# Training design - Cathy Moore

> Design training that matters. Tips and tools to help you save the worldfrom irrelevant training How-to articles Needs analysistoolkit Scenario designtoolkit How-to book Sample activities What do they need to


## Pages

- [13 Best LMS Options Compared: Leading Solutions for 2025](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/best-lms/)
- [The Role of the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Instructional Design - and Tips for Working with Them](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/subject-matter-expert-sme-in-instructional-design/)
- [How to Transition from Teacher to Instructional Designer: A Full Guide](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/transition-from-teacher-to-instructional-designer/)
- [Instructional Design Scope Creep: How to Push Back](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/instructional-design-scope-creep/)
- [How to Design Effective E-Learning Experiences on a Shoestring Budget](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/effective-e-learning-on-small-budget/)
- [Learner Personas in Instructional Design: Why You Need Them and How to Create Them](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/learner-personas-in-instructional-design/)
- [How to Choose the Right Scenario for Your Training Design](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/choose-scenario-for-training-design/)
- [How to Repurpose Instructor-Led Training Content for E-Learning](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/repurpose-instructor-led-training-for-e-learning/)
- [Simulations vs Scenarios: Differences and When to Use Them as an Instructional Designer](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/simulations-vs-scenarios/)
- [6 Ways Instructional Designers Can Prevent Cheating With AI](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/prevent-cheating-with-ai/)
- [What Is Backwards Design and How to Use It as an Instructional Designer](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/backwards-design/)
- [5 Psychological Phenomena All L&D Teams Should Know](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/psychological-phenomena-in-learning/)
- [Understanding Bloom's Taxonomy and Why You Need It for Instructional Design](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/blooms-taxonomy/)
- [How to Incorporate Personalized Learning Paths Into Training](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/personalized-learning-paths/)
- [What Is Cohort-Based Learning and When Should You Use It in Instructional Design](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/cohort-based-learning-instructional-design/)
- [10 Beginner Instructional Design Mistakes and What You Can Do About Them](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/instructional-design-mistakes/)
- [8 Effective E-Learning Assessment Strategies for Instructional Design](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/e-learning-assessment/)
- [8 Ways to Keep an Audience Engaged During Live Video Training](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/live-video-training-audience-engaged/)
- [What Is Situated Learning and Why Is It Important?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/situated-learning/)
- [Events](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/events/)
- [How Social Learning Theory Aids Instructional Design](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/social-learning-theory-in-instructional-design/)
- [The Role of a Skills Matrix in Instructional Design (and How to Create One)](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/skills-matrix-in-instructional-design/)
- [Why Instructional Designers Should Allow Learners to Fail](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/allow-learners-to-fail/)
- [Why Learning Experience Platforms (LXP) Will Replace LMS](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/learning-experience-platforms-lxp-replace-lms/)
- [Measuring ROI in Training: Tools and Techniques for Instructional Designers](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/measuring-roi-in-training/)
- [4 Key Principles for Creating Engaging Multimedia Content for Learning](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/principles-for-creating-multimedia-content-for-learning/)
- [How to Conduct a Training Needs Analysis the Right Way](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/conduct-a-training-needs-analysis-tna/)
- [Microlearning in Instructional Design: Strategies for Short, Impactful Training](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/microlearning-in-instructional-design/)
- [The Role of Gamification in Instructional Design](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/gamification-in-instructional-design/)
- [8 Learning and Development Certifications Worth Looking Into as an ID](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/learning-and-development-certifications/)
- [10 Best Online Quiz Makers & Test Creators for Instructional Designers](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/online-quiz-makers-for-instructional-designers/)
- [25 Instructional Design Job Interview Questions and Answers (Plus a Checklist)](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/instructional-design-job-interview-questions/)
- [5 Common Action Mapping Mistakes and How to Fix Them](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/action-mapping-mistakes/)
- [10 Best Instructional Design Master's Degree Programs In 2025](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/instructional-design-masters-degree-programs/)
- [What Is a Learning and Development Specialist? Job Description & Responsibilities](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/learning-and-development-specialist/)
- [Is Cognitive Overload Ruining Your Employee Training?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/cognitive-overload/)
- [What Is Adaptive Learning? Ultimate Guide With Examples](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/adaptive-learning/)
- [5 Key Elearning Trends for 2025 and Beyond](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/elearning-trends/)
- [7 Characteristics of Adult Learners and How to Optimize Learning Outcomes](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/characteristics-of-adult-learners/)
- [5 Disadvantages of Blended Learning That Educators and Students Should Know](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/disadvantages-of-blended-learning/)
- [What Is Virtual Learning, and How Does It Work? Plus, an Implementation Checklist](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/virtual-learning/)
- [Best AI Tools for Instructional Designers](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/ai-tools-for-instructional-designers/)
- [What is Cognitive Learning Theory (CLT)?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/cognitive-learning-theory-clt/)
