Free resource

eLearning design brief template

Use this practical eLearning design brief template to agree the business need, audience, outcomes, scope, assessment, stakeholders and delivery constraints before authoring starts.

Updated 26 August 2026By Lumeo Learning Ltd

1. Business need

What problem are we trying to solve?

  • What is happening now?
  • What should people do differently?
  • What evidence shows this is a learning problem rather than a process, system or management problem?
  • What happens if nothing changes?

2. Audience

  • Who are the learners?
  • What do they already know?
  • What devices and working environments will they use?
  • Are there accessibility, language or confidence considerations?

3. Learning outcomes

Write a small number of measurable outcomes beginning with what the learner will be able to do. Avoid outcomes such as “understand” unless you can define the evidence that proves understanding.

4. Scope and content

  • Must-know content
  • Useful reference content
  • Out-of-scope material
  • Policies, systems or source documents
  • Required scenarios, examples or demonstrations

5. Practice and assessment

  • What should learners practise?
  • What evidence will demonstrate competence?
  • Is there a pass mark?
  • How many attempts are allowed?
  • What feedback should learners receive?

6. Delivery and technical requirements

  • Target LMS
  • SCORM or other export requirement
  • Expected course duration
  • Mobile or desktop priorities
  • Branding and accessibility requirements

7. Stakeholders and review

  • Project owner
  • Subject-matter expert
  • Approver
  • Technical/LMS contact
  • Review rounds and final sign-off date

Agree who can approve content before development begins. Otherwise feedback can expand indefinitely.

Put the guidance into practice

Build a real course in Lumeo, preview it in the browser, and export it to SCORM, standalone HTML or PDF. The free plan does not require a payment card.

SCORM 1.2
SCORM 2004
Privacy-first controls
Encryption in transit & at rest