From Data to Design

For learning designers who want to
create solutions, not just content level up in their careers amplify their impact consult clients with confidence

MAKE LEARNING THAT MATTERS.®

The 9-week cohort-based independent study program that takes you from learning designer to learning strategist by showing you how to analyze needs, consult clients, and support project success, so that you can level up your learning design and your career. ⁣


Before we tell you all about this awesome program, let's talk about who it's really for...

You're a thoughtful learning professional who got into the field to make a positive impact on the lives of others. You're tired of creating content that you don't actually believe helps the learners, and you're ready to take the lead in order to deliver more impactful learning experiences.

Whether you're...

--> an experienced Instructional Designer who's been spending most of your time creating courses or content...

--> a Trainer who wants to do more than deliver ILT and virtual training sessions...

--> a developing Instructional Designer who wants to learn strategic consulting skills to advance in your career...

--> an eLearning Developer who wants to architect learning solutions...

--> an APTD or CPTD credential holder who wants to earn units toward recertification...
red haired 3d girl character in yellow shirt and jeans holds up square sign that has 'From Data to Design' logo on it


You're in the right place, and we're going to tell you exactly how From Data to Design will give you the tools, strategies, and unparalleled support on your journey from order taker to decision maker.

By the end of this program,
you will have:

  • Developed a process for strategic data collection and analysis

  • Identified the major needs of private business in order to create solutions that deliver ROI

  • Built a toolkit of training solutions and performance interventions you can use to create meaningful learning experiences

  • Written survey and interview questions that yield productive feedback

  • Crafted design documentation that clearly conveys your vision to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders

  • Practiced pitching solutions and responding to objections

  • Experimented with AI for improving your effectiveness and efficiency in data collection, analysis, and design

  • Embraced your role as an expert in learning design so that you can start consulting to your full potential

BUT DON'T TAKE IT FROM ME.
Here's what participants had to say.
Whitney S., Instructional Designer | Cohort 2


From Data to Design is THE missing link for many Instructional Design degree plans and academies. It brings the ownership and consulting experience into the mix. It doesn't matter if you are a freelancer, an ID in a company, or an ID in higher ed, it is a requirement for all instructional designers to find real solutions that meet the organizational, project, and learner goals. You must have great consulting skills to manage projects and work with SMEs. Take this course to develop the 'human side' and skill that many are missing within ID!

Suprita J., Instructional Designer | Cohort 3


From Data To Design greatly put things into perspective for me in the ID space. The emphasis is on changing behavior, and the course does just that! Prior to completing this course, I had a good understanding of ID and created plenty of content, but I did not know how to do things such as making that first 'discovery call' to find out what a potential client needs, I did not know what tools I could use as part of my solution. The simple how to's of defining a problem to architecting a solution for it and then pitching a proposal to your client is what I have learned from this course. I also valued Nicole's feedback very much. She gave detailed feedback to every assignment and said exactly why she pointed out something and what relevance that may have in a real world context. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to take their ID jobs to the next level.

Lindsey S., Learning Agency Owner | Cohort 1


I have 10+ years of experience as an instructional designer and have recently begun consulting. Let me tell you, D2D did NOT disappoint! Nicole's enthusiasm, organization of course materials, industry knowledge, high quality templates and downloads, expert opinion, and passion for truly getting to the root of performance issues, have proven to be an invaluable resource for me! I am confident I will return to these course materials and use the knowledge and information I gained in this course for months and years to come. Whether you're just starting out, or you've been at it for awhile, I confidently believe you will find value in this course.

Enroll in From Data to Design to level up your learning career

Get on the Waitlist for Cohort 8

What Real Consulting Clients are Saying

The From Data to Design process works!
Just ask my clients.

Understands the Customer

M.K. Larsen, Owner of MK Larsen Public Speaking

When I look for a designer I look for someone who listens, someone who collaborates, someone who is knowledgeable, someone who is creative, and someone who understands my customer. All of that plus a friendly demeanor is what I got with Nicole.

