Summary
This comprehensive guide covers the complete course creation process in 7taps, from strategic planning through publishing and optimization. Learn how to transform subject matter expertise into engaging microlearning experiences that drive real behavior change and measurable business results.
The guide covers strategic content planning using 7taps' four card type groups (Information Presentation, Understanding Check, Active Application, and Reflection), step-by-step creation processes for each card type, and design best practices based on cognitive load theory and adult learning principles. Real-world examples from successful implementations show how organizations achieve 90%+ completion rates and measurable performance improvements.
Beyond basic course creation, the guide includes advanced strategies for engagement optimization, accessibility considerations, team collaboration workflows, and integration with Learning Paths for systematic behavior change through spaced learning.
Who is this article for?
Content creators and instructional designers building their first 7taps courses
Subject matter experts who need to transform their knowledge into microlearning experiences
L&D professionals transitioning from traditional authoring tools to microlearning approaches
Team leaders and managers creating performance support and just-in-time training for their teams
Anyone wanting to understand 7taps' strategic approach to effective microlearning design
Article contents
Introduction
Creating effective microlearning with 7taps isn't about building more content—it's about bridging the knowing-doing gap that exists in most organizations. 7taps is a performance enablement system designed to turn knowledge into action. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating courses that don't just inform, but actually change what people do at work.
What you'll learn:
How to plan strategically for maximum learning impact
Step-by-step course creation process with screenshots
Design best practices based on cognitive science
Real-world examples from successful implementations
Optimization strategies for better engagement and retention
Why this matters for your business: After training, people often forget key details under pressure, lack confidence in their approach, or don't know how to apply general knowledge to specific contexts. 7taps solves this knowing-doing gap by:
Reducing errors and costly mistakes through just-in-time guidance
Returning productive hours to your organization by cutting training time
Improving employee confidence (42% increase reported by clients)
Enabling faster response to business needs with rapid content deployment
Results that matter: 81% of customers saw improved team performance with 7taps in just 3 months, with fewer mistakes, faster onboarding, and better business results.
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Strategic Foundation - Before You Build
Understanding Microlearning Principles
Microlearning works because it aligns with how our brains naturally process and retain information. Research consistently supports the benefits of active learning strategies, with studies showing that shorter content leads to increased engagement and better information absorption.
Core Principles to Follow:
One Learning Objective Per Course: Microlearning assets should help facilitate a specific outcome. In most cases, this means you'll have one learning objective per nugget
Contextual Relevance: Design for specific moments when learners need the information
Active Engagement: Include interaction that requires thinking, not just clicking
Immediate Application: Connect content to real-world tasks and decisions
The 7taps Philosophy: Think Learning Paths, Not Single Courses
At 7taps, we believe in comprehensive learning journeys. While this guide covers individual course creation, most successful implementations use Learning Paths - series of micro-modules that form spaced learning campaigns.
Why Learning Paths Matter
Spaced learning significantly improves long-term retention over single training sessions
Behavior change requires reinforcement over time, not one-time information dumps
Business impact scales with systematic knowledge application, not isolated learning moments
Planning Tip: As you create your first course, consider how it fits into a broader learning sequence. Even if you start with one module, plan for the journey your learners need to take.
Step 1: Identify High-Impact Opportunities
Before creating any course, use this framework to ensure you're solving the right problems:
Look for areas where people need quick, ongoing learning:
Frequent policy or compliance updates
Product knowledge for sales or customer support
Skills development that requires reinforcement
Just-in-time training (process reminders, system updates)
Ask these diagnostic questions:
Where are employees struggling to retain key information?
What processes are frequently repeated and need reinforcement?
What training is currently too long and could be broken down?
Where do small mistakes or delays cost time, money, or trust?
