This example demonstrates how I listened to a learner’s need, identified the knowledge gap (combining Data Validation with VLOOKUP in a practical way), and designed a solution around a real-world task, rather than teaching features in isolation. As a result, this became my most viewed video.
Audience
Microsoft Excel users ranging from beginners to intermediate users who wanted to automate repetitive data entry. This tutorial was inspired by a subscriber who needed to create a packing list that automatically populated customer information after selecting a value from a drop-down list.
Problem
Many Excel users understand individual features like Data Validation or VLOOKUP but struggle to combine them into a practical workflow. Existing tutorials often focus on the functions in isolation or assume prior knowledge, making it difficult for users to apply the concepts to real business scenarios.
Learning Objective
By the end of the tutorial, learners are able to:
- Create a drop-down list using Data Validation.
- Use VLOOKUP to retrieve related customer information.
- Automatically populate multiple fields based on a single selection.
- Apply the technique to business scenarios such as order forms, packing lists, customer databases, and contact management.
My Role
Independently managed the complete instructional content lifecycle:
- Identified the learning need from audience feedback.
- Designed the instructional approach around a real-world business use case.
- Wrote the script and structured the lesson for clarity and progressive learning.
- Recorded the screen demonstrations and narration.
- Edited and published the finished instructional video.
- Optimized the video title, description, and presentation for discoverability and learner engagement.
- Monitored viewer feedback to inform future content.
Results
- Over 414,700 views
- More than 30,900 hours of watch time
- Became the highest-performing video on the channel.
- Consistently praised for its clarity, concise instruction, and practical examples.
Representative Learner Feedback
“Excellent and remarkable learning video, thank you for your magnificent efforts. Fantastic explanation.
“Your description of what I found quite difficult to figure out was most helpful.”
“I’ve spent the past 2 hours trying to figure out how to do this. Your video was extremely helpful and easy to follow.”
“This was the fastest, most succinct solution video I’ve found on this topic.”
Skills Demonstrated
- Instructional design
- Adult learning principles
- Technical communication
- Curriculum development
- Script writing
- Instructional video production
- Microsoft Excel expertise
- Audience-centered content development
- Educational storytelling
- Learning experience design
Sally Scott 