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SUSAN DARCY
  • PORTFOLIO
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WHO I AM 
Designing and Problem-solving
on almost any level is what I enjoy and
what I am good at. It's how I engage in the world.
Form, function, aesthetics... these are the lenses I use
to assess, interpret, and build.
Whether I am creating a training, collaborating with stakeholders, 
​or launching a theatrical production,
​my attention is on three things at once:
the solution to a problem,
the ​experience of the people involved,
and the
 technical development of the design. 
I have lived many lives in this one life and have developed many skills.
​The common threads are people and problem-solving...and pastry.  
Picture

HOW I WORK

NEEDS ANALYSIS


​A Needs Analysis tells us a LOT. It can answer these questions:
  • Is a training even needed?
  • What are the highest priorities to focus on?
  • Which type of solution or modality is best?
  • What technology limitations can we expect that might shift our thinking about a solution?
I conduct a needs analysis through interviews (one-on-one and small group), observation, and maybe some questionnaires or other surveying tools (especially for large corporate audiences). I do this with different people and groups depending on how far-reaching the issue at-hand is and whose participation or role in the organization is relevant.  Usually, a needs analysis is indicated if there are human behaviors that are negatively impacting the bottom line. The results of the Needs Analysis are written out and given to the client in digital form
​and/or real-time presentation. 

DESIGN PROCESS


If the organization has gotten to the root of the issue it is dealing with, has conducted a Needs Analysis, and has determined that “a course” is the best solution, the Design process can be unleashed.
That looks like this:
1. Gathering all the available information for the project including:  source content, goals, target audience information,  desired delivery method (if that has been determined).
2. Meeting with SMEs, further identifying the goals and writing learning objectives, mapping the content to the objectives, finding any gaps and addressing them.
3. Writing a Design Document and getting it approved.
4. Writing a Storyboard and getting it approved. If an eLearning solution is the best modality to effectively address the issue, I begin designing the course in my head, on paper, and sometimes doing bits in the eLearning tool (i.e., Storyline, Rise, etc.) if I want to play with an idea or give the client a specific example of look-feel-flow. The design work is captured on a detailed Storyboard which goes through an approval process with the client. No nitty-gritty development work is attempted before the storyboard is approved.
5. Once the Storyboard is approved, the actual building of the course begins in the chosen development tool. The development phase of a course goes through three basic stages of revision:
Alpha (1st draft), Beta (2nd draft), and Gold (final draft).
6. If I am involved in the implementation and/or evaluation of the course (different organizations do things differently), I also have kept this mind throughout the design process. Evaluating the effectiveness of a course is key to being able to draw a line from the course to the behavior changes to the desired outcome. Monitoring this, following up with learners to hear their feedback, and being willing and able to make iterative changes to the project as the implementation phase rolls out is part of a well-planned process.​

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT


I take my professional development and continued learning seriously. I like to know about innovations and trends, new tools and new ideas out there. I make sure I take courses periodically to keep my edge. I do volunteer design and development projects for local groups I support, or people I admire. These projects let me experiment and play in the technology without worry or limits.  I belong to online groups that support and announce skills, tools, and opportunities in the industry. I browse through the Articulate 360 community, podcasts, TED talks, and other venues where experts, specialists, and all-around wicked-smart and generous people show their work or speak about 
​their experiences and ideas.
​​

CREDENTIALS & RESUME

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN SKILLS, TOOL, AND COMPETANCIES
These badges represent a minimum of 9 months of study and practical application. They were earned after completing training and receiving extensive coaching from ID professional coaches. Each badge required completion of a rigorous set of activities specific to the area of focus. 
RESUME HIGHLIGHTS
SUMMARY 
Resourceful, innovative, problem-solver. Skilled at conducting needs analysis to provide insight and clarity for organizational goal setting. Skilled at using adult learning principles to design and develop effective, engaging eLearning, virtual Instructor-Led Training (vILT), and Instructor-Led Training (ILT) solutions. 26 years of experience designing blended and ILT learning experiences. Focused on organizational goals, learner experience, and delivering a high-quality product. Energetic and personable, critical thinker who brings clarity, collaboration, 
and idea generation to each and every project.

TECHNICAL SKILLS
Articulate Storyline 360  |  Articulate Rise 360  |  Camtasia  | Well Said Labs
 Vyond  |  Canva  |  PowToon  |  Affinity  |  Microsoft Office Suite | Zoom
 
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
ADDIE  |  SAM  |  SWOT  |  Needs Analysis  |  Design Docs  |  Storyboarding  |  eLearning
vILT  |  ILT  |  Blended Learning  |  Micro-Learning  |  Job Aids/QRGs | Script Writing
 
EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
  • Conducted needs analysis in collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs) and stakeholders to develop strategy for organizational restructuring and training of employees.
  • Converted ILT courses to vILT to meet learner needs and increase options for assessment and access.
  • Analyzed results of needs analysis to determine and propose a range of eLearning, ILT, and blended learning options to address learning gaps, increase learner content options, and reduce costs for program development and sustainability.
  • Collaborated with SMEs to design and develop effective blended learning trainings for adult learners.
  • Identified learning problems and applied adult learning principles to create solutions in eLearning, vILT, ILT, micro learning, and blended learning for diverse audiences.
  • Designed and developed publications and job aids using visual design and company informational priorities.
  • Managed complex projects to sort, categorize, and sequence program content, explain standards of practice, and deliver comprehensive written materials and auxiliary adult trainings.
  • Assessed learning gaps and goals to design optimum learning program for diverse learners.
  • Sourced content options for design and development of eLearning, ILT, and vILT courses in different industries.
PROFESSIONAL WORK HISTORY   
June 2015-(current)   School on The Rise
Co-Owner/Instructor/Curriculum Developer
Austin, Texas. 

March 2009-May 2019 Threefold Consultancy
Trainer/Consultant Domestic and International
Austin, Texas.

July 2008-June 2014 Austin Waldorf School
Administrator
July 1996-June 2008 
​Teacher
Austin, Texas                  
EDUCATION
Applied Instructional Design Academy (AIDA)
Learning Strategy and Design

BA Education
BA Organizational Development
University of Arizona Global Campus
Chandler, AZ. (formerly Ashford University) 
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  • PORTFOLIO
    • eLearning
    • Instructional Design
    • ID Sample #1 >
      • ID Sample #2
      • ID Sample #3
      • ID Sample #4
    • Video
    • Publications
    • Microlearning
    • vILT
  • ABOUT ME
  • Contact