Role: Instructional Designer
Focus: Accessibility, usability testing, public-facing systems
Tools: Google Sites, Figma, ADDIE framework
Timeline: February – April 2026
Team project: Completed collaboratively as part of an instructional design course
The Challenge
The original Lunch & Learn sessions led by Elder Roy Bear Chief were delivered through live presentations and slide decks. While participants found the sessions valuable, the materials were difficult to use independently outside of the facilitated environment. Learners who missed the sessions had limited access to the content, and attendees lacked opportunities for continued review and practice.
Our team's goal was to transform the existing content into a more accessible and engaging digital learning experience while preserving the integrity of the original material.
Research & Analysis
We reviewed the existing slide decks and identified challenges that would emerge when transitioning from a live presentation format to an asynchronous learning environment. Because users would no longer have a facilitator guiding them through pronunciation and conversation exercises, the experience needed stronger instructional sequencing and clearer interaction patterns.
The target audience included adult learners with varying familiarity with Indigenous languages and cultural context, ranging from complete beginners to users revisiting content after attending a Lunch & Learn session.
Instructional Design Framework
The project was structured using the ADDIE instructional design framework:
Assess: Defined learner needs and learning goals
Design: Planned interactive and conversational learning activities
Develop: Built scalable module structures within Google Sites
Implement: Designed the modules for both standalone and facilitated use
Evaluate: Planned low-stakes assessments and participant feedback opportunities
Design Decisions
Modular Learning Structure:
To improve comprehension and reduce cognitive overload, content was divided into smaller themed modules with progressive learning sequences.
Topics included:
• Pronunciation
• Vocabulary
• Translation
• Conversational phrases
• Partner activities
Considerations
Designing for an Unfamiliar Language
Because our team was not fluent in Blackfoot, maintaining linguistic and cultural accuracy was critical. We needed to preserve the integrity of the original materials while designing a more interactive experience.
Working Within Platform Constraints
Google Sites introduced limitations around interactivity and customization, requiring careful planning to balance engagement, accessibility, and technical feasibility.
Outcome
The final concept transformed static presentation materials into a more accessible, learner-centred resource that could support both independent study and future Lunch & Learn sessions.