In a world where “comfort is king,” remember that you need friction to flourish!
For Instructional Designers, a smooth, completely frictionless review process often feels like a win.
It is comfortable, efficient, and validates our hard work.
But, and it’s a pretty big but… comfort rarely fosters excellence.
As the ancient proverb reminds us:
As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
The reality of this metaphor is often overlooked: when iron rubs against iron to create a sharper edge, the process is loud, abrasive, and inherently uncomfortable.
It’s good for the knife, but not so good for the pieces being ground off and discarded.
Or think of gardening and pruning.
Pruning is crucial for plant health, safety, and aesthetics. It stimulates new growth, removes disease-harboring deadwood, and improves light and air circulation.
While good for the plant, pruning actually maximizes fruit and flower yields; it’s not so good for the branches and flowers being pruned, being cut off.
Again, friction is often needed for you and your content to flourish.
Why it matters to IDs
For instructional designers, this discomfort is a necessary catalyst for growth.
If your peer reviews and design critiques consist solely of polite nods and superficial praise, your work isn’t actually getting any sharper.
True collaboration requires a willingness to engage in constructive friction.
Apply it
First, do not surround yourself with “yes men.”
To elevate your next project, embrace the discomfort or the pain of progress.
During your next design critique, don’t just ask for general feedback… instead, actively invite friction.
Point to your biggest, most fundamental design assumption and ask a trusted colleague to specifically challenge it.
Sit with the discomfort that follows. It may feel painful in the moment, but by allowing your ideas to be tested and refined, you will ultimately create a more robust, impactful learning experience. Growth lives on the other side of comfort.
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