I'm Ryan Duhon, a senior instructional designer who transforms complex learning challenges into engaging, memorable experiences that drive real performance outcomes. With over a decade in learning and development, I've discovered that the most powerful training doesn't just teach. It tells a story that sticks.

Storytelling is the heart of everything I create. Research shows that facts wrapped in stories are 20 times more likely to be remembered than standalone information. I leverage this by crafting learning experiences where every interaction has narrative purpose. Whether developing serialized e-learning modules with recurring characters or creating branching scenarios that feel like choose-your-own-adventure stories, I design learning journeys that learners actually want to complete. This storytelling approach has consistently earned outstanding feedback from stakeholders across diverse industries from telecommunications and hospitality to healthcare and nonprofit sectors.

Technical innovation drives my problem-solving approach. I thrive on challenges that others consider "impossible to implement." Using JavaScript to manipulate variables in Storyline, I create sophisticated interactions that would typically require dozens of triggers with elegant single-line solutions. My technical toolkit spans Articulate Storyline, Rise, Vyond, Canva, Camtasia, Adobe Creative Suite, and emerging AI tools. But more importantly, I excel at rapidly learning new technologies and pushing them beyond conventional boundaries. I was among the early adopters of AI integration in instructional design, using tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to act as virtual SMEs, generate practice scenarios, and accelerate content development without sacrificing quality.

My design philosophy balances engagement with measurable impact. I specialize in interactive scenarios, gamification, and critical thinking exercises that prepare learners for real-world complexity. Research demonstrates that gamification can increase cognitive learning outcomes by 49%, and interactive scenarios significantly improve knowledge retention. I apply these evidence-based approaches while adapting to each client's unique needs, from developing compliance training that actually engages employees to creating comprehensive certification programs that build lasting competencies.

Collaboration and adaptability define my professional approach. Having worked with industry leaders across multiple sectors, I've refined my ability to quickly understand new subject matter and translate it into compelling learning experiences. When faced with creating an 8-hour technical communication course without access to SMEs, I leveraged AI tools as collaborative partners while maintaining the human insight that makes learning truly transformative.

Innovation meets proven methodology. While I embrace cutting-edge tools and techniques, my foundation remains grounded in adult learning principles and measurable outcomes. I excel at identifying when to challenge learners appropriately and when to provide supportive scaffolding, always with clear learning objectives that tie to business goals. My experience creating custom learning solutions for organizations of all sizes has taught me that the best training programs combine technological sophistication with human-centered design.

Ready to create transformative learning experiences? I'm seeking opportunities with forward-thinking organizations that value innovation, storytelling, and measurable training impact. Whether you're scaling remote learning programs, implementing new technologies, or solving complex performance challenges, I bring the unique combination of technical expertise, creative storytelling, and proven results that can elevate your learning initiatives. Let's discuss how we can make learning more engaging, effective, and memorable for your teams.