Blog | Step Away

Using game design for rapid business analysis

Games for learning are cool. But that is NOT why you should build them into your courses or communications events. More on that in other...

Stop Attending the Same Old L&D Conferences

It is exciting going to your first industry conference. There is so much to see, many sessions, and people to meet. It’s thrilling! You...

Why Instructional Designers Should Learn Visual Thinking

The five steps to problem-solving 101 are 1) define the problem, 2) determine the cause, 3) propose possible solutions, 4) select and...

How can Instructional Designers use Game Design Techniques?

Even if you have no plans to ever create serious games you can still use game design techniques to up your game. It does not have to be a...

Why L&D Professionals Should Know the History of Learning Games: Part I

The history of learning games seems like a weird or strange thing to know. But learning games have been around for decades helping...

Thinking about Creativity and Learning

Creativity is an interesting topic and one of the areas of focus of the Step Away! experience. While we are between events, here are...

Creativity Through Engagement

What do you get when you combine a handful of motivated would-be game designers, three “ancient instructors” and one-hour meetings every...

What Does Innovation Really Mean?

Instructional Designers are being asked to innovate by our organizations and our bosses. Yes, even before the pandemic, organizations...

Playing a Game Multiple Times Encourages Learning

The more you play a game, the better it is as a tool for learning. Several research studies have found that providing unlimited access to...

Know a Good Game Mechanic?

What do you do when your game is broken? Check your game mechanics. How can learning professionals find a good game mechanic and apply it...

Which Came First: Inspiration or Creativity?

“I’m inspired!” Have you ever spoken those words? I think we all have at some point in our lives. “That’s creative!” Have you ever spoken...

Navigating the Creative Process

What is the creative process? Well, years ago before I wrote my first book I’d tell you that you need to be sitting around waiting and...

EVERYONE IN L&D SHOULD STUDY GAME DESIGN

I fervently believe that everyone in the learning industry should study game design. No matter if you design training, develop training,...