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Sadie R. Gunnink, Ed.D.
Learning architect. Experience designer. Builder of better ways to learn.

Instructional Design & EdTech

The future of learning lies in collaboration between people and technology. Emerging tools, AI, data analytics, and immersive design allow us to scale what makes learning most human: relevance, curiosity, and connection. I design digital learning systems and curricula that leverage AI, data, and adaptive design to personalize growth while preserving empathy, creativity, and connection. Every solution begins with curiosity and ends with human impact.

Rise Evolved

Gamified Learning Reimagined
Rise Evolved transforms traditional learning into an adaptive, story-driven game where students complete quests aligned with academic standards. Built on my doctoral research in motivation and engagement, the platform uses AI to personalize challenges, reward progress, and assess mastery in real time, making achievement feel like an adventure.


https://www.riseevolved.com

AP Prep Courses

Adaptive Learning Mastery Pathways
I designed a 40-hour adaptive AP Prep model that blends diagnostics, micro-lessons, and mastery-based routing. Students follow personalized learning paths supported by AI-generated practice, retrieval activities, and feedback loops, raising rigor while reducing prep fatigue. A full course walkthrough prepared for the client, highlighting the course structure, design choices, and learner experience, can be seen here: https://youtu.be/csom6fA5cAo

Video Training

AI-Driven Visual Learning
I produced this video using Synthesia AI to introduce students to knowledge organizers in an engaging, accessible format. I wrote the script, directed the instructional flow, and collaborated with the AI platform to bring the final product to life, transforming complex study strategies into a clear, visual learning experience. Watch the video here:  https://youtu.be/9XcNUiAyZ6M

Storyboarding and Branching

Turning Ideas into Interactive Journeys
I create clear, visual blueprints that map complex learning paths into intuitive, learner-driven experiences. Using tools such as Storyline 360, Figma, Camtasia, and Canva, I storyboard scenarios, decision points, and feedback loops to ensure each branch supports performance goals. The result: courses that feel seamless, purposeful, and human-centered.

Website Creation

Design That Teaches
I build websites that blend instructional design with UX principles: clean navigation, purposeful visuals, and content flow that guides users toward understanding or action. From educator portfolios to program microsites, each site serves as a learning experience in its own right: accessible, story-driven, and aligned with brand and learner needs. Samples include this website, www.intermissionhorses.org, and https://ves-artex.com/resource-center/.

My Design Process

Gap Analysis

I start by clarifying the problem: audience, constraints, success metrics, and the gap between current and desired performance. I review content, data, and workflows; interview SMEs; and define measurable outcomes. The output is a concise brief that aligns stakeholders on scope, risks, and what success looks like.

Design & Iterate

I translate goals into learning experiences: storyboards, prototypes, and media plans grounded in learning science. We test early and often, refining content, visuals, and interactions in short feedback cycles with SMEs and end users. This keeps momentum high, surfaces issues fast, and ensures the solution fits learners and stakeholders.

Deploy

I launch cleanly and confidently: packaging content for the LMS, configuring enrollments, accessibility, analytics, and comms. We validate the experience with a pilot, then scale. Clear rollout plans and just-in-time support reduce friction and help teams adopt the learning quickly.

Update as Needed

After launch, I watch the signals—completion, time-on-task, assessment performance, learner satisfaction, and feedback. I prioritize fixes and enhancements in light cycles so content stays accurate, engaging, and aligned to business goals. Continuous improvement keeps learning relevant and results measurable.

Tools I Use

I use a blend of creative, technical, and AI-powered tools to design learning that’s engaging, efficient, and built to last — from early concept to final delivery.