Prioritize based on business impact:
Reducing operational errors (equipment misuse, incorrect processes)
Speeding up onboarding and ramp-up time
Improving compliance rates and reducing violations
Boosting customer satisfaction and service quality
Enhancing employee confidence in critical skills
Step 2: Apply the Microlearning Readiness Test
Use this framework to determine if your topic is suitable for microlearning:
Criteria | ✅ Microlearning-Ready | ⚠️ Adapt It | ❌ Not Ideal |
Daily Relevance | Needed frequently in workflow | Occasionally relevant | Theoretical knowledge not tied to work |
Breakability | Naturally short and focused | Can be split into smaller lessons | Requires deep, uninterrupted study |
Immediate Application | Learners can use knowledge immediately | Needs progressive practice | Requires live coaching or mentorship |
Retention Needs | Simple concepts or quick refreshers | Benefits from spaced repetition | Requires continuous expert guidance |
Don't create courses about broad topics. Instead, focus on specific, actionable outcomes:
❌ Avoid broad topics like:
"Customer Service Best Practices"
"Leadership Skills"
"Safety Training Overview"
✅ Focus on specific outcomes like:
"How to de-escalate an angry customer in 3 steps"
"What to say when your team misses a deadline"
"Proper lifting technique for 50+ lb packages"
Step 3: Understand Your Context
Think about the context. Under what circumstances will your learner turn to your microlearning content?
Context Questions to Answer:
When will learners access this content? (Just before a task, during onboarding, as reinforcement?)
What device will they likely use? (Mobile while walking, desktop at their desk?)
How much time do they have? (30 seconds for a job aid vs. 5 minutes for skill building?)
What's their emotional state? (Stressed and need quick help vs. motivated to learn something new?)
Step 4: Choose Your Content Strategy
Based on your analysis, select the appropriate microlearning approach:
Performance Support (Job Aids)
Use when: Learners need quick reference during tasks
Design: Minimal interaction, clear instructions, scannable format
Example: "Imagine needing to use a new machine at work... you want to quickly look up instruction"
Knowledge Building
Use when: Learners have time to engage and reflect
Design: Interactive elements, scenarios, knowledge checks
Example: New employee onboarding modules
Behavior Change
Use when: You need to shift habits or decision-making patterns
Design: Scenario-based practice, reflection questions, spaced reinforcement
Example: Leadership decision-making simulators
Step-by-Step Course Creation Process
Getting Started: Your First Course
Accessing the Course Creator
Log into your 7taps account at app.7taps.com
Click the "+ Create" button on your dashboard
Choose from three creation options:
Start from scratch: Build your course card by card
Use AI Course Generator: Answer strategic questions to generate complete courses
Import content: Convert existing materials (PowerPoints, PDFs, videos)
💡 Pro Tip: Leverage cognitive load theory and adult learning principles while cutting development time by 87% by using the AI Course Generator for your first few courses to see best practices in action.
Set Up Your Course Foundation
Course Title: Create a clear, outcome-focused title
✅ Good: "5-Minute Safety Check for Warehouse Workers"
❌ Avoid: "Workplace Safety"
Course Description (Internal): Write a brief description for your team
Include learning objective, target audience, and use context
This helps with searchability and team collaboration
Building Your Course: Card-by-Card Guide
7taps courses are built using strategically designed card types, each serving specific learning and business purposes. Kate Udalova (7taps founder) organizes these into four strategic groups:
1. Information Presentation Cards (Card, Video, Audio)
These cards cater to diverse learning preferences while naturally preventing cognitive overload.
Strategic Use:
The platform design prevents you from cramming too much information (built-in cognitive load management)
3-minute video limits encourage focused, digestible content
Use when learners need foundational knowledge before application
Business Impact: Prevents information overwhelm while ensuring knowledge transfer
2. Understanding Check Cards (Quiz, Poll, Form)
These facilitate retrieval practice - a proven learning science technique.
Strategic Use:
Formulating answers requires deeper thinking about material
Immediate feedback reinforces correct information and addresses misconceptions
Encourages active engagement rather than passive consumption
Business Impact: Improves retention and identifies knowledge gaps before they become performance issues
3. Active Application Cards (Role-play, Submit, Checklist)
These promote transfer of learning through scenario-based practice, bridging theory and real-world application.
Strategic Use:
Role-play cards help learners absorb information through low-stakes practice
Submit cards encourage real-world application and evidence of behavior change
Checklist cards provide job aids for moment-of-need performance
Business Impact: According to 7taps clients, these cards make employees feel 42% more confident when it's time to perform, leading to fewer mistakes and more independent work
4. Reflection and Feedback Cards (Rate, Form)
These encourage metacognition and provide crucial data for improving performance.
