How I Built This: How I Vibe-Coded a People Manager Simulation
When the new Rise 360 Code Block (Beta) feature launched, I wanted to see just how far it could be pushed. Could you build something more than static content? That’s how the People Manager Simulation came to life – a fully playable, story-driven experience built entirely inside a single Rise code block, using only HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. In this video, I explain how it was created and how you can repurpose this approach in your own projects. Why I Made This In my day job, I design learning experiences for real teams, often around leadership, people management, and workplace decision-making. I wanted to create something that shows how these kinds of soft-skills topics can be transformed into immersive simulations without needing heavy development tools. The result is a game where you step into the shoes of a brand-new team leader, navigating real-world decisions that impact morale, performance, retention, and stress. Each choice has a trade-off, and yes, you can get “sacked” if you mismanage your stats. In the video, I mention that this project was built gradually, late evenings, after work, once my son was asleep. There were plenty of failed tests, odd bugs, and “why won’t this work” moments along the way. I did consider going back and documenting every single prompt and adjustment… but honestly, that would read like an increasingly impatient diary of me negotiating with ChatGPT! So instead, I wanted to share a simpler, more practical way for you to repurpose what already works. How I Built It Rather than starting from scratch, the method I show in the walkthrough involves: Uploading the existing working code of the simulation. Giving ChatGPT a single clear prompt that explains: This is for Rise 360’s custom code block. It should learn the structure and logic of the original simulation. It should rewrite the theme, dialogue, and characters for a new scenario. In the video, I demonstrate how to use the current People Manager Simulation code as context; use the download attached below. 📁 Download: People Manager Simulation HTML; attached below. You then give this to your LLM of choice as an attachment and provide your repurposing prompt; the one I used can also be downloaded below. 📁 Download: GPT Prompt for Repurposing Existing Demo; attached below. Key Takeaways Start from a working simulation instead of a blank page. Use a single, focused prompt to repurpose the entire code and story. Attach your full code as context so the model understands structure and logic. Re-use this workflow to adapt learning scenarios quickly—no coding expertise required. The Result Here’s the outcome of my own repurposing test from the walkthrough: a completely new narrative built using the same base code and single prompt. Is it perfect? No. But it’s a solid foundation—and all this came together in about ten minutes. 📁 Download: The Result — Full New HTML Code; attached below. Final Thought The best part of this approach is accessibility: you don’t need to be a coder to build something that feels custom. By starting with a working framework and iterating through clear, focused prompts, you can turn any learning scenario into a playable, data-driven experience. Whether it’s leadership, compliance, or customer service, this structure gives you the foundation to explore how choices shape outcomes, all inside Rise 360. My final ask is: please repurpose and improve on any of the ideas shared in this article. Let me and the wider community know how you get on. 💬 Ask Me Anything! I’d love to hear your feedback and answer any questions about the build. Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I’ll be checking in and responding! Want to Share Your Build? Do you have a project you’d love to share with the community? We’re always looking for more How I Built This stories. Whether it’s a game, interaction, or unique design, we’d love to feature your process. Drop a note in the comments or reach out to the community team if you’re interested!How I Built This: I Developed an Award-Winning Ethics Course
Why I Built This: When I first learned about branching scenarios, something clicked for me that I hadn’t seen other eLearning developers execute: visually compelling, philosophically rich thought experiments. I studied Moral Philosophy in my undergrad and became obsessed with ethical dilemmas. Naturally, I decided to build an ethics course about technology. Think The Trolley Problem, only I wanted to pose questions about the growing reliance on AI and its implications by employing Instructional Design strategies. An opportunity came up through my Master’s program to attend DevLearn and compete in DemoFest, so it was time to start building my concept. I designed and developed a course in Storyline called The Agency Algorithm that confronts learners with issues regarding three main topics: algorithmic warfare (The Armory), AI assisted resource allocation (The Triage Garden), and surveillance (The Mask Archive). The Experience & Design Intent: A quick walkthrough of the multi-room experience. The Agency Algorithm is a multi-room interactive learning experience that blends instructional design, game-like mechanics, and philosophical inquiry. It immerses learners in ethically complex scenarios by leveraging branching logic, and integrating experiential aesthetics with conceptual depth. My primary goal with this project was to encourage critical reflection