Little Planet works on a daily basis with the giants of the instructional design field, such as learning theorist Dr. John Bransford.

We have seen several generations of instructional designers take John's work and reduce it to a series of well-meaning rules. Often, the resulting design feels lifeless and legalistic. The heart of the matter is lost.

While we know and appreciate the "rules," our approach to instructional design boils down to creating memorable learning experiences.

Most everyone remembers these sorts of learning experiences — where they came away feeling inspired, engaged, and grateful that they learned how to do something better that really matters.

Creating these sorts of learning experiences requires rigorous understanding of the learner, the curriculum, the community of learners, and assessment.

Learners today get most of their information through popular media such as television and movies. We often use the same toolkit that the entertainment industry uses to engage our learners in life-altering learning experiences.

Learners want to be challenged to use their own curiosity, instincts, and smarts to connect the dots and solve the challenges. They do not respond well to information dumps, in which screen after screen of information is presented in numbing detail. When information is presented in this fashion, learners tune out.