Marquetta Strait

September 22, 2015

Advanced Practices in Learning Systems Design
Dr. Watson
Case Analysis 3: Lynn Dixon

Case Snapshot: In this case, we are presented with an instructional designer, Lynn Dixon. Lynn is an
instructional designer with an e-Learning company called Telopea Learning. She must consult with an
aquarium company that plans on building a new kiosk system for its visitors to educate them on their
exhibits.
1. Who are the key stakeholders in the case and what are their primary concerns?
Stakeholders
Lynn Dixon

Laura

Role
Instructional Designer

Project Manager/Project
Sponsor/The Client

Jeneatte Parks
Ben

SME as a Business
Partner/Head of Sales Team
SME in the aquarium
exhibits and Advisor

Telopea Learning
Company
The Aquarium
Customers

The Providers of the

Business
The Client
Audience

Their Concerns
Many of the clients wants exceeds their
budget
Not familiar with the kiosks interface
Being able to reach a large audience
Lynns ability to make this kiosk
module accommodating for all of their
visitors
Lynns ability to include the Aboriginal
content
The Aquarium team staying within their
financial package/budget
Lynns ability to make this module
more engaging for the visitors
Lynns ability to include the Aboriginal
content
Representation of their company and
making their clients satisfied
Lynns ability to enhance their company
Wants an engaging learning experience

2. What are the key design challenges in the case?

In this case, the key design challenges are that (1) Lynn must find a way to tie in the Aboriginal culture
content into the learning module for the kiosk, (2) the kiosk module must somehow reach every visitor

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that visits the aquarium, (3) there is a 20 minute time frame, (4) lack of experience, and (5) the design
is underwhelming to the clients.

For the first problem, the Aboriginal information is something that the client wants to be included,
but they have not found a way to weave it into their kiosk module. However, they prefer to include
storytelling, which can truly reach the masses, but they prefer for someone from this culture to tell the
story so that it comes across believable to the audience.
For the second challenge, Lynn is tasked with addressing the visitors needs by making this kiosk
module accessible to a variety of generations and internationals. This could pose a problem for the
instructional designer because Lynn will have to determine the delivery of this information, yet still
making the content universal.
For the third challenge, there is a 20 minute time frame that easily gets reduced because of the
animations. In this regard, Lynn must be strategic in the type and amount of content she presents
assuming that she really only has a guaranteed 10-12 minutes for this kiosk module. This 10-12 minute
time frame, I feel, will be her cushion in planning while other factors may come into play, such as the
visitor being distracted, the visitor having to reread the information, etc. Ben provided Lynn with an
abundance of information, which is great that she has all of this content. However, she only has a short
window to project this module, so she will have to reduce the information provided to her, plus add the
Aboriginal information.
The fourth challenge is lack of experience. As stated in the case, Lynn does not have experience
with planning modules on a kiosk interface. She must engage in research and meet with other expert
developers to determine how she should approach the design of this kiosk module.
Lastly, the fifth challenge is that the design that Lynn provided is underwhelming for the clients.
The clients wants this to be a quick simulation or game design that will enable visitors to get engaged,
but Lynn did not show this in her design.

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a. How might other case-specific issues impact the ability of the designer to address the
design challenges?
In addition to the design challenges, there are other challenges that may inhibit the success
of this project, which are the (1) timeline, (2) budget, and (3) communication. For the first
issue, the timeline, this was mentioned in the case; however, this timeline was never discussed
in-depth. With both Lynn and Laura being involved with several projects, I am concerned that
Lynn will not be prepared for this project. Although she does have experience in instructional
design, she still has to analyze the content that Ben provided her so she can make the best layout
of the module and she must also learn how to design this module to be one that is kiosk-friendly.
For the second issue, the budget, the Aquarium team has grand ideas that would truly
benefit their company; however, some of their ideas exceeds their budget, which the Aquarium
team does not want to increase. With that in mind, which money is always a challenge in these
types of cases, Lynn and Jeanette will need to find ways that they can cut costs, but still making
their clients satisfied with the final product.
For the third issue, communication, it seems as if there is a lack of communication on what
is provided within their budget. Although Jeanette said that she showed the Aquarium team
samples in their meeting, it seems that the company is trying to see how much they can get that
would exceed their budget with hopes that Lynn would give in. For example, they wanted
someone that was Aboriginal to record the story, and Ben mentioned they probably did not
have someone that could do it from the Telopea Learning Company. After Lynn mentioned
that they would need to check the costs, Ben backed away and had an alternative plan.