Making eLearning Feel like a Blended Solution

Meghan C., eLearning Program Manager

We were on a call with our partner's SVP of Clinical Solutions (recently named one of the top 25 women leaders in healthcare software), and she was impressed by the approach you took with the courses – creating tangible, personalized action plans, reinforcing the ideas throughout the courses, making them feel more like a blended solution, and including videos to make the more relatable. It really resonated with them.

Presented with Critical Questions

Christen B., Intercultural Consultant

Nicole essentially presented me with the critical questions I needed to answer about the specific objectives of the project before it could be properly designed. She gave be a "bird's eye view" of the process and what would be ahead. She is obviously very experienced and knowledgable about this space. A perfect consultant!

Hears What I'm Saying

David Page, Co-Founder of RE+AL

Nicole "hears" what I am saying (which sometimes is confusing even to me) and then makes it so. Nicole is a strategic thinker and executes flawlessly. And topping it off- is a pleasure to work with.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

9 Weeks to Level Up

Needs analysis, consulting, and project management in 7 modules designed for a working professional's schedule.
Suggested time commitment is just 2 hours per week for 9 weeks.

The 7 Module Overview

The Course at a Glance

With a mix of project-based learning with a fictional client, hands-on scenarios, video lessons, toolkits, workbooks, and group coaching, you'll be poised to make the shift from learning designer to learner strategist. And you'll have 4 opportunities to snag fun badges while getting personalized feedback along the way.

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The 4-Part Framework

Learn my proven method for data gathering, starting with a simple 4-part framework for needs analysis and an easy-to-implement schedule of events. Start thinking like a consultant.

WEEK 1

Organizational Needs

We’ll talk about how to discover what an organization really needs and how to work with stakeholders to identify critical goals-- and you’ll get some hands-on practice. This is also where you’ll find the first course assignment that you’ll need to complete if you’re interested in getting personalized feedback.

WEEK 2

Performance Needs

Moving beyond simple questions of “what do they need to know,” we’ll dive deep into what it really means to address performance in the workplace and in your learning solutions.

WEEK 3

Catch Up Week 1

Take time to implement your learning, review concepts, work towards badges, or check out the course bonus content.

WEEK 4

Learner Needs

We’ll uncover better ways to get the data we need about learners and learning goals. We’ll also walk through common mistakes IDs make when crafting surveys and interview questions.

WEEK 5

Analyzing the Data & Defining the Solutions

Once you’ve gathered all the data, your job isn’t done. This lesson will help you identify key data points for analysis and practical solutions for common business problems. We'll also walk through solution mapping (the "not always training" alternative to curriculum design).

WEEK 6

Catch Up Week 2

Take time to implement your learning, review concepts, work towards badges, or check out the course bonus content.

WEEK 7

Pitching with Purpose

If you have a great solution, but you can’t get buy in, then your solution will never get implemented, so in this lesson, we’ll walk through how to present your recommendations and how to manage common objections. You'll also get tools that will help you get folks to “see” the bigger picture and get approval early on.

WEEK 8

Supporting Project Success

It’s not enough just to pitch a design and have it accepted. If you want it successfully adopted, you have to support your project with strategic communications, consulting, and (sometimes) project management. In this lesson, we’ll review strategies and key questions to help you lead effectively.

WEEK 9

The Consulting Capsule

Earn a Certificate of Completion by creating a Consulting Capsule, the capstone assignment. You'll have one month after the last module unlocks to complete your project.

FINAL

When you enroll during this special limited time period, you'll get...

A Comprehensive Toolkit for
Performing Needs Analysis & Support Project Success

More than just a course
(Value $2497)

  • 7 Strategy-Building Modules showing you how to embrace your expertise and guide your client to great learning solutions
  • An easy to follow 4-Part Framework for collecting the data you need to make the best decisions
  • Next level pitching, consulting, and project support strategies to foster positive business relationships and referrals
  • Individualized feedback on complex realistic assignment
  • A live Mock Discovery Call experience with a real business leader and previously recorded sessions
  • The opportunity to earn a Certificate of Completion so that you can show off your new skills
ONE TIME PAYMENT
Less than $80
per week!

