Defining problems is a key component of design thinking, without understanding the problem with interpersonal skills training as it currently exists, how can it be improved?
At the beginning of 2020, many people moved to both working and learning online with the outbreak of the Coronavirus. Traditional classrooms were now held over Zoom, and learners became very familiar with Learning Management Systems (LMS). Everyone’s experience with online learning is different, but it revolved around the intake of new information and completing assessments. E-learning is rapidly evolving, and the way that instructors design and teach content has been evolving with it.
While you can love or hate online learning, it has forever changed the way that people think of the spaces where we learn. No longer do you need to attend in-person lectures to acquire knowledge and the same can be said for meetings.
Designers are now thinking about how do we train and retain employees in a remote and hybrid work environment. With flexibility in in-person work hours, how do we ensure that teams are on the same page?
Some of the answers pertain to understanding which teaching methods work in these settings. How much time do they take, will learners retain the knowledge, and how do our employees feel about current training?
Part of managing a team is understanding the wants and needs of the team, more employees than ever want to work with people who value their input. This inclusion is integral to building trust in a group and without it, the team can quickly fall apart. Teaching inclusion isn’t as simple as defining the term and having employees promise to be nicer.
As a designer, I aim to have users know not only how to identify an inclusive or exclusive working environment, but how to build an environment where everyone can be seen and heard. Interpersonal skills allow for effective communication and collaboration between people.
First, we need to outline what is it that we want learners to know. What is the goal of this training, and how can we ensure learners feel confident using the skills or techniques being taught?