{"id":4855,"date":"2025-03-14T00:23:16","date_gmt":"2025-03-14T00:23:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veethompson.com\/?p=4855"},"modified":"2025-07-26T17:21:25","modified_gmt":"2025-07-26T17:21:25","slug":"how-i-map-my-way-through-instructional-design-and-why-you-should-too","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veethompson.com\/?p=4855","title":{"rendered":"Design Like You Mean It: Action Mapping 101"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most folks think instructional design is about making courses. And sure, sometimes it is. But the real magic? It\u2019s not in the slide decks or quiz questions; it\u2019s in solving actual business problems. That\u2019s where Action Mapping<\/strong> comes in and yes, it\u2019s as purposeful as it sounds.<\/p>\n

So let me introduce you to my not-so-secret weapon in the design world: Action Mapping, created by the brilliant Cathy Moore<\/strong><\/a>. If you\u2019ve ever sat through a soul-crushing compliance training and thought, \u201cThere has to be a better way,\u201d<\/strong><\/em> well this is it.<\/p>\n

\"Illustration

Illustration of an office glass wall covered in colorful notes and documents (Midjourney, 2025).<\/p><\/div>\n

What Is Action Mapping?<\/h2>\n

At its core, Action Mapping flips the script. Instead of asking \u201cWhat do people need to know?\u201d<\/strong><\/em> it asks the much bolder question: \u201cWhat do people need to do?\u201d<\/strong><\/em> And that little shift? Game-changer.<\/p>\n

You see, Cathy Moore didn\u2019t just write a book (go snag Map It<\/em> <\/strong><\/a>if you’re curious), she sparked a movement. One where instructional designers stop building glorified PowerPoints and start designing solutions that move the needle.<\/p>\n

Rule #1: Don\u2019t Say \u201cCourse\u201d (Yet)<\/h3>\n

When a stakeholder comes to you begging for a training, \u201cWe need a course on customer service,\u201d<\/strong><\/em> take a breath. Smile, and don\u2019t say yes.<\/p>\n

Instead, say something like, \u201cHappy to help! But first, can we chat about the actual issue you’re seeing?\u201d<\/strong><\/em> Because here\u2019s the truth: most of the time, a 30-minute course isn\u2019t going to change behavior. It\u2019s just going to check a box.<\/p>\n

The real win? Getting everyone to the table for a kickoff meeting and digging into what\u2019s actually going on.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s Talk Kickoff<\/h3>\n

This isn\u2019t just any meeting. It\u2019s your chance to gather the people who know the problem best: the stakeholder who\u2019s losing sleep over it and the SMEs (subject matter experts) who live it every day.<\/p>\n

Together, you\u2019ll do three things:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Define the business goal.<\/li>\n
  2. List what people need to do<\/em> <\/strong>to reach that goal.<\/li>\n
  3. Ask the hard question, “Why aren\u2019t they already doing it?”<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Business Goal, But Make It Snappy<\/h3>\n

    Cathy gives us a formula, and I have to say it slaps:<\/p>\n

    \n

    “A measure we already use will improve by X% by 2026, as [group] does [specific action].”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n

    “Customer satisfaction will increase by 20% by June 1 as reps use the empathy framework.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Simple, right? Measurable, actionable, and sharp enough to stick on a whiteboard.<\/p>\n

    Build the Map<\/h3>\n

    Now comes the fun part: mapping. Picture a visual spiderweb. In the center? That business goal. Branching out? All the behaviors people need to perform to hit that goal.<\/p>\n

    No fluff. No \u201cunderstand the importance of empathy.\u201d<\/strong><\/em> We want verbs, baby. \u201cUse the customer\u2019s name.\u201d \u201cDocument the issue in bullet points.\u201d \u201cAcknowledge frustration, without guessing the emotion.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

    Tools like MindMeister<\/a>, Miro<\/a>, and LucidSpark<\/a> help, but paper napkins work in a pinch. The point is visibility. Everyone sees it. Everyone contributes. Everyone buys in.<\/p>\n

    Prioritize Like a Pro<\/h3>\n

    Not every action matters equally. Ask:<\/p>\n