"Most instructional designers collaborate with SMEs only 38% of the time." At first, this statistic from Synthesia's "The Future of Instructional Design: 2024 Survey Insights" surprised me. As instructional designers, our role is to blend together subject matter expertise with effective learning design. How do we do that if we're so limited in our collaboration with them? But then I saw the main reasons for limited SME input: ⏳SME availability (i.e. time constraints) 🏢Organizational structure (i.e. organizational silos) And that's when I realized yeah, I've been there too. It rarely ends well. Without SME input, you're likely to end up with poor needs analysis and shallow content. So what can you do when SME access is limited? Here's what I've found helpful: 📚 Review existing resources, like internal documentation, recorded webinars, or past training materials. 👨💻 Use AI to fill in the gaps, clarify questions and generate ideas. 🎯 When you do get SME time, come prepared with focused, specific questions to make the most of it. What’s your strategy for handling limited SME collaboration? #InstructionalDesign #LearningAndDevelopment #Collaboration
Adding that I really see a difference in takeaway when I build rapport with a SME. Asking them questions about themselves gets them to open up and can equal more time and a better information share. Like the old Carnation saying "happy cows give better milk" (obviously dated). But contented people give better performances. I've had SMEs send me notes or screenshots later simply because they saw it and thought I might have a use for it. Or some news breaks in my hometown and a SME remembered I lived there, and sent a note "you all good over there?" So what I'm getting at is that the little effort to create a bond ended up opening a line of communication, which I could ping them them real quick and actually get an answer, or even a quick 15 mins because they feel the familiarity. It doesn't always work with everyone but it works a lot.
Andrea Varga
1w
I read in forum posts that most people become instructional designers accidentally. That is, they are SMEs and then get asked to create content and that it is nigh impossible to get an ID job otherwise. Is this true in your experience? (I am a teacher about to transition to ID so statements like this are disheartening, and they also seem untrue.) If this is true, could this be a reason why they don't need to - or they believe they don't need to - consult other SMEs?
During the project kickoff meeting I communicate the value of front loading SME time during the design phase as a way to reduce the total amount of hours invested. For example; 30 min working sessions, 1-2 tops, reduce the SME review and revision stage for the project on average by 20% when compared to my projects that did not have working sessions. When you set expectations and agree on a collaboration plan from the very beginning, you improve the outcomes of the project, stick to the timelines, while building rapport with SMEs.
If SMEs are unavailable, I also reach out to other team members who might have relevant knowledge or perspectives, such as other instructional designers, product managers, or subject-matter experts in related fields. I incorporate regular feedback loops whenever possible. This might involve peer reviews, user testing, or getting input from other knowledgeable team members to ensure that the content is on track.
I am reading a book about technical writing and tech writers often run into the same issue; imagine creating a user manual for a technical product you yourself do not really know how to use! One of the tips offered whenever SMEs were very difficult to reach, was to create a draft as best as you could and offer it to them to review. People love pointing out where you are wrong, but sometimes will be reluctant when they feel like they might be teaching you from scratch. Best case scenario: they give you all the information you need to continue moving forward without the need for a meeting (because who likes meetings anyways?). Worst case scenario: You either continue to receive minimal/no feedback or this method backfires and your reputation tanks with that team. For me, I always lead my cross functional relationships with the fact that I do not know everything (contrary to popular belief 😂 ) and will need to lean on others for specialized knowledge, that way the risk that the worst case scenario in this example is minimized. You won't catch someone off guard with erroneous info if they already understand that their input is necessary for success.
Dana Kocalis
1w
Before any SME encounter, have a goal and a plan. Break questions and content needs into categories - what do I really need from this meeting? What would I also like to accomplish in this meeting? Focus on the needs first. I'd also like to add that kindness goes a long way. In my experience, SMEs are more willing to open up and share if you are open and kind. I've been in meeting when someone else was "interviewing" the SME and I was just an observer. It felt even uncomfortable for me. I can't imagine how the SME felt. Invite them into your world. They actually love talking about what they do.
Marc B.
1w
I would be curious how the survey worded the question. What is considered collaboration?
Synthesia
1w
Great suggestions, Christina Stephenson 🙌
Damfe Samuel
1w
SME inputs really matter when working on an instructional design project. Christina Stephenson
Instructional Design and eLearning Development
1wYou can read more insights from Synthesia's survey here: https://bit.ly/3OM92zv