dwalker

Careful design is not extra. It’s essential for effective microlearning. Microlearning is everywhere. It is quick. It is efficient. It promises to meet people where they are. But even small learning moments can have a big impact, for better or worse. When we approach microlearning through a trauma informed lens, we bring care and awareness into the design process. We ask not just what content needs to be shared, but how that content will land for the learner. Why Trauma-Informed Principles Matter in Small Learning Moments It is easy to assume that because microlearning is short, it is automatically light… Read More »Designing with Care: Trauma-Informed Microlearning

Learning happens best in spaces where people feel seen, heard, and safe. Adult learners carry their whole lives with them into educational spaces. Some carry joy, curiosity, and excitement. But many also bring experiences of trauma, whether from personal struggles, systemic injustices, or difficult workplaces. As instructional designers, we can’t control what learners have been through, but we can control how they experience our courses. That’s where trauma-informed design comes in. A Framework of Care Trauma-informed instructional design is about creating learning environments that feel safe, respectful, and supportive. It’s not about making things easy or avoiding hard topics. It’s… Read More »Why Trauma-Informed Design Matters in Adult Learning

Trauma-informed learning design is about more than softening language or avoiding difficult topics. It’s about creating learning experiences that honor psychological safety, build trust, and reduce cognitive overload. From supporting adult learners with lived experience to collaborating with SMEs to avoid harm, these design choices can transform how learning feels and how well it works.

If you asked a random group of people which careers require strong interpersonal skills and empathy, I doubt instructional design would make the list. Top answers might include therapist, nurse, or minister. But I believe instructional designers belong on that list.