In the latest edition of CLO Lens, Desq explored why strong collaboration sits at the heart of effective learning design — and why subject matter experts play such a critical role in that process.
But knowing collaboration matters is one thing; making it work in practice is another. Working with SMEs can be energising, challenging, and occasionally messy, especially when expertise, time pressure and competing priorities collide.
To help, we’ve compiled six practical tips for getting the most out of your SME collaboration.
To help, we’ve compiled six practical tips for getting the most out of your SME collaboration.
TIP 1:
Get to know your SME
Get to know your SME
SMEs are often introduced to the project team a bit further in the development process. The countdown to the deadline has started and it can be tempting to get straight down to business.
Make time to get to know each other; ask about their backgrounds or interests, and find things to bond over. Building this foundation is important for collaborative working later on. Better still, could you kick off the collaboration in person? It’s often easier to build rapport face-to-face.
TIP 2:
Do your research
Do your research
Collect as much information as you can before you meet with the SME and take time to digest it. If there is no source content, read up about the subject as much as you can.
When you show up prepared, you send the message that you value your SME’s time. And that helps start the relationship on the right foot.
TIP 3:
Explain what you're trying to do
Explain what you're trying to do
SMEs know their content inside out and can be reluctant to change its design. But they still want learners to succeed, so if you want to do something with the content, explain how it will support and enhance learning. People are more likely to show enthusiasm for something when they feel like they’re truly part of the process; explain to the SME what you’re trying to accomplish and how their role is critical to the project’s success.
Explain your role too. For a project to go well, we need SMEs to engage with our processes, so make sure they know the steps we go through and why they are important.
TIP 4:
Decide how to work together
Decide how to work together
We all have our preferred ways of working. Ask SMEs how they best like to work early on. They might prefer to review things on their own, or they might like to work things out on calls or in person.
Figure out your communication preferences and compromise on something that works well for both of you.
TIP 5:
Work out loud
Work out loud
Most SMEs enjoy talking about their subject area. Therefore, asking questions is a good way to get the information you need. Record meeting notes in a shared document to avoid misunderstandings (most video conferencing platforms have great transcribe functions).
Create a collaboration area to minimise meetings and to respect the SME’s time. Use tools like Evernote, Google Docs or other project management tools to share information.
TIP 6:
Establish a relationship
Establish a relationship
At the end of the day, it’s all about relationships. When you put a little effort into developing a good rapport with your subject matter experts, you’ll likely find it easier to get the content and feedback you need from them. Show your appreciation at the end of a project and copy in their boss/other key stakeholders. Little gestures like this can pay big dividends later on.
Great learning doesn’t happen in isolation — it’s built through strong, intentional partnerships. When designers and subject matter experts work together with clarity, trust and shared purpose, the results are more engaging, more practical and more impactful for learners. If you’re looking to strengthen collaboration in your next learning project — or want support turning complex expertise into effective digital learning — we’d love to talk. Get in touch to explore how we can design something purposeful, together.
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