Strategic Use:
Rate cards track confidence shifts and learning effectiveness
Form cards gather qualitative insights about application challenges
Both provide data for optimizing learning and measuring business impact
Business Impact: 7taps clients report 95%+ learner satisfaction rates, leading to higher completion rates and better knowledge retention
Title Card - Your Course Gateway
Every course automatically starts with a title card.
Best Practices:
Keep titles under 60 characters for mobile readability
Use action-oriented language ("Learn to...", "Master...", "Solve...")
Include a compelling subtitle that sets expectations
Add a background image that supports your message (not just decoration)
Example:
Title: "Handle Difficult Customer Calls"
Subtitle: "3 proven techniques that de-escalate 90% of conflicts"
Informational Cards - Knowledge Foundation
Use for: Context setting, key concepts, step-by-step instructions
Design Guidelines:
Text: Keep to 2-3 short paragraphs maximum
Images: Use relevant visuals that support comprehension, not just decoration
GIFs: Perfect for showing processes or adding engagement
Formatting: Use bullet points and bold text for scannable content
Example Structure:
Why This Matters Research shows that 68% of customers stop doing business with a company due to poor service recovery.
The 3-Step Method
1. **Listen** - Let them vent for 30 seconds without interrupting
2. **Acknowledge** - "I understand why this is frustrating"
3. **Act** - Offer a specific solution within 2 minutes
Quiz Cards - Knowledge Reinforcement
Use quizzes for a quick knowledge check or present new info in a quiz format
When to Use:
After presenting new information
To check understanding before moving to application
As scenario-based decision points
Design Best Practices:
Write questions that require thinking, not just memory recall
Include realistic scenarios from your workplace
Add a general comment to reinforce the key message you want to convey
Use "multiple correct answers" feature for comprehensive concepts
Example Question:
A customer says: "This is the worst service I've ever received. I want my money back immediately!" What should you do first?
a) Explain your company's refund policy
b) Ask them to calm down
c) Listen for 30 seconds without interrupting ✅
d) Transfer them to a supervisor
Feedback: Letting customers express their frustration fully is the first step in de-escalation. You'll address solutions after they feel heard."
Video Cards - Visual Learning
Use for: Complex processes, demonstrations, storytelling
Video Options:
AI Text-to-Speech: Perfect for quick explanations and consistent narration
Upload Your Own: Use for authentic testimonials or detailed demonstrations
Closed Captioning: Enable for accessibility
Best Practices:
Keep videos under 90 seconds for microlearning
Include clear calls-to-action at the end
Use video for content that truly benefits from visual demonstration
Audio Cards - Flexible Learning
Use for: Expert interviews, scenarios with dialogue, multilingual content
When Audio Works Best:
Learners are mobile or multitasking
Content includes conversations or emotional tone
Multiple language versions needed
Role Play Cards - Scenario Practice
Perfect for: Customer service, sales, leadership, and interpersonal skills
Structure:
Set the scene with specific context
Present realistic challenges
End with knowledge check questions
Provide expert guidance on best responses
Example:
**Role Play Scenario: New Team Member Struggling**
*Avatar 1 (Sarah):*
"I'm really sorry about missing another deadline. I know this looks bad, but I'm just trying to figure everything out and I don't want to bother anyone with constant questions."
*Avatar 2 (Team Leader):*
"Sarah, I appreciate you being honest with me. Missing deadlines isn't ideal, but I'm more concerned about how you're feeling right now. What's been the biggest challenge for you these past few weeks?"
**How should you continue this conversation?**
a) Focus on the missed deadlines and create a performance improvement plan
b) Ask "How are you feeling about your workload and what support do you need?"
c) Reassure her that everyone struggles at first and she'll figure it out
d) Suggest she should be more proactive about asking questions
**Expert Guidance:** "Option B creates psychological safety first. By asking about her feelings and support needs, you open dialogue rather than triggering defensiveness, making her more likely to share what's really going on."
Form Cards - Feedback and Reflection
Use for: Action planning, gathering insights, encouraging application
Effective Form Questions:
"What's one thing you'll do differently after this training?"
"Describe a situation where you could use this technique"
"What obstacles might prevent you from applying this, and how will you overcome them?"