on the role of technology on human agency and autonomous choice. The concept itself was pretty clear to me, but I wanted to push the limits of Storyline visually, so I acquired a number of 3D assets from Adobe Stock, some of which I further modified in Adobe Dimension. I wanted the visuals to anchor the learner in a unique environment that did not feel reminiscent of traditional eLearning, and rather create space to explore and feel like a participant in something unfolding. There aren’t often black and white answers to ethical questions, and branching scenarios are an excellent way to illustrate this while offering learners a safe place to experiment and think through various outcomes based on their decision making. Visual Worldbuilding/Making It Not Feel Like eLearning: Initially, I intended to hand draw assets myself to really hone in on the human vs AI dynamic, but quickly realized the time I’d have to accomplish this was dwindling. While I drafted a few loose concepts in my journal, I ultimately decided to stick with digital assets. While I landed on 3D assets largely due to time constraints, the outcome is reminiscent of an old experimental video game or some sort of immersive idea gallery. As an artist, I often approach my work from a minimalist lens so this project was a fun way to really add some artistry that corporate training often doesn’t have room for. Variables, Multi-state objects, Cue points, and other mechanics: I relied heavily on multi-state objects to create hover states, “tip” cards, text labels, and more, for example in the circuits with definition reveals. I enjoyed building the “loading” effect in the Mask Archive, although it was a bit clunky and took a lot of trial and error! I learned a lot along the way and used a cue point on an orb with a glow effect beneath the mask and used triggers to cause the effect to work. The course overall has a few hundred triggers (slide, object, and variable triggers) and somewhere around 40 variables (mostly T/F variables). What I learned: I think it is important that we don’t hand-hold learners through every learning experience. I want users to think through complex challenges and autonomously choose and feel like a true agent in the process of acquiring knowledge. A lot of eLearning makes it too easy for the learner and we lose engagement when we undermine the intelligence of our audience. I learned SO much about how to leverage Storyline in new ways. I am still a relatively new user to the tool, so this project allowed me to freely explore and be guided by curiosity. Link to my portfolio: https://www.abigailvettese.com/Community Insights: What You Can Learn from David Tait’s Career Pivot
One of the best things about creative careers is how flexible they are—you can take them in so many directions. For DavidTait, that flexibility led from graphic design to learning design, and eventually to co-founding 4pt, a learning design studio. 4pt has been creating meaningful learning experiences for more than 16 years. In this Member Spotlight, you'll discover how adaptability, curiosity, and community shaped David's journey, and how to apply these lessons to your own career path. From Design to Learning “Before starting my career in e-learning, I was a student focused on design,” David says. “I spent four years studying design. Two in graphic design and two in newspaper, magazine, and infographic design. That background gave me a strong foundation in visual communication, which has been incredibly useful in my learning and development (L&D) work.” While still in college, he took on a freelance project as a graphical user interface designer for the Northern College Network. “It was my first real step into the world of digital learning design,” he recalls. “It helped me see how I could apply my design skills in a completely different context.” Soon after, a former lecturer offered him a role at an e-learning startup creating online CPD courses for healthcare professionals. “Working in a startup meant wearing many hats,” David says. “That experience really shaped my path and helped me see how my design skills could grow into a career in learning.” 💡Tip: Apply your existing creative skills to a small digital learning project (freelance, volunteer, or self-initiated). Hands-on experience helps bridge design and instructional work faster than theory alone. Turning Change into Opportunity A few years later, the company was acquired, and layoffs followed. “Rather than seeing it as a setback, my studio manager and I took it as an opportunity,” David says. “When we started 4pt, all of those responsibilities suddenly became our job. Being able to adapt to new challenges was essential, and it’s a big reason why we’ve been able to thrive.” 💡Tip: When your path shifts unexpectedly, use it to test new skills or partnerships. Career detours often reveal strengths you wouldn’t discover in a stable role. Finding Flexibility with Storyline “One project in 2013 really shaped our company,” David says. “A client asked us to build a course in Storyline 1. We’d never used it before, but rather than turn the work away, we invested in licenses and learned as we went.” “Before long, Storyline became the tool most of our clients wanted to use,” he explains. “Storyline gave us the ability to solve problems ourselves, experiment more freely, and move much faster. That agility has stayed with us ever since—it’s a core part of how we approach learning design.” 