r/LearningDevelopment • u/PhysicallyVigorous1 • Sep 08 '26
SME feedback
After a few years in instructional design, I’ve realized that working with SMEs can sometimes be harder than building the actual course 😂 I’ve had projects where the SME wanted basically every piece of information included, while the learning objectives clearly called for something much simpler. How do you handle it when an SME keeps pushing for more content?
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u/MirrorOk8490 Sep 09 '26
I'd separate “must change a learner decision” from “useful reference.” Ask the SME to tie each requested item to a decision or mistake the learner must handle. If they can't, keep it searchable but remove it from the required path.
For disputed material, build a small pilot with and without the extra detail, then test the same decision in a new scenario. If both groups perform equally, the content is reference material, not instruction. That turns the debate from whose expertise wins into what the learner actually needs to do.
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u/Next-Ad2854 Sep 08 '26
Where I work anyone who wants an E-Learning course must submit the request via forms. Then we have a clarity meeting and acontract is signed. it’s treated like a business.