Additional Options

Payment Plan ($740)

2 MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF

$370

Yes! Sign me Up

The VIP Experience

1 PAYMENT

$1100

I Want Everyting + Coaching + Extra Content
How It Works

You'll be given access to one module per week over 9 weeks (except catch up weeks) - so that you have the time to dive deep into the concepts and practice key skills BEFORE moving on to the next critical step. This includes submitting work and getting genuine personalized feedback, if desired.

After the 9 weeks, you will have 1 month to complete a final portfolio assessment.

We do this to protect your time, attention, and focus while sparing you from the intense overwhelm that affects so many folks when participating in online programs.

We want you to feel challenged without feeling left behind, and we want you to feel ready to implement your favorite strategies on the job.

Plus speed up your workflow and level up your solutions with
Awesome Program Bonuses
10 Weeks of Live Q&A with Nicole Inside the Members Only D2D Community
Not only will you have access to a private community of motivated peers, but you'll get weekly live Q&A sessions with Nicole every week for 10 weeks. Even though the program is asynchronous, you can find support and answers to your questions on our Facebook group.
Templates, Tools & Plug 'n Plays
Templates, templates, and more templates that you can use in your real work. You'll find templates for gathering 4 different types of data, planning data collection, conducting meetings, interviewing learners, solutions design, proposing and pitching, and consulting. These are built from the real tools used by Your Instructional Designer to consult real clients.
Click Up Project Management Training
ClickUp is one of the most powerful affordable (starting at FREE) tools for project management. In this training, you’ll learn how to create spaces to manage tasks and keep a birds eye view of project health so that you can lead your clients and colleagues to success. You’ll also get a Project Plug n Play Space, so that you can started without having to build from scratch.

And you'll be backed by a 14 day risk-free guarantee.

From Data to Design is the only program of its kind, focusing specifically on the work of needs analysis, dedicated to helping instructional designers, trainers, and developers level up in their careers through strategic consulting.

Our community is filled with supportive go-getters, who want long term L&D career success. When you join From Data to Design, you'll be part of this amazing group.

But here's the thing.

By the end of 14 days, you'll have received access to the first two modules.

Meaning, you'll have had the opportunity to start developing your analysis skills BEFORE making a final commitment.

If you don't feel confident that this program will help you level up in your L&D career, simply reach out, show us the work, and we'll refund your investment. Find more information here >>

Listen to the learners. Are you ready for "A Fantastic Learning Journey"?

It was a great pleasure to experience a fantastic learning journey with Nicole! I would like to pay attention to aspects that make it unique and valuable from my point of view:

1. Constructive alignment – There is an opportunity to practice everything you learn and to receive precious feedback. This means a lot!

2. Storytelling – The complete course is based on a story about a fictional client that needs a solution to its problem. I feel that it took more time to create assignments and material than other course content.

3. Metacognition – There are plenty of very subtle opportunities for thinking about your learning.

(3/6)
Tijana M. | Learning Experience Designer
Cohort 4
4. Social learning – You can be an extrovert and join all opportunities for social learning – forums, lives, accountability pods, and the chance to speak with the actual clients, regardless of the time zone. Or be an introvert and do it on your own.

5. Templates – Nicole shares a plethora of templates, more than you can expect and broader than the course topic.

6. Learning at your own pace – The only firm deadline is the final closure of the course, but within this window, you can choose to do it in line with the curriculum or at your pace. This means that you can ask a question from module one in the last week of the course and submit an assignment from module one on the course closure day.
Tijana M. | Learning Experience Designer
Cohort 4

Earn continuing education units towards your APTD or CPTD recertification.

FAQ

  • I'm new to instructional design. Will these concepts be too advanced for me?

    This program is totally for you! The concepts in From Data to Design are broken down in a way that they can be used by someone just starting or someone experienced. The course is project-based, so you'll be able to do the work to the level of your proficiency and improve with personalized feedback. With the self-paced lessons, you'll be able to take as much time as you need to learn the concepts, and you can always submit questions for more explanation in our weekly Q&A sessions.

  • Will I learn how to develop content for eLearning and improve my visual design?

    Those skills are important, but From Data to Design is focused on analysis and learning solutions design at a high level. This course will not focus on content development.

    I can, however, recommend Scripting Voiceover for Video if you'd like to dive further into writing for ID. Check it out on the Upskill Experience homepage.