💡Tip: Don’t wait to feel like an expert. Pick a project, open the tool, and build. Use the community forums and shared files when you hit roadblocks. The Power of Community “I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve hit a dead end in Storyline and found the solution on the forums,” David says. “That support has saved me countless hours and kept projects moving. The community around Articulate is unlike anything else.” Over time, helping others became just as rewarding. “Being part of E-Learning Heroes isn’t just about getting help,” he adds. “It’s about giving back. I try to pay it forward when I can, and that sense of community has been such a valuable part of my journey.” 💡Tip: When you find an answer in ELH, take a minute to thank the poster—or add your own version of the solution. Small interactions build visibility and confidence. Lessons from the Journey “Figure out where your limitations are, and then build a trusted network of professionals who can help you overcome them,” David says. “Continuous learning is important, but you don’t have to master everything yourself.” He also believes in stepping outside your comfort zone: “Sometimes doing that sooner opens doors you didn’t even realize were there.” “I try to focus on projects where I can see real value and impact—and to work with people I genuinely like and respect. That combination has made the journey far more meaningful.” 💡Tip: Find one collaborator who complements your skills—a developer, writer, or media pro—and trade knowledge. Collaboration accelerates growth and keeps learning fun. Looking Ahead These days, David is focused on advancing localization in his projects and exploring how AI fits into e-learning. “We’re evaluating Storyline’s new localization features ahead of a major project,” David says. “I’m excited to see how these tools evolve and how we can integrate them to deliver even better multilingual learning experiences.” He’s also reading Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick. “It’s not written specifically for L&D, but it’s helped me think more critically about how AI can be used thoughtfully and effectively.” 💡Tip: Keep one “outside-the-industry” book on your reading list. Fresh perspectives often spark the most creative ideas. 💬 Your Turn David’s story is a reminder that creativity, curiosity, and community can take your career in directions you never planned, but might love most. What’s one skill—or moment—that’s shaped your own learning design journey? Share it in the comments below!Made by Members: Code Block Build-a-thon Highlights
The Code Block Build-a-thon wrapped last month with three winners, 60+ submissions, and so much creativity! This month, we’re exploring the highlights from the event: creative submissions, topic trends, and what you can learn from the build-a-thon, even if you didn’t participate 🎨 Creative Submissions These submissions were not only fun and functional, but novel uses of the code block focused on game-type interactions. 👑Paint by Num-Birds by ArthaLearning03 This winning submission is a fresh take on a classic pastime, helping novice bird watchers over a large hurdle in the hobby. Wizard Maze Game by KayleneWance Have you wished that pac-man was a little more magical? This submission will be right up your alley as a mix between familiar gameplay and unique graphics. CMY Mixer by ISa Color theory is one of those skills that can take a lifetime to master, but this mixer lets you practice with hexcode and percentage mixing support. 💭 Play is a great way to improve engagement and recall—what type of game could you include in your next course? 📈 Trending Content There were a few noticeable trends in submissions: those that taught, encouraged thought, or sought to help with professional development. Australian Sign Language by ShwetaArun Visual and kinesthetic learners will appreciate this lesson that not only runs you through the Australian Sign Language Alphabet, but teaches you how to sign your name. Using Time with Intention by AnnaRabasso This thoughtful lesson takes you through practical time awareness in a kind and beautiful exercise. 👑 Meet your Learner Persona - by ClaudiaNadol891 Our first place winner shines as both a code block example and professional development session. 💭 What trends are you seeing in the Instructional Design space? Which do you enjoy the most? 🥡Takeaways These submissions were thoughtfully made as templates and tools for the community so that you can start experimenting with them right away. Custom Tab Interaction by JenChang You can plug-and-play with this interaction, and use it for a wide variety of learner interactions. 👑Accessibility Checker by SheriLee A winning submission through and through, this accessibility checker can levelset your accessibility related decision making in just a few interactions. Custom Interactive Product Match by VirginieBergon If you’re looking for a variation of a matching knowledge check with learner feedback, this code block is for you. 💭Templates and checker-type tools can be incorporated into your work today. What are some other tips or tricks you’ll be able to implement? Experiment with games for learners, get inspired by trending topics, or try one of these templates in your work and let us know how it goes. You can also share any new code block examples for others to see and learn from, too. Thank you to everyone who participated in our first ever build-a-thon! 🗨️Let us know Which submission was your favorite? Were there any that surprised you? 🏅 Want to Be Featured Next? We’re always looking to highlight inspiring examples from the community, and your work could be next! Here's what we look for in a standout submission: A downloadable .story file or link to your Rise course so others can explore, adapt, and learn from your build. A clear explanation of what you built, how it works, and what makes it unique. Behind-the-scenes insight into your process, techniques, tools, or challenges you tackled. Purposeful design, whether it’s solving a problem, teaching a concept, or experimenting with a new approach. Bonus: Share your ideas for how your design is widely applicable beyond the specific example.In Case You Missed It: September 2025 in ELH
