

They need to know what is needed and what it’s supposed to look like when it’s done.

Your storyboard doesn’t have to be a finished piece of modern art ready to go on display in The Louvre.

Just like your grandma’s pie recipe doesn’t have to look like an expertly laid out, perfectly printed résumé for the pie to turn out well. It simply needs to be clear and understandable to those following it so they know exactly what to do and when to do it.

So don’t worry if your storyboard won’t win awards.

The true reward of a great storyboard is a clear message to your team and a clear understanding with your stakeholders.

Remember: a storyboard is a key aspect of your interaction with stakeholders, clients, and those who develop the learning experience. Ensure that it conveys the right message to everyone involved so that your team knows what to do next and your client understands what to expect as development progresses.

Next: Where should I be storyboarding?

Further Reading:

The Comprehensive Guide to Storyboarding for E-learning—Part 02: Do I Really Need a Storyboard?

The Comprehensive Guide to Storyboarding for Learning Experience Design: Elevate Yourself from Mediocrity to Master. IDOL Courses Academy. April 12, 2022. https://www.idolcourses.com/blog/storyboard

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Brian Harris

Brian Harris is the Chief of Design and Development with Brilliant Educational Services. He specializes in producing learning experiences and educational materials that are engaging, entertaining, and effective.