  • I'm busy / on a different time zone. Will I need to attend live sessions?

    No! Everything in this course is go-at-your-own pace. Live Q&A is offered weekly via our private Facebook community, but those videos will remain up for you to review.

  • How much time do you have to put into the course on a weekly basis?

    I suggest blocking out 1 - 3 hours per week: 1 hour for content, 2 hours for assignments, reviewing concepts that require a bit more thought, and connecting with your Accountability Buddy. There are 2 catch up weeks and an extra month of runway after all of the modules have been delivered to ensure that you can get through the course, even if you're a busy professional/ student/ parent/ juggler of all things.

  • I hate when online courses are just "watch this video then take this quiz." How is this program structured?

    Me too! From Data to Design was thoughtfully designed to prepare you for real work on the job.

    This course is designed to be a blend of project-based learning and an applicable-to-any-situation toolkit. While there are some instructional videos in the course content, there are also many opportunities for practice, as well as resources to support your journey outside the course. This includes templates, worksheets, scenarios, projects, and more.

  • Can I earn a certificate to show I've mastered needs analysis?

    Yes! Turn in the required assignments for a chance to earn the From Data to Design Certificate of Completion that you can share to show off your skills and success.

  • When I join, will I get immediate access to all of the modules, lessons, and templates?

    Not right away. When you join, From Data to Design will be instantly added to your Upskill Experience Dashboard. At that time, you'll find the Welcome area unlocked. The program officially begins on July 22, 2024. At that time, modules will unlock once per week. This is done purposefully to help you focus on building one skill before moving on to the next and prevent the overwhelm that causes folks to quit. There will be plenty to do each week. Bonus content will unlock 2 weeks after course start, when the guarantee period has ended.

  • Will the instructor be available and accessible to answer all of my questions if I get stuck?

    Each week, Nicole will answer questions during the weekly Live QA in the From Data to Design Private Members Only Community. You can also pose questions to the group for your peers to answer. If you want in-depth individualized attention, check out some of the Your Instructional Designer coaching packages.

  • What's included in the VIP Package?

    We're limiting VIP slots to 5 individuals-- once they're gone, they're gone. The VIP Package includes 2 one-hour one-on-one coaching sessions, access to the Scripting Voiceover for Video course, and a digital copy of the Book of Briefs: 50 Prompts to Inspire Your Next Portfolio Piece.

You should give From Data to Design
a 14-day risk free try if you’re motivated
by any of the following:

You want to increase your earning potential as a learning industry professional.

You're done working on $20/hour development projects. You're over applying for $50k per year ID jobs. You know that this is a knowledge economy, and you're ready to upgrade your earning potential as a strategist.


You want to create learning that matters.

You got into this field to help people, and you don't feel that you've been able to give them your best because you've been stuck delivering assigned solutions instead of creating them. You're ready to make an impact with learning that addresses real needs.


You're craving the ability to be more creative in your work.

You enjoy the strategy and critical thinking work involved in performing analysis and designing real solutions, and you want to make that work a major part of your career.


You're ready to advance in your career.

You want career growth. But as an ID or trainer or eLearning developer, there's just not a lot of room for advancement into leadership. You're ready to be seen as more than a content maker. You want to be a strategic partner.

I personally cannot wait to watch you blossom over the next 9 weeks...

Stepping into consulting changed my life for the better. I stopped being frustrated with the things I couldn't change and started working with clients who were open to my vision. I feel productive and proud of the work I do now, and most importantly, I feel like I'm really making a difference in the lives of others with my work.

I want that for you. And so, I hope you'll join me on this 9-week journey From Data to Design. If you're still with me here, I already know that you're a go-getter. I know that you're ready for the work that goes into needs analysis, consulting clients, and designing impactful learning experiences. And I know that you're ready to advance in your career. I truly look forward to watching you grow.

All My Best,

Nicole Papaioannou Lugara
Owner, Your Instructional Designer
Nicole Papaioannou Lugara at desk
TIME TO START LEVELING UP YOUR LEARNING DESIGN AND CAREER

I'm ready!

Let's Go!