Submit Cards - Real-World Application
Use for: Practice documentation, skill demonstration, behavior tracking
Examples:
"Record yourself practicing the de-escalation script"
"Take a photo of your organized workspace"
"Submit your completed safety checklist"
Poll Cards - Quick Insights
Use for: Gauging current practices, generating discussion, assessing needs
Best Practices:
Ask about real behaviors, not theoretical knowledge
Use results to customize follow-up content
Enable anonymity for sensitive topics
Checklist Cards - Action Summary
Use for: End-of-course summaries, step-by-step processes, job aids
Perfect for performance support when learners need quick reference.
Button Cards - Course Navigation
Use for: Branching scenarios, additional resources, follow-up courses
Branching Strategies:
Role-based paths (Manager vs. Individual Contributor)
Experience level (Beginner vs. Advanced)
Scenario outcomes (Different responses lead to different learning paths)
Design Excellence - Making Content That Sticks
The Power of Intentional Simplicity
Unlike most microlearning platforms, 7taps doesn't include juvenile game elements or superficial interactions like "click to reveal" because they don't contribute to learning outcomes - they actually act as speed bumps to real learning.
7taps Design Philosophy:
Respect adult learners' time and intelligence with relevant, practical content
Focus on what truly matters: effective knowledge transfer and retention
Pre-designed templates promote active learning, not just clicks
Simplicity reduces the learning curve, allowing you to deploy effective training without getting lost in complex features
Why This Matters for Course Creation: The platform naturally guides you to break down information into clear, concise units, which aligns perfectly with cognitive load theory and effective microlearning principles. Don't fight this constraint - embrace it to create more impactful learning.
Theme Selection:
Choose themes that match your brand and content tone
Consider your audience's context (professional vs. casual)
Ensure high contrast for mobile readability
Custom Branding (Available on Enterprise plans):
Upload custom fonts that match your brand guidelines
Use consistent color schemes throughout your courses
Include company logos and visual elements
Branded course URLs: Custom domains so courses appear on your company's web address
Branded email delivery: Courses sent from your designated company email address instead of 7taps
Content Writing Best Practices
Writing for Microlearning:
Be Conversational: Write like you're talking to someone, not writing a manual
Use "You" Language: Make it personal and direct
Include Examples: Real-world scenarios help learners connect concepts to their work
Vary Sentence Length: Mix short punchy sentences with longer explanations
Accessibility Considerations:
Use clear, simple language
Define technical terms when first introduced
Include alt text for images
Ensure sufficient color contrast
Design for screen readers
Engagement Strategies
Cognitive Load Management: Leverage cognitive load theory by presenting information in digestible chunks
Chunk Information: Break complex topics into 3-5 key points maximum
Use Progressive Disclosure: Reveal information as learners need it
Minimize Extraneous Elements: Every visual and interaction should support learning
Active Learning Integration:
Ask learners to make predictions before revealing information
Include reflection questions that connect to personal experience
Use scenario-based questions that require analysis, not just recall
Testing and Refinement
Preview and Testing Process
Step 1: Use Preview Mode
Preview mode automatically resets all answers when closed, ensuring a clean slate for each review
Test on multiple devices (phone, tablet, desktop)
Check loading times and image quality
Verify all interactive elements work properly
Step 2: Internal Review Process
Content Review: Have subject matter experts verify accuracy
Design Review: Check visual consistency and accessibility
Learning Review: Ensure content achieves learning objectives
User Experience Review: Test with someone unfamiliar with the topic
Step 3: Pilot Testing
Select 5-10 representative learners for initial testing
Gather feedback on:
Clarity of instructions
Relevance to their work
Technical functionality
Time to complete
Immediate applicability
Optimization Strategies
Based on Analytics:
Monitor completion rates for each card
Identify drop-off points and investigate causes
Review quiz performance to spot knowledge gaps
Track time spent on different sections
Continuous Improvement:
Use microlearning for reinforcement and knowledge retrieval
Create follow-up courses based on common questions
Update content regularly based on changing business needs
A/B test different approaches to key concepts
Publishing and Distribution Strategy
Pre-Launch Checklist
Technical Verification:
[ ] All cards display properly on mobile devices
[ ] Images and videos load quickly
[ ] Interactive elements function correctly
[ ] Analytics tracking is enabled
[ ] Accessibility features are working
Content Quality:
[ ] Learning objective is clear and specific
[ ] Content is accurate and up-to-date
[ ] Tone matches your audience and context
[ ] All text is proofread and error-free
[ ] Examples are relevant and realistic
Strategic Alignment:
[ ] Course supports business objectives
[ ] Target audience is clearly defined
[ ] Success metrics are established
[ ] Distribution plan is confirmed
Distribution Best Practices
The key to microlearning success is getting content to learners at the right moment through the right channel.
