Remove unnecessary time and effort in the elearning process
In the world of custom elearning, storyboards are often a necessary bridge between design and development. They show what a course will do, how it will flow, and why certain instructional choices have been made. But too often, reviewing them becomes a burden—especially for clients with limited time or limited exposure to learning design.
Good storyboards don’t start with a document—they start with shared clarity on scope. As designers, we can’t assume the client’s problem is fully scoped or the learning need is already defined. It’s up to us to ask the right questions and unearth what the solution should actually do.
When we do this well, most of the major design decisions happen before the storyboard takes shape. That includes:
- What the learning experience needs to achieve
- What success looks like in behavioural or performance terms
- Who the learners are and what context they’re in
- What constraints (time, tech, tone) need to be respected
When this front-end work is deliberate, the storyboard doesn’t have to carry the weight of the entire project. It becomes a playback—not a puzzle.
Design with the reviewer in mind
- Using plain language and everyday phrasing
- Structuring content screen-by-screen with clear headings
- Annotating interaction logic with simple explanations
- Avoiding design jargon unless we’re prepared to define it
We also need to think beyond the document itself. Sometimes, a static storyboard isn’t the best medium—especially for branching scenarios or motion-heavy sequences. If the concept is easier to understand with a sketch, a narrated walkthrough, or a prototype, then that’s what we should provide. It’s not about getting buy-in for the format. It’s about making the thinking behind the design easy to grasp.
Explain what kind of feedback is useful, then make it easy to give
Clients aren’t psychic, well, in most cases. If we expect them to focus on content flow and alignment to objectives, we need to say so. If certain visual or technical elements are placeholders, we need to flag that too.
Every storyboard we deliver should come with a tightly-scoped review brief. A few bullet points is often enough:
- This version is focused on content logic, tone and learning sequence
- Visuals are indicative only
- Use comments to flag anything that feels unclear, inaccurate or out of step with your expectation
- Consider offering a quick walkthrough session (or pre-recorded video with instructions). A live 20-minute call where you explain the structure, logic and feedback focus can save days of delay.
Reviews go faster when everyone feels confident they’re looking at the right things.
Expect feedback. Design for it.
One of the easiest ways to derail a review cycle is to treat the storyboard as final. It’s not. Nor should it be.
Clients will spot things you didn’t. Learners’ needs might shift. A subject matter expert might surface late. A strong design process anticipates this—and builds time, flexibility and goodwill into the rhythm of the project.
That’s why written tone in storyboards matters. Leave room for uncertainty where needed. Use phrases like “Proposed interaction” or “Placeholder script” where decisions are still open. The more transparent we are about what’s fixed versus flexible, the more helpful the feedback becomes.
Storyboards aren’t the solution. Just a step toward it
Storyboards are one tool in that process. What matters most is that they help confirm direction, surface risks, and build confidence. When they start to feel like a burden or a bottleneck, it’s a signal to designers that something needs to change.
Because it’s never the client’s job to untangle a messy storyboard. It’s ours to make it easy, relevant, and productive to review.
A final word
There’s no universal storyboard approach that suits every project. But one thing is clear: the instructional designer holds the key to making the review process work. It’s our job to lead it with structure, context, and flexibility—so our clients can stay focused on what they do best.
Let’s keep making the elearning process sharper, smarter, and easier—for everyone involved.
We’ve created a free downloadable Storyboard Review Checklist—a simple guide that helps clients use as a prompt for feedback. Adapt it to suit your own needs.
Need further support with your elearning project?
Our team are well-equipped to build and support your learning requirements. If you need further assistance creating accessible learning experiences, please contact us with your enquiry.
