Project Overview
Duration
2 weeks
Project Type
Scenario-Based eLearning Module
Role
Instructional Designer
Tools Used
Articulate Storyline
Canva
Google Suite
Chatgpt
When someone is going through Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), the people around them often want to help but don’t always know how. They might stay quiet, offer advice that misses the mark, or unknowingly add stress by downplaying what’s happening.
This project was created to give friends, family, and partners the tools to respond with empathy, respect, and confidence. The goal? Help learners better support someone they care about without overstepping boundaries or unintentionally causing harm.
This is part of my thesis and capstone project as a graduate student*
The Challenge:
There was no easy to access learning resource out there that taught people how to really show up for someone experiencing TSW. While there’s growing awareness of the condition, emotional support is often where people struggle most.
I wanted to create something that:
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Builds empathy without overwhelming the learner
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Breaks down unhelpful vs. helpful responses
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Offers realistic, judgment-free examples
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Feels safe, encouraging, and grounded in real-life scenarios
The Learning Goal
Help learners develop the empathy and communication skills needed to support someone through TSW emotionally, practically, and respectfully.
What Learners Will Walk Away With:
By the end of the module, learners will be able to:
✔ Describe what TSW is and how it affects someone’s physical and emotional day-to-day life
✔ Recognize common unhelpful reactions and replace them with supportive alternatives
✔ Offer help in ways that respect energy levels and boundaries
✔ Know how to respond when others ask questions or make comments about visible symptoms
✔ Practice empathy-driven communication through realistic scenario-based choices
DESIGN PROCESS
My approach into the project!
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Define the Problem – I started by writing out the learning goals, audience, project purpose, and constraints. Since I had lived experience with TSW, I used that perspective to shape the tone and direction of the content.
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Needs Analysis – I reflected on the most common pain points: family members dismissing symptoms, friends giving advice instead of listening, or roommates pulling away due to discomfort. I also collected informal survey feedback from people in the community.
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Storyboard & Design – I mapped out the flow using branching scenarios in Articulate Storyline. Learners could choose to play as a family member or friend and walk through real conversations, making choices along the way. All graphics were made on chatgpt.
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Content Development – I wrote scripts that reflected real life experiences like a loved one pressuring someone to go out when they don’t feel up for it, or reacting with discomfort to skin flares.
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Build and Test – I created a clean, accessible UI with audio control, alt text, and simple navigation. I focused on emotional clarity and creating a safe learning space.
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Launch and Share – The module was shared with the TSW community and posted as a resource for supporters looking to better understand how to help.
Outcome and Reflection
The response was incredibly positive. People shared that they felt seen, and that the scenarios mirrored conversations they’d had in real life both the painful and the healing ones. Some even said it helped them explain their needs to loved ones more easily.
This project meant a lot to me personally. It gave me the opportunity to merge design with lived experience, and turn something difficult into a tool for connection and understanding. I learned how powerful instructional design can be when it’s rooted in empathy and how even a short module can make a lasting difference in someone’s support system. I can't wait to share this free resource with the community after I complete the doctor and family profiles.