- [How to Build a Personal Brand in Instructional Design](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/build-a-personal-brand-in-instructional-design/)
- [What Is the Kirkpatrick Model and How to Use It in Instructional Design?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/what-is-the-kirkpatrick-model/)
- [What Is Train the Trainer? And Its Significance in L&D](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/what-is-train-the-trainer/)
- [What Is Learning Experience Design? And 5 Key Principles to Know](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/what-is-learning-experience-design/)
- [6 Creative Ideas for Designing Learning Experiences (Borrowed From Copywriting)](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/designing-learning-experiences/)
- [The Story of Action Mapping and Its Creation by Cathy Moore](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/action-mapping-creation-by-cathy-moore/)
- [10 Best Jobs for Former Teachers in Related and Profitable Fields](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/best-jobs-for-former-teachers/)
- [What Are the Best Corporate Training Courses to Build Soft Skills as an Instructional Designer?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/best-corporate-training-courses/)
- [How to Start an Online Coaching Business in Instructional Design](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-start-an-online-coaching-business-in-instructional-design/)
- [Instructional Design Conferences Not to Miss in 2026](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/instructional-design-conferences/)
- [Instructional Designer Salary Stats for 2024](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/instructional-designer-salary/)
- [How to Create a Storyboard for Instructional Design (+ Free Template)](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-create-storyboard-for-instructional-design/)
- [How to Create Your Instructional Design Portfolio](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/instructional-design-portfolio/)
- [What Is an Instructional Designer? All You Should to Know](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/what-is-an-instructional-designer/)
- [8 Must-Track LMS Reports to Improve Your Training Fast](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/lms-reports/)
- [Accessible Learning: 10 Ways to Create a Better Learning Experience](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/accessible-learning/)
- [6 Popular Instructional Design Models Every Pro Should Know](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/popular-instructional-design-models/)
- [10 Best Learning and Development Books for 2025](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/best-learning-and-development-books/)
- [3 Alternatives to ADDIE That You Should Consider](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/alternatives-to-addie/)
- [What Is the ADDIE Model? Explained for Beginners](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/what-is-the-addie-model/)
- [5 Best Instructional Design Courses and What Makes Them Good](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/best-instructional-design-courses/)
- [5 Best Instructional Design Books You Should Read This Year](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/best-instructional-design-books/)
- [Sitemap](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/sitemap/)
- [Scenario example: Learning Zeko](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/scenario-based-training-headquarters/scenario-example-learning-zeko/)
- [Will training help?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/will-training-help/)
- [Toolkit: Scenario design](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-design-scenario-based-training/)
- [AutoLoon ethics training](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/scenario-based-training-headquarters/autoloon-ethics-training/)
- [Courses](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/train-the-trainer-courses/)
- [How to write training scenarios - style tips](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/training-design-toolkits/scenario-design-style-tips/)
- [Branching scenario example: Practice the handoff conversation](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/scenario-based-training-headquarters/scenario-example-practice-the-handoff-conversation/)
- [12 scenario-based training examples](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/scenario-based-training-headquarters/scenario-examples/)
- [Contact](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/contact-cathy-moore/)
- [Blog](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/blog/)
- [Home](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/)
- [Toolkit: Partner from the start](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/toolkit-partner-from-the-start/)
- [Terms and conditions](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/terms-and-conditions/)
- [Action mapping competencies](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/action-mapping/action-mapping-competencies/)
- [Privacy policy](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/privacy-notice/)
- [Audio and video about action mapping](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/action-mapping/audio-interviews-about-action-mapping/)
- [Start here](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/start-here/)
- [Job aids and worksheets for Map It readers](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/book-map-it/downloads-for-map-it-readers/)
- [Sample activities for Map It](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/book-map-it/sample-activities-for-map-it/)
- [Will action mapping work for my project?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/action-mapping/will-action-mapping-work-for-my-project/)
- [What is Twine?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/what-is-twine/)
- [Scenario-Based Learning 101: Examples & Tips](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/scenario-based-training-headquarters/)
- [Frequently Asked Questions About Instructional Design Careers](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/career-faqs/)
- [Action mapping headquarters](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/action-mapping/)
- [Action Mapping FAQs: All Your Action Mapping Questions Answered](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/action-mapping/action-mapping-faqs/)
- [Map It! resources](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/book-resources/)
- [Action mapping workflow at a glance](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/action-mapping-workflow-at-a-glance/)
- [Map It: The action mapping book](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/book-map-it/)
- [Scenario design (Learning Technologies anti-handout)](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/learning-technologies-anti-handout-scenario-design/)
- [Action mapping on one page](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/online-learning-conference-anti-handout/)
