Walk Through My Zen ID Garden
A Holistic Approach to ID
Start
Welcome to the Zen ID Garden
Take a mindful digital stroll through the Zen Garden of Instructional Design.
Interact with the garden to discover the meaning of Holistic Instructional Design.
Enter the Garden
Stack the rocks on the grass to reveal the 4 elements of holistic ID
What does holistic ID look like in real life? Sweep the sand to reveal examples.
Take a moment of reflection.
Breathe along with the shape below and reflect on what you have learned. Leave the garden when you are ready.
Leave the Garden
You have reached the end of the garden, but the start of your Holistic Instructional Design Journey.
You are welcome to explore my portfolio website for examples of my work.
Back to Start
Meeting Clients at a Human Level
Clients, Subject Matter Experts, Faculty, and Instructional Designers. We are all humans, and I like to work hard and play hard. I respect and encourage healthy work-life balance with clients and myself. We do our best work when we are healthy and happy!
Intentional Language and Communication
What Does this Look Like?
- Consistent written communication
- Clear Expecations, Meeting Minutes and Next Steps
- Respectful language
Intentional Language and Communication
Communication between Instructional Designers and clients is essential for our work together. My mantra is 'treat others how you would want to be treated'. Being respecful, consistent, and clear is the pathway towards intentional collaboration.
Mindful Design
What Does this Look Like?
- Using Cognitive Load Theory in designing content structure
- Referencing WCAG Guidelines to place color within page elements and design
- Balance between Content and Style
Interconnected Learning Elements
Alignment between learning elements is the only way you can create a fully holistic learning experience. Instructional materials, assignments, assessments and tools need to work together to create a learning journey that learners can apply in the real world.
Mindful Design
Mindful design is focused on intentional placement of color, graphic elements, font, and content. This can apply to instructional materials, page design, interactive elements and HTML design within an Learning Management System (LMS).
Interconnected Learning Elements
What Does this Look Like?
- Relevant instructional materials
- Measurable Learning Outcomes
- Applicable assessments and assignments
Meeting Clients at a Human Level
What Does this Look Like?
- Incorporating humor and relatability
- Intentional Active Listening
- Work - Life Balance
Walk Through my Zen ID Garden
Sonia Plante
Created on January 26, 2026
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Transcript
Walk Through My Zen ID Garden
A Holistic Approach to ID
Start
Welcome to the Zen ID Garden
Take a mindful digital stroll through the Zen Garden of Instructional Design.
Interact with the garden to discover the meaning of Holistic Instructional Design.
Enter the Garden
Stack the rocks on the grass to reveal the 4 elements of holistic ID
What does holistic ID look like in real life? Sweep the sand to reveal examples.
Take a moment of reflection.
Breathe along with the shape below and reflect on what you have learned. Leave the garden when you are ready.
Leave the Garden
You have reached the end of the garden, but the start of your Holistic Instructional Design Journey.
You are welcome to explore my portfolio website for examples of my work.
Back to Start
Meeting Clients at a Human Level
Clients, Subject Matter Experts, Faculty, and Instructional Designers. We are all humans, and I like to work hard and play hard. I respect and encourage healthy work-life balance with clients and myself. We do our best work when we are healthy and happy!
Intentional Language and Communication
What Does this Look Like?
Intentional Language and Communication
Communication between Instructional Designers and clients is essential for our work together. My mantra is 'treat others how you would want to be treated'. Being respecful, consistent, and clear is the pathway towards intentional collaboration.
Mindful Design
What Does this Look Like?
Interconnected Learning Elements
Alignment between learning elements is the only way you can create a fully holistic learning experience. Instructional materials, assignments, assessments and tools need to work together to create a learning journey that learners can apply in the real world.
Mindful Design
Mindful design is focused on intentional placement of color, graphic elements, font, and content. This can apply to instructional materials, page design, interactive elements and HTML design within an Learning Management System (LMS).
Interconnected Learning Elements
What Does this Look Like?
Meeting Clients at a Human Level
What Does this Look Like?