Project Overview

This project involved developing a comprehensive Instructional Design Document (IDD) for a cybersecurity training program designed for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The training addresses the growing threat of phishing and social engineering attacks targeting support staff who handle sensitive personnel data. The IDD serves as the full blueprint for future e‑learning and instructor‑led training development.

My Role

My role was as the Instructional Designer & Curriculum Architect

I was responsible for:

• Conducting the needs analysis and identifying performance gaps

• Designing the curriculum structure, learning objectives, and assessment strategy

• Creating learner personas and aligning content with adult‑learning principles

• Outlining the e‑learning and ILT components

• Recommending instructional strategies, technologies, and delivery formats

• Developing the full Instructional Design Document for stakeholder approval

I did not develop the full course; my deliverable was the instructional blueprint guiding future development.

Instructional Design Approach

The IDD was built using a research‑driven, data‑informed approach that included:

• Needs Analysis: Identified a 20% competency gap and a 15% increase in reporting delays

• Learner Analysis: Developed personas representing varying tech skills and access levels

• Performance Goals: Reduce successful phishing attacks by 15% and increase incident reporting

• Instructional Strategy: Scenario‑based learning, simulations, case studies, and ILT reinforcement

• Assessment Strategy: Level 1–4 evaluation plan aligned with Kirkpatrick’s model

The design emphasizes real‑world relevance, practical application, and behavior change.

Tools & Technologies (Planned for Development)

• Articulate Storyline – interactive simulations and e‑learning modules

• Canva – graphics, infographics, and job aids

• Camtasia – video demonstrations and screen‑recorded scenarios

• Microsoft PowerPoint – ILT slide deck

• Microsoft Teams – collaboration and discussion forums

Learning Objectives

The IDD outlines objectives for future course development, including the ability to:

• Define phishing and social engineering concepts

• Analyze real‑world phishing examples

• Identify phishing red flags through interactive simulations

• Apply best practices to mitigate social engineering risks

• Follow OPM’s incident reporting procedures

Target Audience

OPM support staff, including:

• Administrative assistants

• Clerks

• Executive assistants

• Remote/mobile workers

The design accommodates varying levels of technical proficiency.

Assessment & Evaluation Plan

The IDD includes:

• Embedded knowledge checks

• Scenario‑based decision activities

• Comprehensive end‑of‑course assessment

• Behavior‑change measurement

• Impact evaluation aligned with organizational KPIs

Project Impact

Once developed, the training is expected to:

• Strengthen OPM’s cybersecurity posture

• Reduce successful phishing attempts

• Increase timely incident reporting

• Build a culture of cybersecurity awareness

• Improve staff confidence in identifying and responding to threats

Project Management & Milestones

The IDD includes a full project timeline covering:

• Initiation

• Design

• Development

• Testing

• Deployment

• Review and approval

Total projected development time: 5 months