- [Action mapping: A visual approach to training design](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/action-mapping-a-visual-approach-to-training-design/)
- [Store: Books and how-to information](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/books-and-how-to-information/)
- [How to Become an Instructional Designer in 2025](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-become-an-instructional-designer/)
- [Our job is to design an experience](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/design-experiences-not-information/)
- [About Cathy Moore](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/about/)


## Posts

- [Is training really the answer? Ask the flowchart.](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/is-training-really-the-answer-ask-the-flowchart/)
- [How to handle the handoff conversation](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/handoff-to-needs-analysis/)
- [7 things to check before you design training](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/7-things-to-check-before-you-design-training/)
- ["Show, don't tell" -- How do you do it?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/show-dont-tell-how-do-you-do-it/)
- [How to quickly find the cause of a performance problem](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-quickly-find-the-cause-of-a-performance-problem/)
- [3 classic tips for writing training scenarios](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/3-scenario-design-tips-you-might-have-missed/)
- [5 new scenario-based training examples to inspire you](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/new-scenario-examples-to-inspire-you/)
- [Save your clients from themselves](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/save-your-clients-from-themselves/)
- [Burn your training request form](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/burn-your-training-request-form/)
- [Learning objectives: Our frenemy](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/learning-objectives-our-frenemy/)
- ["It's new, so everyone needs training on it." Nope.](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/its-new-so-everyone-needs-training-on-it-nope/)
- [How to make mandatory training relevant](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-make-mandatory-training-relevant/)
- [Two examples of interactive job aids](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/two-interactive-job-aids-made-with-twine/)
- [3 branching scenario examples to give you ideas](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/3-cool-ideas-to-steal-for-your-training-scenarios/)
- [2 types of elearning scenarios: branching and mini](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/do-you-need-a-branching-scenario-or-a-mini-scenario/)
- [Mini-scenarios: How to help people recover from mistakes](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/mini-scenarios-how-to-help-people-recover-from-mistakes/)
- [3 ways to help people learn from mistakes in branching scenarios](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/3-ways-to-help-people-learn-from-mistakes-in-branching-scenarios/)
- [4-step process for writing scenarios for training](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/scenario-design-the-process/)
- [How to design software training, part 2: Practice activities](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-design-software-training-part-2-practice-activities/)
- [How to design software training, part 1: Do everything except "train"](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-design-software-training-part-1-do-everything-except-train/)
- [Can we use scenarios to teach concepts?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/can-we-use-scenarios-to-teach-concepts/)
- [Action mapping book now available](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/action-mapping-book-now-available/)
- [How to get everyone to write like Ernest Hemingway](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-get-everyone-to-write-like-ernest-hemingway/)
- [How to respond to "Make one course for everyone"](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-respond-to-make-one-course-for-everyone/)
- [How to really involve learners](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-really-involve-learners/)
- [What's the real cost of eye candy?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/whats-the-real-cost-of-eye-candy/)
- [5 ways to become an L&D hero](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/5-ways-to-become-an-ld-hero-in-2017/)
- [7 ways to make dialog sound natural in your training scenario](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/7-ways-to-make-dialog-sound-natural/)
- [Elearning scenario example: Chainsaw training!](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/scenario-example-chainsaw-training/)
- [Scenario mistakes to avoid #2: "Eat! Eat! You need to eat!"](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/scenario-mistakes-to-avoid-2-eat-eat-you-need-to-eat/)
- [Scenario mistakes to avoid #1: Eager-beaver feedback](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/scenario-mistakes-to-avoid-1-eager-feedback/)
- [Let me tell you everything you need to know! Or not.](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/let-me-tell-you-everything-you-need-to-know-or-not/)
- [Do you work in a course factory? Do you care?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/do-you-work-in-a-course-factory-do-you-care/)
- [Field guide to action-mapped materials](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/field-guide-to-action-mapped-materials/)
- [3 quick tips for strong scenarios](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/3-quick-tips-for-strong-scenarios/)
- [Myths vs. Facts: Navigating the Debate on Learning Styles](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-respond-to-learning-style-believers/)
- [How goals affect training design](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-goals-affect-training-design/)
- [Write a strong goal: Sell it to Scrooge](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/write-a-strong-goal-sell-it-to-scrooge/)
- [How to be a learning mythbuster](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-be-an-ld-mythbuster/)
- [3 ways to save gobs of time when designing training](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/3-ways-to-save-gobs-of-time-when-designing-training/)
- [Is it ever okay to be a control freak?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/is-it-ever-okay-to-be-a-control-freak/)
- [Makeover: How to write challenging scenario questions](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/makeover-how-to-write-challenging-scenario-questions/)
- [Jettison the genies and let learners think](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/jettison-the-genies-and-let-learners-think/)
- [5 quick ways to pull learners into a course](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/5-attention-grabbing-ways-to-start-a-course/)
