Building Data-Driven Prototypes in Axure
Comprehensive video course created for Pluralsight on advanced UX prototyping
This case study describes authentic workplace learning design. I've handled the typical NDA considerations by adapting details and recreating artifacts, but the strategy and impact are real.
Background
Charles Schwab's Digital Retail Tool Talk is a monthly learning series focused on software skill-building sessions that help Digital Retail team members learn new tools or level up in their existing tools.
When one of the UX Research team members reached out to see if we could have a session on Excel, they described a common frustration: they had seen other UX Researchers use tools like Pivot Tables or shortcuts and features to help clean data, but they didn't know enough to even know what words or phrases to Google to learn more.
This was a perfect example of the "advanced beginner" challenge: learners who had moved past basic functionality but lacked the vocabulary and framework to advance their skills independently.
This was a perfect example of the "advanced beginner" challenge: learners who had moved past basic functionality but lacked the vocabulary and framework to advance their skills independently.
Skills: Needs assessment • Instructional design • Presentation design • Facilitation
Tools: Microsoft Excel • Figma • Teams • Snagit • SharePoint
The challenge
UX Researchers at Schwab understood when to use Excel but struggled with the vocabulary gap that prevented efficient work. If you want to add drop-downs for consistent data entry, would you know Excel calls that feature "Data Validation"? If you want to analyze data from different angles without changing the original dataset, would you search for "Pivot Table"?
This terminology barrier created frustrating learning blocks: researchers could see colleagues working more efficiently but couldn't bridge the gap between "I know there's probably a better way to do this" and "I know what it's called so I can learn it." They needed both the vocabulary to unlock self-directed learning and enough foundational knowledge to recognize which Excel approaches would solve their specific UX workflow challenges.
The learning strategy behind the class
I designed the session around bridging the vocabulary gap that prevented self-directed learning. Rather than comprehensive Excel training, my approach focused on terminology acquisition and feature recognition to unlock independent skill development.
The learning strategy emphasized:
- Vocabulary building: Teaching Excel-specific terms alongside practical demonstrations
- Feature awareness: Showing what's possible so learners could recognize opportunities in their own work
- Search strategy: Providing the "magic words to Google" for continued learning
- Workflow integration: Connecting Excel outputs to existing UX processes (like importing charts to Figma)
- Resource amplification: Curating Schwab learning resources to extend learning beyond the session
What I built
I strategically decided to create the session presentation in Figma rather than traditional presentation software. Instead of using screen sharing during the meeting, I pre-recorded small demonstration steps in Snagit, turned those screen recordings into videos. I embedded the videos directly into the Figma presentation with controls to play, pause, and loop videos as needed.
This approach let me create a dual-purpose artifact that served as presentation during the live session but could function as a self-guided tutorial for learners working independently. The embedded videos meant participants could revisit specific techniques at their own pace and replay complex steps until they understood them.
The Excel document used for demonstrating features became a sample workbook with before and after examples plus embedded instructions, so learners could follow along during the session or practice independently afterward.
The combination of interactive Figma presentation with embedded videos and comprehensive sample workbook created a complete learning system that worked for both live instruction and self-directed practice.
The impact
The session successfully filled a specific skill gap for UX Researchers while demonstrating strategic instructional design thinking. By focusing on "advanced beginner" learners and workflow integration, I created a learning experience that provided immediate value rather than overwhelming participants with comprehensive Excel training.
Key participant feedback:
“One of my reports told me about your Tool Talk on Excel, so I went through the materials. Such great work — i loved the video tutorials with the chapters and reference file! Thanks for sharing this with us.”
Teaching "advanced beginners" requires strategic restraint—knowing what not to include is often more important than comprehensive coverage. This session reminded me that the best professional development focuses on workflow enhancement rather than software mastery.
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