The BIFF Method.
An interactive learning prototype that helped faculty evaluate a new instructional technology before investing in it.
Rapid Prototyping · Scenario-Based Learning · Cross-Functional Collaboration · Technology Evaluation
View Original ProjectProject Overview
I developed the BIFF Method module as a proof of concept for faculty considering a pilot of Vyond, an animation tool. The goal was to test whether animation could add meaningful instructional value and justify a potential enterprise subscription.
To make the demonstration concrete, I created a short, interactive lesson about responding to difficult workplace emails. I quickly learned Vyond and combined its animations with Articulate Storyline 360 interactions to build a working prototype for faculty review.
The Opportunity
Our team was exploring whether Vyond belonged in our instructional development toolkit. Faculty needed to see how the tool could work in an actual learning experience before deciding whether its design capabilities were worth the expense.
The BIFF framework offered an approachable topic for the demonstration: managing difficult workplace communication through responses that are Brief, Informative, Friendly, and Firm.
Audience & Objectives
The sample module was designed around a workplace audience of office employees and new hires who might encounter challenging email exchanges.
Its learning objective was to let participants practice recognizing effective BIFF responses and consider how language choices affect a difficult conversation. The immediate audience for the demonstration, however, was prospective pilot faculty evaluating Vyond's instructional potential.
Collaboration & Ownership
I project-managed the internal collaboration and was responsible for the instructional design and development of the working prototype.
Team members researched the BIFF communication framework and contributed supporting materials, including the script. I turned those contributions into a cohesive learning experience, developing the interactive structure and integrating animation with learner choices and feedback.
Instructional Design & Development
I used Vyond to create animated segments and Articulate Storyline 360 to build a short scenario-based learning experience. Because this was a proof of concept, I kept the interactions focused and easy for the faculty audience to evaluate.
Decision-Based Email Practice
Learners encountered workplace communication situations and selected from simulated email responses presented as pop-up options. After making a choice, they received feedback on how well the response reflected the BIFF framework.
Rapid Prototyping
I experimented with the animation tool and Storyline interactions to turn the team's research and script into a usable demonstration. The prototype offered faculty a tangible example of what the technology could accomplish in a course, while revealing constraints that would be difficult to assess from a feature list alone.
Pilot Feedback & Evaluation
I presented the prototype to faculty considering the pilot and gathered feedback on its learning experience and practical fit. The response was generally positive, and participants engaged with the demonstration.
Faculty also raised concerns about limited character customization, animation options, and overall design flexibility. The available visual styles could make some academic assignments appear less serious than intended.
The review helped the department decide not to purchase a Vyond Enterprise subscription. Although the prototype worked as a demonstration, the tool did not add enough instructional value for the department's needs to justify the cost.
Project Takeaways
This project illustrates how I approach unfamiliar learning technology: learn it quickly, build something people can evaluate, invite stakeholder feedback, and make decisions based on instructional needs and available resources.
I enjoyed the creative possibilities of Vyond and the opportunity to make the lesson playful. The more useful result was helping the team evaluate its practical value before committing to an enterprise subscription. The work also demonstrated my ability to manage a collaborative project and deliver its instructional prototype as organizational priorities evolve.