- [Branching scenarios: How many decision points?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/branching-scenarios-how-many-decision-points/)
- [How to kick off a project and avoid an info dump](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-kick-off-a-project-and-avoid-an-info-dump/)
- [Tips for webinars or virtual training](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/tips-for-webinars-or-virtual-training/)
- [How to create a training goal in 2 quick steps](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-create-a-training-goal-in-2-quick-steps/)
- [4 ideas you should steal from interactive fiction](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/4-ideas-you-should-steal-from-interactive-fiction/)
- [12 ways to use training scenarios - not just for elearning!](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/12-cool-ways-to-use-scenarios/)
- [Throw them in the deep end! (but keep a life preserver handy)](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/throw-them-in-the-deep-end-but-keep-a-life-preserver-handy/)
- ["Learning should be fun!" But what's "fun?"](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/learning-should-be-fun-oh-really/)
- [Why you want to put the activity first](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/why-you-want-to-put-the-activity-first/)
- [3 powerful ideas you should steal from marketing](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/3-powerful-ideas-you-should-steal-from-marketing/)
- [4 reasons to use a branching scenario](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/when-do-you-need-a-branching-scenario/)
- [Three simple but powerful ways to get love from your leaders](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/three-simple-but-powerful-ways-to-get-love-from-your-leaders/)
- [Learning & development people unite!](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/learning-development-people-unite/)
- [Example of a realistic activity: Set up the laptop](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/example-of-a-realistic-activity-set-up-the-laptop/)
- [Can we use training to motivate?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/can-we-use-training-to-motivate-2/)
- [Feedback in elearning scenarios: Let them think!](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/feedback-in-scenarios-let-them-think/)
- [What to do if they just want "awareness"](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/what-to-do-if-they-just-want-awareness/)
- [How to rewrite a quiz question as scenario-based training](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/scenarios-what-are-they-good-for/)
- [How action mapping can change your design process](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-action-mapping-can-change-your-design-process/)
- [Are learners idiots?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/are-learners-idiots/)
- [Elearning scenario example: Have learners use the job aid](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-create-a-memorable-mini-scenario/)
- [Do they just know it, or can they USE it?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/do-they-just-know-it-or-can-they-use-it/)
- [Are instructional designers doormats?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/are-instructional-designers-doormats/)
- [Technical training: What do they need to DO?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/technical-training-what-do-they-need-to-do/)
- [Checklist for strong learning design](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/checklist-for-strong-elearning/)
- [Scenarios: the good, the bad, and the preachy](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/scenarios-the-good-the-bad-and-the-preachy/)
- [Learning styles: Worth our time?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/learning-styles-worth-our-time/)
- [Do we really need narration?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/do-we-really-need-narration/)
- [Why you need to set limits](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/why-you-need-to-set-limits/)
- [The big mistake in elearning](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/the-big-mistake-in-elearning/)
- [Scenario based training example: Connect with Haji Kamal](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/elearning-example-branching-scenario/)
- [How to convert the toughest SME](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-convert-the-toughest-sme/)
- [Why you want to use scenarios in your elearning](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/why-you-want-to-use-scenarios-in-your-elearning/)
- [How to steer your client away from an information dump](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-steer-your-client-away-from-an-information-dump/)
- [Why you want to focus on actions, not learning objectives](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/why-you-want-to-focus-on-actions-not-learning-objectives/)
- [Four ways to move your learners from clueless to confident](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/four-ways-to-move-your-learners-from-clueless-to-confident/)
- [Less text, more learning](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/less-text-more-learning/)
- [Why you do not want to sound like a robot](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/why-you-do-not-want-to-sound-like-a-robot/)
- [How to add emotional impact with evocative images](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-add-emotional-impact-with-evocative-images/)
- [Be an elearning action hero!](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/be-an-elearning-action-hero/)
- [How to recognize elearning bloat](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-recognize-elearning-bloat/)
- [5 ways to make linear navigation more interesting](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/5-ways-to-make-linear-navigation-more-interesting/)
- [Makeover: Turn objectives into motivators](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/makeover-turn-objectives-into-motivators/)
- [Makeover: Teen body parts at risk!](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/makeover-teen-body-parts-at-risk/)
- [How to find good stock photos](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/how-to-find-good-stock-photos/)
- [Why do we create boring materials?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/why-do-we-create-boring-materials/)
- [Laugh, and your learners laugh with you. Maybe.](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/laugh-and-your-learners-laugh-with-you-maybe/)
- [Move over, stock photos. Poser's here.](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/move-over-stock-photos-posers-here/)
- [Can you answer these 6 questions about multiple-choice questions?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/can-you-answer-these-6-questions-about-multiple-choice-questions/)
- [Should we narrate on-screen text?](https://blog.cathy-moore.com/should-we-narrate-on-screen-text/)