Make it useful: giving feedback that sticks

Project overview

This is a self-initiated microlearning project designed to help professionals give clear, actionable feedback in everyday workplace situations. The goal: create a short, behaviour-focused learning experience that supports immediate, on-the-job application.

The module is designed as a standalone learning asset that could be used in internal L&D programs, just-in-time refreshers, or as part of a broader communication skills pathway.

My role: End-to-end: analysis, storyboard, visual design, build
Tools: Articulate Rise 360, Figma
Audience: Time-poor professionals in fast-paced workplaces
Runtime: 5 minutes, self-guided, no facilitator

Module cover: a dark photo of a desk with the title “Giving constructive feedback at work” and the subtitle “A five minute microlearning module designed for professionals”. — Module entry screen establishing scope, tone, and time commitment for learners.

Context

Designed for internal L&D use within a medium-to-large organisation. Key constraints included:

Learner time limit of roughly 10–15 minutes maximum
Self-guided, with no facilitator support
A need for immediate, real-world relevance over conceptual depth

The challenge

Most professionals know that feedback matters, but many struggle to deliver it clearly and constructively in the moment.

Existing training often leans heavily on theory or models, with little time spent practicing real-world judgment. This leads to low knowledge transfer in day-to-day communication.

My approach

Defined a single, observable behaviour outcome

Learners will be able to give specific, actionable feedback in workplace conversations.

Structured a lightweight, high-impact learning flow

Reflection → Concept → Practice → Application. Lightly guided by Gagné’s principles: grab attention, chunk concepts, practice decisions.

Designed for judgment, not recall

Used scenario-based interactions to help learners distinguish between vague and specific feedback
Kept visuals and copy minimal to reduce cognitive load and maintain focus on key decision points

This approach draws on my background in UX, particularly designing for decision-making under time pressure and reducing cognitive friction.

Trade-offs & constraints

To maintain a 5–10 minute runtime, I intentionally limited branching depth and focused on high-frequency feedback scenarios rather than edge cases.

Process artifacts

Three storyboard cards with fields for title, learning purpose, content, and visual notes. — Storyboard used to structure pacing, transitions, and learning flow before development: reflection prompt → key concepts → scenario-based decisions.

A wide branching learning map connecting decision points to feedback types. — Learning map: mapped decision points and feedback types to ensure alignment between learning activities and desired outcomes.

The final design

The finished experience is a short, 5-minute module that moves quickly from learner reflection to concept to applied scenario practice.

Key features:

Scenario-based interactions that reinforce judgment around vague vs. specific feedback
Realistic decision points aligned with workplace behaviour
A practical, human tone with no over-explaining or unnecessary content

Module screen comparing a “Do say” and “Don’t say” example of feedback side by side, with a yellow Continue button. — Practice scenario: vague vs. specific feedback. Learners select the better response and get immediate, context-based feedback.

Module screen headed “Let’s test your judgement” with three multiple-choice feedback responses and a Submit button. — Applied knowledge check. Learners apply the 3-step feedback model in a realistic judgment task.

Outcome

This project demonstrates:

My ability to translate vague soft-skill goals into clear, observable behaviours
My use of scenario-based design to support real-world decision-making
Designing restraint — prioritising what not to include to preserve focus and transfer

The module could be deployed as a just-in-time refresher, part of a broader professional skills program, or standalone support for managers and team leads.

Early peer feedback highlighted the clarity of the flow and the usefulness of the applied scenarios for real conversations.

Reflection

This project helped me refine my skills in:

Structuring scenario-based microlearning
Designing for workplace behaviour change
Balancing brevity with impact in self-paced formats

Next steps

This module could be adapted for different roles (e.g. managers, project leads) or integrated into a broader communication skills learning path.