Missed the action? Here’s a quick roundup of the conversations, builds, and resources that had the community buzzing in September. 🧰 Free Downloads: Built by You, for You We opened a new Downloads Hub: a growing space for templates, assets, and resources to help you build faster and smarter. Even better: it’s shaped by you. 💡 Let us know what else you'd like to see added. 💬 What Everyone’s Talking About Looking for inspiration? These discussions show the different ways members are stretching the tools. What’s Your “Dream Build”? From an adaptive “living mentor” course to a 2D/3D rail truck simulator for practicing real-world driving scenarios. What would your dream build look like? Custom Blocks in Rise 360 Show off something you’ve built (or want to build) with Custom Blocks, or grab inspiration from others who are experimenting. Using Rise360 for Virtual In-Person Courses Can Rise be used as a live presentation tool? One member is exploring the idea. Have you tried this, or do you see creative ways to make it work? 🌟 Standout Challenge Entries September’s challenges surfaced lots of gems! A few standouts: Circular Menu Navigation with Dials #522 Coin Operated (Goonies-Inspired) By Jonathan_Hill Drop in a coin and watch the magic: this demo reimagines a coin as both a slider and a dial. Smooth, clever, and fully accessible. Fine Feathered Friends By RonPrice Ready, aim, launch! This throwback game uses dials to set your bird’s flight path and spin a trivia-packed feather wheel. Playful, nostalgic, and smartly designed. Using Custom Blocks in Rise 360 #523 The Magic of the Nutcracker By Kate_Golomshtok A ballet-inspired demo blending audio, video, and imagery into an immersive Rise experience. Simple yet powerful, and beautifully done. Empowered to Lead By Karen_Faragalla A scenario-based module for new managers that combines Custom Blocks with branching navigation. A polished example of Rise taken to the next level. How to Brew the Best Coffee & Espresso Drinks #524 How to Brew the Best Coffee in Space By ThierryEMMANUEL Ever tried to brew coffee in zero gravity? This GSAP-animated, AI-powered demo takes you out of this world. A wild spin on a classic challenge. The Barista Challenge By JessDavis1 A debut entry featuring a drag-and-drop coffee activity with audio and visuals. Come for the interactivity, stay to cheer on a first-timer. Vibing w/ the Code Block in Rise #525 Welcome to a Severance By CydWalker_mwhc Step into orientation as a new employee in this Severance-inspired debut. A creative first-time code block build for Rise. NYT Connections Clone By: JohnShelton-e60 Inspired by the NYT game, this vibe coding experiment built a working Connections clone in just an hour. Fast, fun, and full of potential. 🎤 Members Took the Mic (Guest Webinars) From agile strategies to microinteractions, our guest presenters shared practical tips you can use right away. Design for Change – Because You Know It’s Happening Anyway with Megan Torrance, Anthony Reisinger, and Lauren Milstid Learn how to apply Agile and the LLAMA® approach to adapt projects quickly without losing focus or quality. Master Slide Magic: Using Layouts for Dynamic Interactions with Hilla Schlegel Discover how to transform slide masters into interactive quiz engines that keep your designs consistent and your workflow efficient. Small Details, Big Impact: Microinteractions in Storyline with Phil Mayor Pick up simple techniques to add motion, feedback, and polish that make your courses more intuitive and engaging. Design for Minds: Creating Impactful Learning Experiences with Patience Walton Explore how to use contrast, hierarchy, and visual design principles to make e-learning memorable and impactful. 🎓 Trending Training Webinars September’s trainings zoomed in on sharpening your product skills with quick, practical builds. Design Your Way with Custom Blocks in Rise 360 Learn how to design and customize your own blocks from the ground up for total flexibility. Creating Comic Speech Balloons with Merge Shapes in Storyline 360 See how to combine shapes to create reusable, custom speech bubbles for playful or polished course design. 📚 Member-Powered Articles Fresh from the community: two articles packed with member insights you can repurpose for your own projects. Made By Members: Games & Gamification From Jeopardy-style quizzes to top-down arcade games, see how members are using playful design to make learning more interactive. Takeaways from Articuland Boston Members shared insights on smarter design, accessibility, and AI as a creative sidekick. 💎 Hidden Gems Sometimes the best tips are hidden in plain sight. Here are a couple worth exploring: Vibe Coding for Rise 360 Learn how to use Rise’s new Code Block to embed interactive, code-driven projects directly, no external hosting required. Join the Code Block Group Connect with developers and tinkerers to swap snippets, brainstorm solutions, and share experiments. ✨ That’s a wrap for September! What’s one thing you discovered—or created—recently that we should feature in the next roundup? Share it below and help shape October’s highlights.Sign Up for the E-Learning Heroes Newsletter