Channel Selection Guide:
Email Distribution:
Best for: Scheduled learning, course series, formal training
Use when: You have good email engagement rates
Tip: Send courses during times when learners can engage, not just when it's convenient for you
QR Code Sharing:
Best for: Just-in-time learning, job aids, physical location training
Use when: Learners need quick access during work tasks
Tip: Place QR codes where learners naturally look when they need help
Slack/Teams Integration:
Best for: Team-based learning, informal knowledge sharing
Use when: You want to encourage discussion and peer learning
Tip: Share in relevant channels where the content naturally fits the conversation
SMS/WhatsApp Distribution:
Best for: Mobile workforce, urgent updates, spaced learning sequences
Use when: Immediate attention is needed
Tip: Be mindful of timing and frequency to avoid message fatigue
Direct Link Sharing:
Best for: Self-directed learning, embedded in other systems
Use when: Learners prefer to bookmark and access on their schedule
Real-World Examples and Use Cases
Case Study: Enterprise Learning Transfer Success
BD (global MedTech company) used microlearning to maximize learning transfer from industry conferences and training events
What They Did:
Pre-event engagement: Created countdown modules to build anticipation and set expectations
Structured learning capture: Designed templates asking "What are the key takeaways?" and "How can we use this information?"
Active recall reinforcement: Sent modules after day 1 with questions like "What would you like to start using right away?"
Manager involvement: Created prompts for learners to discuss goals with managers before events
Social learning integration: Designed modules to foster collaboration and insight sharing
Results:
Associates reported better retention and deeper understanding
Increased application of new concepts on the job
More engagement with professional development opportunities
"Apart from having a positive effect on learner engagement, adding 7taps to our training approach has been a huge time-saver"
Key Takeaway: Microlearning works best when integrated throughout the entire learning journey - before, during, and after traditional training events.
Case Study: Healthcare Leadership Development
Inova Health System's "Leadership Moments" program achieved close to 90% engagement
What They Did:
Created scenario-based microlearning for leadership decisions
Used QR codes for just-in-time access during leadership forums
Developed evidence-based practice modules for nurses
"Push just-in-time learning to leaders and team members who work in our hospital system"
Results:
90% found content helpful for performance
Featured in Forbes for innovative approach
Improved timely performance check-ins
Reduced mental fatigue while maintaining learning effectiveness
Key Takeaway: Timing and context matter more than content volume.
Case Study: Learning Transfer and Retention
BD (global MedTech company) used microlearning to maximize learning transfer from industry conferences
What They Did:
Pre-event: Built anticipation with countdown modules
During events: Structured note-taking templates
Post-event: "Active recall questions like 'What would you like to start using right away?'"
Follow-up: Spaced reinforcement to encourage application
Results:
Better retention of conference learning
Increased application of new concepts on the job
More engagement with development opportunities
"Associates reported better retention and deeper understanding"
Key Takeaway: Microlearning works best as part of a comprehensive learning journey, not as standalone content.
