Training Industry Magazine - Content Development 2017 Special Edition - 3

PERSPECTIVES ON
CONTENT DEVELOPMENT
- K E N TAY LO R

BEFORE YOU
INVEST IN BUILDING
THE "THING," IT
DESERVES THE
THOUGHTFUL
ANALYSIS ON WHAT
YOU'RE TRYING TO
ACCOMPLISH.

One of the most interesting segments of
corporate learning is the custom program
or content development space. At Training
Industry, we monitor this segment to
understand several key elements of
the everchanging corporate learning
space. This is the segment where we
see new programs combining the latest
innovations as they are applied to new
learning initiatives. This is also where we
see the latest thinking in concepts around
the use of technology, length and makeup of programs, the evolving role of the
instructor, and most importantly, the state
of connection between business impact
and the introduction of these programs.
In this segment of the market, it's tempting
to focus solely on the shiny things or the
latest "gamified microlearning in the cloud."
While they may be excellent strategies for
your program, we must be mindful to wait
until we collect and understand the goals of
the program and how to measure its impact
on the business. Before you invest in building
the"thing,"it deserves the thoughtful analysis
on what you're trying to accomplish. If we
are razor focused on the intended outcome
from the training, then we can integrate
triggers for our measurement on the impact
into the program. This little change can
provide you with the data needed to justify
the investment in the program, but also
establish the kind of dialogue and credibility
with your internal customers that you will
need for the next "investment discussion."

At Training Industry, we have been
publishing the findings of our annual
review of the top companies in custom
content development for more than six
years now, with our 2016 Top 20 Content
Development Companies list publishing
in May. These companies are selected
based on a thorough review of a detailed
submission they make to our selection
committee. One of the key areas of focus
in that review is innovation. This edition of
Training Industry Magazine is a collection
of perspectives from these top companies
on what to consider when developing your
next program or learning initiative.
This issue covers concepts from designing
performer-centric learning systems to
considerations for a mobile learning
experience. We hope you will use this
magazine to uncover a few ideas that can
change or reinforce your thinking with
regards to your content development
initiatives. The quality of the perspectives
shared in this issue should provide you
with some direction that will make a
lasting impact on the performance of
your company.
As always, we would love to hear your
thoughts on the point of views shared in
the magazine.
Ken Taylor is editor in chief of Training Industry
Magazine and president of Training Industry,
Inc. Email Ken.

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