E-Learning Epiphanies is now E-Learning Heroes Weekly! Do you love all the helpful content here on E-Learning Heroes? If so, you should subscribe to our newsletter, E-Learning Heroes Weekly, to stay up-to-date on all the inspiring examples, insightful articles, and valuable tips shared in the community. You'll even get information about upcoming webinars, industry, and Articulate events, so you never miss out on an opportunity to grow your skills or connect with the Articulate team. Sound like something you’d like to see in your inbox on a weekly basis? Sign up here. We hope you’ll love it as much as we do!This Month in ELH: Bloom and Grow Together
From small group opportunities like Peer Pods and AI Cohorts to lifting each other up in challenges and discussions, this month was full of opportunities for connecting. 🌍 Articuland Registration In addition to Articuland Orlando, we have three international locations this year: Barcelona, London, and Toronto. Special shout out to GingerBakerSanh for guessing all three locations correctly, and ChristineWal590 who won the grand prize of our competition! Registration is live for all locations, join us to connect IRL across the globe. 🫛 Peer Pod Signups Peer Pods are 3-4 week, community-driven learning experiences designed to help you build skills alongside others without a big time commitment. The upcoming topics are: Rise Tips and Tricks New to Instructional Design Accessibility. Signups for each topic are live, learn more here! 🏫 AI Certification Cohort This program is designed to help you master AI features in Rise and Storyline, connect with fellow e-learning professionals, and earn official certification to showcase your expertise. The May cohort is full, so sign up for the August group! 💬 What Everyone’s Talking About Looking for a place to share your knowledge and help others? Check out these discussions: Designing Under Constraints JoanneChen shared a recent experience with redesigning under limiting circumstances, join in with your own. Best Practices for Revisions This discussion revolves around how to make the smoothest workflow for revisions and content changes, led by ElissaFeuerman Making Repetitive Content Engaging This conversation, led by DebbieFowler-c1, is focused on brainstorming ways to liven up otherwise dry material. 🌟 Weekly Challenge Highlights Meet the Team by AsweniGD This amazing first time submission utilizes the Morphing Menu technique in Storyline to create a clear and engaging team intro Meet the Team: Hover Quotes for Storyline by Montsea If you need an efficient team introduction this submission includes a download so you can check out the mechanics of the interaction. Know Your Super Heroes by GolfPrincess This submission shows how you can use tools in combination with one another to create bright (and immediately implementable) courses. The People Behind the Desks by Jayashree_Ravi A wonderfully stylized and practical take on how to introduce a team, including booking links. Team Presentation Template by Kate_Golomshtok A great template with information many new hires appreciate, all in an elegant presentation. 👉We're always looking to highlight challenge submissions that have downloads or tutorials associated with them, so others can learn too. Join a challenge this week! 🎓 Trending Training and Webinars Creating Images, Narration, and Sound with AI Assistant This beginner-friendly session covers everything you need to know about generating images, recording clear audio narrations, and adding impactful sound effects. Quick Tips & Tricks: Episode 123 In this session, we covered how to create a novel presentation using animated motion paths, and how to control slide and layer audio in Storyline. Learning Luminaries: Faith Cagle (Life Sciences) Faith Cagle discusses how teams in highly regulated environments can move beyond transactional, compliance-only training toward a more human-centered approach that drives real behavior change. 📚 Member-Powered Articles Looking for ideas you can learn from and adapt? These articles share hands-on guidance and career insights grounded in members' real experiences: Made By Members: Code Block Build-a-thon Highlights These member examples show not only what creative outcomes you can build with Rise Code Block, but share actionable templates you can implement right away. How I Built This: I Developed an Award-Winning Ethics Course This member spotlight shares how AbigailVettese created her highly interactive and deeply thoughtful ethics course. 💎 Hidden Gems Sometimes the most helpful moments in the community are easy to miss. Here are a couple worth exploring: AI Voices in eLearning Stephanie is sharing how she built the audio elements to her Build-a-thon submission in an easy to follow tutorial. ELH Recognition Program We need your input on a new program coming soon, let us know what makes you feel like you’ve been recognized! 🌷Many of these opportunities for connecting with other members reach far beyond March, so don’t hesitate to spring into action and help others grow. Join a discussion to offer encouragement and feedback to a peer today!
