April Webinar: How to Optimise SME/ID Relationships for L&D to Deliver What Your Company Needs Most
- STR
- May 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 23
Insights Overall
This webinar focuses on transforming subject matter expert knowledge into effective learning experiences that drive behavior change and deliver ROI. The key is shifting from content-focused "training" to learner-centered experiences that guide people through the competency journey.
Key takeaways
Focus on learning experiences (transformation) rather than training (content delivery)
Most training fails to deliver ROI because it doesn't change behavior
Learning design must address all four stages of competency development
Clear learning objectives using Bloom's Taxonomy help target the right outcomes
Creativity must serve learning goals, not replace them ("sizzle with sausage")
A structured design process (high-level → creativity → detailed design → development) ensures quality
Testing with end users is essential for effective learning experiences
The learning challenge
Traditional training focuses on content; effective learning experiences focus on transformation
“The forgetting cliff” - Without application, most workshop knowledge disappears quickly
Most training fails because it doesn't change behavior
Four-stage competency journey
Unconsciously incompetent → Need communication about why change matters
Consciously incompetent → Need knowledge about what to do
Consciously competent → Need practice opportunities
Unconsciously competent → Need coaching for habit formation
Development process
High-level design
Define business purpose and learner outcomes
Apply Bloom's Taxonomy to set clear objectives
Document emotional impact goals
Innovation & creativity
Create engaging environments beyond "click next" e-learning
Balance engagement ("sizzle") with solid content ("sausage")
Let outcomes drive creativity, not vice versa
Detailed design
Create comprehensive storyboards
Specify interactions and feedback
Get sign-off before development
Development & testing
Test with end users
Refine based on feedback
Team roles
SME: content knowledge
Instructional Designer: learning science and creativity
Developer: technical implementation
Project Manager: timelines and budgets
Graphic Designer: visual elements
AI's current role
Effective for: custom imagery, AI-generated video
Limited for: high-level design, creating engaging interactions
Best approach: human-AI partnership
Join the L&D Club!
About the speaker
Mark Savinson, CEO of Strategy to Revenue (STR), brings experience as both an SME and someone who built a company of instructional designers and developers. He advocates for effective learning design that drives behavior change and business impact.
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