#IDIODC Instructional Designers In Offices Drinking Coffee Real-Time Learning Measurement and Training Optimization
Dec 5, 2025
Dr. Alaina Szlachta, founder of By Design Development Solutions, specializes in helping L&D teams demonstrate business impact through innovative measurement strategies. She shares insights on shifting focus from basic learning metrics to real business outcomes, using her domino metaphor to illustrate critical measurement components. Alaina emphasizes aligning training with organizational goals, the importance of assessing both capabilities and performance, and optimizing measurement even on a tight budget, all while transforming L&D from a reactive role to a strategic partner.
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Measurement Frameworks Can Mislead
- Measurement frameworks can hold L&D back when treated as mandatory mountains instead of practical guides.
- Reframing measurement as a simpler, contextual process frees teams to focus on what actually matters.
Think In Dominoes Not Levels
- Use a domino metaphor to map the chain from learning participation to business outcomes.
- Identify and align intermediate dominoes like readiness, capability, and performance before launching training.
Check Learner Readiness First
- Measure readiness to learn before delivery by collecting baseline data on motivation and environmental barriers.
- Address incentives and situational factors that will block or enable learning success.