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b. How would you prioritize these design challenges and case-specific issues and why you
would choose this order?
Design Challenges
1. Budget and
Communication

2. Timeline

3. Design

4. Time

Reason
This is a top component of this project. Lynns project depends
on the clients budget and how she can go about enhancing the
features within this budget. It is important for all of the
stakeholders to know what exceeds the budget and how those
ideas can be reeled in to fit within the budget. This would also
prevent any miscommunication on what is expected of the
Telopea Learning Company.
This portion would be next because, with Lynns busy schedule,
she should know how much time she should dedicate to this
project each week. Although the case mentioned that Ben
would be keeping track of the timeline on the clients side, there
should be a general timeline so that both parties are on the same
page.
This portion would be next because it is important for Lynn to
gain experience in presenting her information via a kiosk. She
must also enhance her design to be accommodating to all
patrons of the aquarium and innovative to attract and engage
these visitors.
This portion is last because after planning how Lynn will
arrange the information, she must reduce or condense the
information so that it may fit in the 20 minute time frame for
the kiosk module.

3. Describe how the assigned readings and your previous experiences contributed to your
understanding of the case problem.
The assigned readings provided more insight on how Lynn should approach this project to
incorporate more diversity to reach a wide range of generations and nationalities. In McLoughlins
article (2000), she discusses how instructional designers should not set rigid or restrictive designs for
their projects. Instead, they should provide some flexibility (p. 62). It is incorrect for instructors and
instructional designers to think that everyone learns the same way, which McLoughlin calls the
culturally unidimensional approach. This is extremely important as instructional designers design
their products. Just as we have many learners in the classrooms, there are many learners that will utilize
the materials that instructional designers create. In addition, it is normal for individuals to plan
according to their preferences or their learning styles, but IDs should plan as if they are someone from

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another planet in a sense, one who does not possess the skills or common knowledge of the content
they are providing.
Instead, McLoughlin focuses on us being inclusive or using a perspectives approach enabling
diverse perspectives to be acknowledged and included within the utilization of this product. Personally,
I feel that this approach is more desirable and allows IDs and instructors to be more creative in their
instruction instead of conducting their instruction in a traditional, direct instruction format. While
growing up, I had a best friend whose parents were both hearing impaired. I often wondered how it
was for them growing up. Although they attended a school for hearing impaired students, many hearing
impaired students attend average schools where there are only a few students that share the same traits.
Keeping that in mind, one of the improvements I would make to Lynns plan is making this design
more accessible to the hearing impaired and others with disabilities.
4. Outline at least two reasonable solutions/recommendations for the designer in the case. How do
these solutions/recommendations address the challenges described in #2 above?
Challenges
Budget and Communication

Timeline

Learning about the Interface

Time for Kiosk Module

Designing for the Audience

Solutions/ Recommendations
All stakeholders should come together to know
which features actually fit within their budget. Also,
this would allow for everyone to be on the same
page.
While meeting with all of the stakeholders, a
timeline should be developed so that both parties
know where they should allocate their time to only
working on this project.
Lynn should do research and examine some kiosk
modules to evaluate their features to see what should
be added to this project.
She should also get with someone that is an expert
in designing kiosk modules that are highly engaging
to include games and quizzes.
After outlining the focal points of this kiosk module,
a map should be used to determine the larger
portions that should be discussed in this kiosk
module and a 10-12 minute time limit should be
provided on the amount of content to take into
consideration the animations.
Taking the mind map, Lynn should design the
product with many visual aids in optional languages.

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5. Discuss the pros and cons to each solution/recommendation.
Solution
Pros
All stakeholders should come This would allow for
together to know which features everyone to be on the
actually fit within their budget.
same page as to what can
actually be done in the
budget and creative
strategies that can be done
while not exceeding the
budget. This would also
ease Lynn in the design
process when Jeanette is
not present to speak on
the financial points.
A timeline should be discussed in This would allow both
detail
parties to know where
they should allocate their
time to only working on
this project.
Lynn should do research and examine By evaluating these kiosk
some kiosk modules to evaluate their modules, she would be
features to see what should be added able to determine which
to this project.
characteristics do many
patrons prefer (i.e. bright
She should also get with someone colors,
animations,
that is an expert in designing kiosk quizzes, games, etc.).
modules that are highly engaging to
include games and quizzes.
By collaborating with an
expert in kiosk modules,
she will be able to explore
additional ways that she
can enhance this project
with the abovementioned
characteristics.
After outlining the focal points of this This would enable Lynn
kiosk module, a map should be used to determine the larger
to determine the larger portions that concepts that should be
should be discussed in this kiosk included and key points,
module and a 10-12 minute time limit aside from the Aboriginal
should be provided on the amount of culture, that has to be
content to take into consideration the discussed.
animations.
Taking the mind map, Lynn should This would enable the
design the product with many visual visitors to view visual
aids in optional languages and make aids, such as graphics,
these kiosk modules accessible for videos, storytelling, and
those whom have disabilities.
songs that would attract
the visitors attention and
lessen the amount of text

