learning-design-checklist

name	learning-design-checklist
description	Generate a quick compliance checklist from the Four Learning Design Pillars. Use when users want a practical checklist for reviewing content, a quick audit tool, or verification questions for specific pillars. Triggers on "checklist", "quick audit", "design check", or "verify against pillars".

Learning Design Checklist Generator

Generate actionable verification checklists from the Four Learning Design Pillars.

Workflow

Step 1: Determine Scope

Ask which checklist:

• Full checklist: All 4 pillars (~46 items)
• Single pillar: Focus on one area (1-4)
• Canvas-specific: Tailored to Canvas LMS features

Step 2: Load Principles

Read from ~/.claude/skills/learning-design-pillars/principles/learning-design-pillars.json

The JSON contains checks arrays for each principle — use these for checklist items.

Step 3: Output Checklist

Pillar 1: Clear, Purposeful Structure

1.1 Content Organization

• Content chunked into bite-sized units? (1.1.1)
• Each page has a single primary idea? (1.1.1)
• Prerequisites stated or embedded? (1.1.2)
• Complexity increasing gradually? (1.1.3)
• Scannable structure with clear priority? (1.1.4)
• Learners guided on what to focus on? (1.1.5)

1.2 Design Consistency

• Screens behave consistently across the course? (1.2.1)
• No unnecessary jumping between tools/screens? (1.2.2)
• Later modules build on earlier ones consistently? (1.2.3)

1.3 Learning Path Clarity

• Success criteria visible? (1.3.1)
• Units begin with orientation, end with consolidation? (1.3.2)
• Every activity tied to an objective? (1.3.3)
• Expectations explicit (time, quality, grading)? (1.3.4)
• Prerequisites and structure communicated? (1.3.5)

1.4 Adaptive Design

• Planned re-exposure later in program? (1.4.1)
• Experienced learners can move faster? (1.4.2)

Pillar 2: Active, Engaging Learning Content

2.1 Content Design

• Succinct and focused on objectives? (2.1.1)
• Both visual and verbal mediums used? (2.1.2)
• Graphics relevant, not decorative? (2.1.3)
• Text and visuals placed near each other? (2.1.4)
• Scannable with short paragraphs and headings? (2.1.5)
• Additional detail revealed on demand? (2.1.6)
• Users can jump to content of interest? (2.1.7)
• Fonts readable and audio audible? (2.1.8)

2.2 Multimedia & Interactive

• Multimedia increases engagement? (2.2.1)
• Doing prioritized over passive reading? (2.2.2)
• Videos under 10 minutes? (2.2.3)
• Video narration explains visuals? (2.2.4)
• On-screen text used sparingly in videos? (2.2.5)
• Audio and visuals synchronized? (2.2.6)

2.3 Engagement & Relevance

• Conversational and relatable language? (2.3.1)
• Purpose of features explained? (2.3.2)
• Prior knowledge activated? (2.3.3)
• Storytelling elements used? (2.3.4)
• Concrete before abstract? (2.3.5)
• Difficulty appropriately calibrated? (2.3.6)
• Examples relevant and interesting? (2.3.7)
• Key terms highlighted and defined? (2.3.8a)
• Multiple perspectives provided? (2.3.8b)

2.4 Quality

• Supplementary resources available? (2.4.1)
• Content current, accurate, sourced? (2.4.2)
• Free from bias and discrimination? (2.4.3)
• Credibility indicators present? (2.4.4)

Pillar 3: Continuous Practice & Feedback

3.1 Practice Design

• Practice varied across contexts? (3.1.1)
• Skills interleaved in practice? (3.1.2)
• Practice cycles back over time? (3.1.3)
• Recall-heavy prompts used? (3.1.4)
• Practice reflects real-world contexts? (3.1.5)
• Low-stakes practice available? (3.1.6)
• Prior skills practiced before new topics? (3.1.7)

3.2 Feedback

• Feedback specific and actionable? (3.2.1)
• Encouraging in tone? (3.2.2)
• Delivered immediately? (3.2.3)
• Worked examples provided and faded? (3.2.4)
• Rubrics and expectations clear? (3.2.5)

3.3 Metacognition

• Learners can assess their progress? (3.3.1)
• Why/how/what-if questions used? (3.3.2)
• Reflection prompts included? (3.3.3)
• Collaboration opportunities provided? (3.3.4)

Pillar 4: Simple, Intuitive UX

4.1 Navigation

• Navigation intuitive? (4.1.1)
• Progress indicators visible? (4.1.2)
• Interactive elements clearly distinguishable? (4.1.3)
• External links labeled? (4.1.4)
• Returning learners can find their place? (4.1.5)

4.2 Accessibility

• Search available? (4.2.1)
• Annotation tools provided? (4.2.2)
• Viewable on different screen sizes? (4.2.3)
• Display preferences customizable? (4.2.4)
• Design minimalist and clear? (4.2.5)

4.3 Media Control

• Learners control video pace? (4.3.1)
• Time estimates provided? (4.3.2)

Canvas-Specific Variant

When Canvas LMS context is detected, output this tailored version instead:

Structure (Pillar 1)

• Modules named consistently (e.g., "Week 1: Topic")
• Module requirements set for sequencing
• Learning objectives in module descriptions
• Welcome/orientation module exists

Content (Pillar 2)

• Pages use H1/H2/H3 hierarchy
• Images have alt text
• Videos under 10 min (or segmented)
• Discussions encourage active participation

Practice & Feedback (Pillar 3)

• Practice quizzes with unlimited attempts
• Rubrics attached to all graded assignments
• Peer reviews configured where appropriate
• Assignment feedback turnaround < 7 days

UX (Pillar 4)

• Unused navigation items hidden
• Modules view set as home page
• Module progress tracking enabled
• Time estimates included