What makes your content popular?
Well written narrative? Good information?
Good layout and continuity?
These are all important, but there’s something else…
Something we tend to push into the background in the world of learning design.
Something we don’t talk about enough. Because it’s so hard to put your finger on.
Let me explain by telling you about one of my dreams many years ago.
My Restaurant
I used to dream about opening a little restaurant. We would serve tapas, with Mediterranean style dishes. A good wine list, plus some very good boutique beers.
There would be simple pine tables and chairs. An interesting mixture of art on the wall or perhaps a few drawings from the local school each month.
When we think about a training modlette we tend to think about material things. Objectives, grammar, what’s to be taught.
And realising the importance of marketing our training we think about our audience. What do they need to know, what tips would be useful to them? Which problems are they struggling with?
These considerations are relatively straightforward. They relate to concrete facts.
Let’s take another look at my imaginary restaurant.
A restaurant isn’t just about a menu and furniture
There’s something far more important. Something that’s more difficult to describe. It has to do with atmosphere, feeling and personality.
Yes, the interior design has an impact on the atmosphere in the room. And so has the music, but what about the welcoming feeling? Why does the restaurant feel familiar even if you enter for only the second time?
A restaurant can demonstrate a certain poshness. Shining white linen. Delicate food on giant white plates. The waiter who keeps at just the right distance. Probably a few awards on the wall.
Or the restaurant can be fun. There would be a surprise menu. A free cake if you can prove it’s your birthday. Music to get you wanting to dance.
Or you can be a local pizza palace with photos of Italian scenes. The menu explains the origin of the dishes. The olive oil is especially imported and you get a free glass of chianti with your meal.
The atmosphere in your restaurant isn’t just about the décor, the menu, and the music. It’s about a lot more … the twinkle in your eye, the stories you tell, the welcoming smile of a waiter.