The success of any instructional piece of content is in how well the information is retained, memorized and actioned. After all, we want the lessons we teach to have an impact. So, if you want to level up your instructional design skills, you need to know how people actually learn first and foremost.

In this episode, we revisit a fascinating discussion with Julie Dirksen, Learning Strategy Consultant at Usable Learning and author of two brilliant books, Design for How People Learn and Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change.

Julie joined us back in episode 138 to talk about how instructional designers can tap into the psychology behind learning to make more effective content. She talks about the importance of getting to know your audience and receiving feedback to make sure you’re on the right path. We hear how she first got into instructional design, how she defines success, and her top tips for instructional designers to continue honing their craft. Julie also shares more about her book and recommends some great resources that inspired her. Since coming on the show, she’s released her new book, so be sure to check out all the links below.

Learning points from the episode include:

• 00:00 - 03:06 Introduction
• 03:06 - 05:51 How Julie got started in instructional design
• 05:51 - 09:59 Defining success in learning design
• 09:59 - 17:20 One tip for image and video in learning design
• 17:20 - 18:28 Ad break – check out the Video Viewer Trends report
• 18:28 - 21:21 Julie explains her book
• 21:21 - 25:24 What trips people up in learning design?
• 25:24 - 32:00 Simple vs cursive fonts and keeping learning design clear
• 32:00 - 35:40 What learning design pros need to improve on
• 35:40 - 39:48 The resistance to practice design
• 39:48 - 46:17 Are different learning styles a myth?
• 46:17 - 50:51 Where Julie turns to for self-development
• 50:51 - 52:12 Where to learn more about Julie’s work
• 52:12 - 53:08 Julie’s final take
• 53:08 - 53:39 Outro

Important links and mentions:

• TechSmith Academy: https://academy.techsmith.com/
• Book by Clark Quinn: https://www.amazon.com/Millennials-Goldfish-Other-Training-Misconceptions/dp/1947308378
• Connect with Julie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliedirksen/
• Usable Learning: https://usablelearning.com/
• Design for How People Learn: https://www.amazon.com/Design-People-Learn-Voices-Matter/dp/0134211286
• Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change: https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Elephant-Design-Learning-Behavior-ebook/dp/B0C7ZFRRFH
• 2024 Video Viewer Trends Report: https://www.techsmith.com/2024-video-viewer-trends-report.html