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Course Design Patterns

This guide introduces common design patterns used in LemonadeLXP and shows you how to organize Steps for maximum impact.

Updated over 3 weeks ago

How to organize Steps to build smart, sticky learning journeys in LemonadeLXP

Your course isn’t just a collection of Steps—it’s a narrative. A well-structured course helps learners absorb, apply, and retain new skills. The way you sequence and combine Step types can transform your content from “just another training module” into a memorable microlearning experience.


🧱 What’s a Course Design Pattern?

A course design pattern is a repeatable structure that helps you:

  • Build a narrative across your Steps

  • Reinforce learning through multi-modal interactions

  • Guide learners from awareness to mastery

  • Adapt to different learning goals and formats (in-class, digital, hybrid)


🔝 Common Course Design Patterns

Each pattern below shows how to mix Step types introduced in the Step Type Toolkit.


1. 🎮 Narrative Builder

Use storytelling and media to guide learners through a logical, engaging flow.

Structure

Intro > Video or YouTube > Reference (Text/Link) > Active Recall (MultiChoice, Scenario, T/F) > Reinforcement

Best for

Onboarding, customer scenarios, product walkthroughs

Bonus tip

Bookend the course with a Scenario Step for real-world context


2. 📚 Read, Recall, Reproduce

Layer reading with recall, then wrap with application-based Steps.

Structure

Text or SCORM > Active Recall (Sequence, Polygraph, T/F) > Reproduction (Scenario, Crossword)

Best for

Policies, procedures, or compliance training

Bonus tip

Repetition helps—use Polygraph or Crossword to solidify learning


3. 📖 Reference Block

Bundle together all the key resources in one place—no grading, just context.

Structure

Link > Text > Attachment > SCORM

Best for

Knowledge libraries, job aids, policy support

Bonus tip

Group in a short course and point learners back as needed


4. 🏫 In-Class Supplement

Add LemonadeLXP to instructor-led sessions for prep, practice, or reinforcement.

Structure

Human Step (blocker) > Active Recall (MultiChoice, Polygraph, etc.)

Best for

Hybrid learning, coaching programs, leadership rollouts

Bonus tip

Use the Human Step to gate content until the live session is complete


5. 🔄 Spiral Reinforcement

Introduce a concept, return to it later in a new way to deepen understanding.

Structure

Video or Text (intro) > MultiChoice or T/F (recall) > Polygraph or Crossword (deepen) > Scenario (apply)

Best for

Technical concepts, soft skills, or behavioral change

Bonus tip

Repeat key terminology or frameworks across formats for spaced learning


6. 📦 Modular Bites

Break big topics into clusters of 3–5 Steps, each self-contained.

Structure

(Repeat this block) Text > Active Recall (any) > Reference Step

Best for

Large courses with distinct topics, like multi-feature product training

Bonus tip

Use Text to frame the mini-topic and close each module with a Link or Attachment


7. 🎭 Interactive Branching

Use Scenarios and Human Steps to mimic decision-making in real-world paths.

Structure

Scenario > Scenario > Human Step (for reflection or coaching)

Best for

Customer service, leadership, ethical dilemmas

Bonus tip

Pair with Polygraph or T/F after each branch to reinforce reasoning behind decisions


8. 🛠 Tool Familiarization

Guide learners through a new tool or system using Demos and simulations.

Structure

Video (overview) > Guided Demo > Simulation > Scenario

Best for

Software onboarding, procedural walkthroughs

Bonus tip

Open with a YouTube Step featuring a real customer or use-case to hook them in


9. 💬 Peer Reflection Loop

Combine individual learning with social reflection.

Structure

Active Recall (any) > Human Step (group meeting) > Text (summary)

Best for

Leadership training, team-building, culture onboarding

Bonus tip

Add a Link Listener for real-time document collaboration or shared notes


10. 📊 Data Dive + Application

Present key facts or metrics, then push learners to apply the info.

Structure

Link or SCORM (data) > MultiChoice (recall) > Scenario (apply)

Best for

Sales enablement, policy updates, performance improvement training

Bonus tip

Use Sorting or Sequence to reinforce comparisons or ranked priorities


🛠 Tips for Structuring Courses

  • Set the tone with a Video or Text Step to introduce the goal

  • Avoid overstuffing—split content across multiple short courses when needed

  • Balance formats to keep learners engaged (show + read + do)

  • End with action—Scenario, Demo, or Human Steps reinforce confidence and application

💡 Pro Tip:
Treat your course like a story. Build interest, develop key ideas, and end with a bang—or better yet, a Scenario Step.

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