Advanced Strategies and Next Steps
Integration with Existing Systems
LMS Integration:
Export courses as SCORM or xAPI for tracking in your LMS
Use 7taps for engagement, LMS for compliance tracking
Create blended learning paths that combine both platforms
Performance Support Integration:
Embed courses in job aids and process documents
Link to courses from help desk tickets and FAQ pages
Include QR codes in physical work spaces and equipment
Advanced Content Strategies
Spaced Learning Sequences:
Use microlearning for reinforcement and knowledge retrieval over time
Create courses that build on each other progressively
Schedule follow-up reinforcement at optimal intervals
Adaptive Learning Paths:
Use branching to customize content based on learner responses
Create role-specific versions of core content
Allow learners to skip content they already know
Social Learning Integration:
Include discussion prompts that encourage team conversations
Create courses that teams can complete together
Use poll results to generate workplace discussions
Measuring Success and ROI
Engagement Metrics:
Completion rates by card and overall course
Time spent on different sections
Quiz performance and improvement over time
Return visits and reference usage
Measuring Success: Beyond Completion Rates
Business Impact Metrics (What Kate Recommends):
Time and Cost Savings:
Course creation speed (7taps vs. traditional authoring)
Time saved per learner (microlearning vs. traditional training)
Reduction in L&D hours spent on content development
Lower labor costs from more efficient training
Performance and Quality Improvements:
Behavior change indicators specific to your learning objectives
Reduction in errors, safety incidents, or compliance violations
Increase in customer satisfaction scores
Improvement in first-call resolution rates (for support training)
Higher retention of knowledge after 30-60 days
Employee Confidence and Engagement:
Self-reported confidence increases (7taps clients see 42% improvement)
Completion rates compared to previous training methods
Learner satisfaction scores (7taps clients achieve 95%+ rates)
Voluntary engagement with optional follow-up content
Real Business Results: Kate's data shows that effective microlearning implementation leads to:
Fewer employee mistakes → reduced costs and improved quality
Better performance → improved business results and customer satisfaction
Engaged employees who feel valued → reduced turnover costs
Faster time-to-competency → employees become productive sooner
Learner Satisfaction:
Post-course feedback and ratings
Voluntary engagement with optional content
Requests for additional training on related topics
Peer recommendations and sharing
Getting Started: Your First Course Action Plan
Week 1: Foundation
Choose one specific workplace challenge to address
Define your learning objective in one clear sentence
Identify your target audience and their context
Gather any existing materials (presentations, documents, videos)
Week 2: Creation
Create your first course using the step-by-step process above
Keep it simple: 5-7 cards maximum for your first attempt
Focus on one card type (informational + quiz) until you're comfortable
Test thoroughly in preview mode
Week 3: Launch and Learn
Share with a small pilot group (5-10 people)
Gather feedback through informal conversations
Monitor analytics for completion and engagement patterns
Make 2-3 small improvements based on initial feedback
Week 4: Scale and Optimize
Share more widely with your target audience
Create a follow-up course that builds on the first
Plan your next 3 courses based on learner needs and business priorities
Document what you've learned for future course creation
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Low Completion Rates:
Check if content matches the promised learning outcome
Verify that courses are reaching learners at the right time
Ensure technical functionality across devices
Consider shortening content or breaking into smaller pieces
Poor Quiz Performance:
Review if questions match the complexity of content presented
Check if scenarios are realistic and relevant
Ensure feedback is helpful for learning, not just correctness
Consider if prerequisite knowledge is missing
Technical Problems:
Test on multiple devices and browsers
Check image file sizes and loading times
Verify that all interactive elements function properly
Contact 7taps support for platform-specific issues
Low Engagement:
Assess if content addresses real workplace challenges
Check if distribution method matches learner preferences
Consider timing of content delivery
Review if course length matches available learner time
Related Articles and Next Steps
Essential Reading:
Sharing and Distribution Mastery - Learn how to get your courses to learners at the right moment
7taps Learning Paths: Strategy and Creation - Scale your microlearning with automated sequences
Analytics and Insights: Measuring Learning Impact - Understand your data and optimize for better results
Team Management and Collaboration - Work effectively with colleagues on course creation
Advanced Topics:
Industry-Specific Use Cases - See how others in your field use microlearning effectively
Integration with LMS and Other Systems - Connect 7taps with your existing tech stack
Advanced Design and Branding - Create visually compelling, on-brand learning experiences
Need Help?
Help Chat: Quick answers to technical questions during business hours
[Click the icon in the bottom right corner →]Email Support: Detailed assistance for complex issues
[Contact Support →]Professional Services: Custom implementation and strategic consulting
[Schedule a Consultation →]
Ready to create your first course? Log into 7taps and start building today. Remember: the best microlearning course is the one that gets created and shared, not the perfect one that never launches.