CASE STUDY
Safely Preparing Gluten-Free Food for People with Celiac Disease
This is a scenario-based eLearning project designed and developed to help family and friends prepare a meal that is totally gluten-free (GF) for someone with celiac disease (CD) or a gluten-sensitivity. Throughout the course, the learner engages in a series of real-life, low-risk decisions, ultimately learning what steps and protocols need to be taken when preparing a meal that is GF and free from any cross-contaminations.
Audience
Friends and family of someone with celiac disease
Responsibilities
Instructional Design
eLearning Development
Action Mapping
Visual Design
Storyboarding
Authoring
Tools
Articulate 360
Adobe Illustrator
Figma
Google Docs
Mindmeister
Vyond
The Problem
CD affects 1% of the global population, while 5.1% of US adults report having gluten intolerance. The only treatment for CD is strict adherence to a GF diet. A recurring issue for many in the Celiac and Gluten-Free Support Community is accidental gluten exposure when family and friends host or prepare meals, leading to mild to severe and long-lasting symptoms. Upon further analysis, I found that many family members and friends of those with CD lack experience in preparing gluten-free food. This can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation for those with CD or gluten sensitivity when it comes to meal planning and participating in food-related events.
The Solution
After identifying the problem, I determined that it stems from a lack of knowledge. Family and friends of those with CD or gluten sensitivity are often unaware of what gluten is, what celiac disease entails, and how to avoid cross-contamination. To address this, I proposed a scenario-based learning experience where family and friends can practice the proper steps and protocols for preparing a GF meal in a risk-free environment.
My Process
In order to plan and create an effective learning experience, I used the ADDIE Model of Instructional Design. ADDIE consists of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. This model led me through analyzing the needs of learners, designing an action map, text-based storyboard, and visual mockups, developing an interactive prototype and the full project, implementing the project, and evaluating the results and learning experience.
Action Map
For this project, I consulted with 2 Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop an action map for the purposes of defining the overall goal of preparing a GF meal in a shared kitchen. We identified the specific steps and protocols that need to be taken to ensure cross-contamination is avoided and that the meal remains totally GF. The process of collaborating with SMEs on an action map ensures that all of the steps are accurate and relate to the overall goal.
Text-based Storyboard
After identifying the key actions, I developed a text-based storyboard outlining the learning experience. The storyboard included questions and choices for each step in preparing a gluten-free meal without cross-contamination. As the learner progressed through the scenario, they encountered one correct choice and 1-2 distractors at each step. Choosing the correct option resulted in positive feedback and reinforcement, allowing them to continue through the scenario. Selecting an incorrect option led to a negative consequence, informational feedback, and an opportunity to try again. Additionally, learners could access a mentor button for advice from someone with CD, if they needed help with the questions.
Visual Mockups
Once the story was developed, I began the visual design process by creating a style guide and high-fidelity mock-ups using Figma. The mockups allowed me to explore different design approaches and optimize user interactions for each type of slide. While sourcing graphics on FreePik, I utilized Adobe Illustrator to customize the illustrations to match the project styling.
Interactive Prototype
Before developing the full project, I created an interactive prototype to gather feedback on its functionality. This process allowed me to address and refine any concerns before finalizing the product. Using Articulate Storyline 360, I built a prototype that guides learners through the project's initial scenario. In this prototype, learners experience key elements of their user journey, including encountering questions, experiencing consequences, and interacting with the mentor.
Feedback from my client and SMEs were crucial to ensure the content followed the storyboard smoothly. I also addressed any user experience and interface design issues early in the project. Some feedback from my client included resizing the font and adding animations between questions to create a more engaging narrative experience.
Full Development
I developed the final project in Articulate Storyline 360. I created custom visuals in Adobe Illustrator using images from FreePik.
Based on the feedback, this scenario-based eLearning experience provides learners an effective way to learn how to prepare GF food and avoid cross-contamination in a shared kitchen.
Results
This scenario-based eLearning project was a part of a 3 lesson course on Safely Preparing Gluten-Free Food for People with Celiac Disease.
Among the 11 participants, 56% initially had positive reactions to the survey statements about preparing GF food for people with CD, indicating agreement or strong agreement. However, after receiving instruction via the Articulate Rise course, all respondents showed positive responses to the same survey statements. This demonstrates a significant 44% increase in positive responses overall, indicating a notable impact from the training on preparing GF food for people with CD.
Learners who experienced the eLearning module to learn about safe GF food preparation for CD or gluten sensitivity found it to be a positive experience. In the End of Module Feedback Survey, all participants rated the module 5 out of 5, with 100% expressing their willingness to recommend it. They praised its clear and informative content delivery, effective learning tools, and thoroughness.
Takeaways
This project enhanced my understanding of the instructional design process from start to finish. I learned how to design, develop, and refine a scenario-based learning experience that addressed real-life performance issues. I discovered the critical role of action mapping and collaborating with SMEs to create realistic steps and questions that align with the learning objective.
Given the next chance, I would like to add the following modifications:
Integrate xAPI into the project to collect data on time spent, success rates on questions, and potential bugs hindering learner progress. This would enhance the project by informing what is working and what could be improved.
Integrate animations, made on Vyond or Camtasia, throughout the entirety of the project to create a more cohesive, immersive experience.
