Designing Engaging Experiences with a Cinematic Touch
My movie obsession makes me a better Learning Experience Designer 🎬
I’m a self-proclaimed movie buff. And while some might see it as just a hobby, I believe my movie obsession has actually made me a better learning experience designer.
Let me explain.
Think about your favourite movies. They pull you in, make you feel something, and stay with you long after the credits roll. What if we could create learning experiences that had the same effect? It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. Let’s explore how we can borrow elements from successful films to design learning that truly resonates.
🪝 The Hook: Crafting a Captivating Title and Introduction
Just like a movie needs a catchy title and a gripping trailer to draw you in, a learning experience needs a strong first impression. A compelling title and an engaging opening activity set the stage for what’s to come. Think of it as the movie poster and the opening scene - they pique curiosity and make you want to know more.
A title like “Unleash Your Inner Superhero: Mastering Presentation Skills” is far more intriguing than “Presentation Skills 101.”
An opening activity that involves a personal reflection or a thought-provoking question can spark curiosity and establish relevance to learners’ lives.
📒 The Structure: Building a Compelling Narrative Arc
A great film takes you on a journey. It has a beginning, middle, and end, each serving a specific purpose. Similarly, a well-structured learning experience should have a clear narrative arc that keeps learners engaged and invested.
Act 1: The Setup:
Establish the context and set the stage for the learning journey.
Introduce the characters - the learners, facilitators, and even the subject matter itself.
Create a sense of anticipation and excitement for what’s to come.
Act 2: Confrontation & Rising Action:
Present challenges, obstacles, or problems that learners need to overcome.
Engage them in activities that test their knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities.
Gradually increase the complexity and stakes to keep them motivated and invested.
Act 3: Resolution & Climax:
Provide opportunities for learners to reflect on their journey and synthesize their learning.
Celebrate their accomplishments and provide a sense of closure.
Leave them with a feeling of inspiration and a desire to continue learning.
💛 The Story: Weaving a Tapestry of Emotions
Stories are powerful. They connect us, move us, and make us remember. Incorporating narratives, case studies, and real-world examples into your learning experiences can make them more relatable, memorable, and emotionally resonant.
Think of your learners as the audience and your subject matter as the plot. How can you craft a story that will keep them engaged and invested?
Take your learners on an emotional journey: start with curiosity, build excitement through challenges, and end with a sense of accomplishment and even a touch of nostalgia.
😮 The Reveal: Unfolding the Learning Journey
A good film doesn’t reveal everything at once. It keeps you guessing, unfolding the story bit by bit, building suspense and intrigue along the way. Similarly, learning experiences should incorporate a sense of discovery and gradual reveal.
Don’t overload learners with information upfront. Instead, provide just enough to pique their interest and then gradually reveal more as they progress.
Incorporate elements of surprise, challenge, and problem-solving to keep learners engaged and motivated.
Use scaffolding techniques to support learners as they tackle increasingly complex concepts and tasks.
🌰 In a Nutshell
Learning experiences can be so much more than just information transfer. By borrowing elements from successful films - storytelling, emotional engagement, narrative arcs, and a sense of reveal - we can create learning that is not only informative but also captivating and transformative.
So, the next time you’re designing a learning experience, ask yourself: How can I make this feel more like a great film? How can I capture my learners’ attention, evoke their emotions, and leave a lasting impression?