Rise360 Course Development Patterns

Patterns and best practices observed across Rise360 course development engagements, covering tone, content editing, resource organization, and project rhythm. Evidence drawn from ^[1] new hire onboarding project.

Tone & Voice

Internal vs. External Audience

The appropriate pronoun register depends on who the course is for:

• Internal audiences (employees, new hires): Use inclusive "we/us" language when discussing company initiatives, mission, and strategic direction. This reinforces belonging and shared ownership.
• External-facing content: "You" or role-specific language may be appropriate.

"When we're talking about agility and what the company does, I think that's more of an us or we type thing because this is an internal [course] and these are only employees, new employees."
— Gus Donelson, Agility Recovery

Role-Specific References in All-Audience Courses

When a course is taken by all new hires (not just one department), avoid directing role-specific language at the learner as if they hold that role. Instead, refer to the role in third person.

Example:
- ❌ "...allowing you to spend more time closing deals and less time cold prospecting."
- ✅ "...allowing salespeople to spend more time closing deals."

Rationale: The learner may not be in sales. Framing it in third person keeps the content accurate and inclusive without losing the informational value.

Accuracy Over Completeness

Remove claims that are factually inaccurate for the organization, even if they sound good. In the Agility Recovery case, "less time cold prospecting" was cut because the sales team still cold prospects — including it would have undermined credibility.

Interpreting Client Feedback

AI-Assisted Edits Are Suggestions, Not Directives

Clients may use AI tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot) to generate alternative phrasing as they review content. These outputs often appear as lengthy comment rewrites that closely mirror the original. Treat these as:

• Signals about tone direction (e.g., soften definitive language)
• Optional elaborations, not mandatory replacements
• Starting points for discussion, not final copy

When in doubt, schedule a sync to clarify intent before implementing wholesale rewrites.

Contradictory Comments

Clients reviewing long courses may contradict themselves across modules (forgetting earlier decisions). Establish a clear tie-breaker rule upfront:

"If my comments contradict, go with what I did earlier."

Document the agreed-upon defaults (e.g., "we/us voice throughout") so they can be referenced when conflicts arise.

Content Resources & Asset Organization

SharePoint / Training Folder Structure

For clients using SharePoint as a training repository, key resource locations to identify early:

Folder naming can be inconsistent — confirm exact paths with the client contact and request direct links where possible.

Key Product Reference Files

Identify and locate product comparison or overview documents early in the project — these are often the most useful single resources for product modules. For Agility Recovery, the MRC vs. MRU file (located in Training > Product) was identified as the primary reference for the product module.

Images & Visuals

A practical hierarchy for sourcing images in Rise360 courses:

1. Existing PowerPoint decks — pull slides/images directly; fastest and already brand-aligned
2. Client photo libraries (e.g., Recovery Photos folder in SharePoint)
3. Web-sourced or AI-generated images — acceptable for generic headers and non-product visuals
4. Marketing-requested photos — reserve for specific product shots where accuracy matters; client can request from their marketing team

Images are generally lower priority than content accuracy and structure. Don't let asset gaps block module development.

Video & Interactive Content

"Sizzle" / Welcome Videos

Short welcome or role-introduction videos (typically 1–3 minutes) are a common component of new hire onboarding courses. Key production considerations:

• Virtual recording is sufficient — flying participants in is rarely justified for short-form internal content
• Record in a video call setting (Zoom, Teams, etc.) and apply light editing
• Seed participant outreach early; scheduling is often the longest lead-time item

Storyline Modules for Tool Click-Throughs

For courses that include software tool training (e.g., Salesforce, SalesLoft, ZoomInfo), Articulate Storyline is the preferred tool for building interactive click-through simulations. Rise360 alone is not sufficient for this use case.

• Storyline requires a dedicated resource — it is a distinct skill set from Rise360 authoring
• Identify the Storyline resource early and align their timeline with the broader course schedule
• Click-throughs are high value for onboarding: they let learners practice data entry and navigation in a safe environment

Project Rhythm & Timeline Management

Handling Client OOO Periods

When a client stakeholder is out of office, use the time for heads-down development rather than waiting. Establish a clear review date before they leave.

Pattern:
1. Confirm the client's return date and first available review window
2. Set development targets for the OOO period
3. Resume review cadence on their first full week back

Graphic Designer Follow-Up

Design asset delivery can lag behind content development. Build in a standing follow-up touchpoint (e.g., Monday check-in) to keep the design track moving in parallel with authoring.

Related

• ^[1]
• ^[2] (if created)
• ^[3] (if created)