Cons
The clients could become
uninterested in the project, the
clients could still try to
persuade Lynn to include
features that are not included in
their package, and the clients
could select another company
to provide them these services.

The Aquarium could try to rush

Lynn on this project or
continuously
add
more
features, which will extend the
time of the project.
Its a possibility that learning
about how to go about this
design could be tedious and
Lynn already is extremely busy
as it is.
There is also a possibility that
the game-type features the
client seeks may exceed the
clients budget.

The client may add more

information to what has
already been included.

The audio would not assist

those that are hearing impaired.
Having the optional languages
may exceed the budget or a
visitor may not see their
language on the system

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on the screen, which because it is not a common
helps individuals that language.
may not know how to
read.
For someone that is hearing
impaired, they still may not be
By providing the optional proficient in reading.
languages, international
visitors can still enjoy the Including these additional
kiosk module. Telpoea features, such as the sound
could get a recording for effects could increase the time
the common languages, allotment for each section of
such as Spanish, German, content.
French, Mandarin, etc.
For the hearing impaired,
two options could be
provided: (1) transcript
for the videos or (2)
someone doing American
Sign Language on a
video.
For the visually impaired,
providing
a
sound
aquarium
for
these
visitors. They can listen
to
the
information
provided
with
the
inclusion of fish sound
effects so that they
receive an experience as
well.

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6. What is your final recommendation? Justify your choice and discuss how you will eliminate or
address the cons listed in the previous point.
After analyzing the case, my final recommendations are for all of the stakeholders to reconvene to
discuss the budget. Although Ben mentioned that budget would not be increased, it is important for both
parties to discuss what is actually doable within their budget so that everyone is on the same page with what
can be done in regards to this project. This communication is very important as it would allow Lynn more
direction as to how she should design the project.
The second recommendation is for Lynn and the other stakeholders to decide on a timeline. This
timeline should provide benchmarks for when tasks should be completed and would also allow for Laura
to input her opinions since she is unable to attend any day-to-day meetings.
The third recommendation is that Lynn should strengthen her design that is more pleasing and
would be captivating for the visitors. I believe Lynn is holding back because of her lack of experience of
designing for a kiosk, but this is hindering the clients satisfaction of the product. Lynn should explore
more ways to make this content interactive and engaging for the visitors, especially since she knows
Jeanette encourages her clients to think big even though their budget is much smaller. In addition to this,
she should meet with someone that has more experience in developing kiosk modules for expertise on
reducing the optimal size from a computer version to a kiosk version. She should evaluate other kiosk
versions to determine its strengths and weaknesses so that her design can also be strengthened.
The fourth recommendation is for Lynn to take the focal points of the content that was provided by
Ben and formulate a layout of the content. By making a mind map, she would be able to include information
that is more important within the small time frame. She could also meet with Ben to discuss what they
could eliminate or just mention. They could even state that for additional information on that topic, please
visit that specific exhibit to learn more.

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Lastly, Lynn needs to accommodate everyone that will be able to utilize the kiosk. I initially
thought of having her create modules according to age groups, but that would have increased the problems
because not everyone has the same reading proficiency and still would not have helped the international
groups. So, for her design, she needs to include more visuals. Videos, graphics, and audio should be
included with less text. However, she must accommodate persons with disabilities, so she must provide
these options, such as translations, a sound aquarium for the visually impaired, video transcripts for the
hearing impaired, and appropriate coloring for those that are color blind. With these recommendations,
Lynn should be able to provide a well-rounded product for her clients whose target population is very
diverse.

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References:
McLoughlin, C, Oliver, R. (2000) Designing learning environments for cultural inclusivity: A case study
of indigenous online learning at tertiary level. Australian Journal of Educational Technology 16(1)
58-72.