Needs Analysis

Initial interviews revealed that DLD's were making delivery mode decisions based primarily on familiarity and available technology, rather than strategic analysis of learner needs, organisational constraints, and learning objectives. Many participants reported feeling overwhelmed by the increasing number of delivery options (synchronous, asynchronous, blended, hybrid, HyFlex) without clear criteria for selection. The analysis identified three key gaps:

• Knowledge Gap: Inconsistent understanding of delivery mode terminology and characteristics

• Skills Gap: Lack of systematic evaluation frameworks for delivery mode selection

• Application Gap: Difficulty translating theoretical knowledge into practical workplace implementation

Designing the Learning Experience

Process Overview: The course was designed using a strategic learner journey mapping approach, utilising a n8n.io workflow, designed by myself to go from blank canvas in minutes to a working prototype.

I find this type of Agent provides a sheer amount of value because once effective prompts are curated and produce 'goo' starting points, the time clawed back is tremendous. It's not a silver bullet, yet it provides great value with the speed.

This tool helps me visualise the learning experience, find potential pain points, and progress from foundational knowledge through to practical application. The starting point was then adapted based on the focus groups, who had expressed a lack of practical application and worked examples whenchoosing delivery modes in their roles.

Design Methodology: Using my custom n8n.io learner journey mapper, 

I first mapped four distinct phases:

1. Foundation Building - Terminology mastery and concept clarity

2. Analysis & Evaluation - Systematic assessment skills development

3. Design & Integration - Creative application of blended learning principles

4. Strategic Implementation - Personal framework development and workplace application

Challenge 1: Diverse Experience Levels ranged from new L&D coordinators to experienced training managers, creating a large variation in baseline knowledge.

Solution: The learner journey mapping included different pathways using the n8n.io mapper to provide additional foundational resources for beginners while offering an advanced challenge for experienced practitioners.

Challenge 2: Participants came from different contexts (corporate, non-profit, government, education), making it difficult to create universally relevant examples.

Solution: Developed a flexible framework approach where core principles remained consistent but application examples could be customised to organisational context through the learner journey mapper's branching logic.

The delivery modes course has been launched with the first cohort of DLD apprentices. Participants have completed the initial foundation phase and are currently progressing through the analysis and evaluation components of the programme.

Interim Progress Indicators:

• 100% completion rate for Phase 1 terminology assessments.

Concurrent Data Collection: During the ongoing collection of programme results, learners are applying their newly acquired frameworks in live workplace scenarios. This application is providing insights into the effectiveness of the delivery mode selection tools solution and is informing iterative improvements to the course design.