Designing for impact, not just instruction

Your cheat sheet for this article

1. Use clear, direct, and respectful language that sounds like a real person, not a textbook.
   
   

2. Anchor your content in real-life experiences and choices.
   
   

3. Mix up your media—but design with noise, interruptions, and screen size in mind.
   
   

4. Keep your tone empowering, not patronizing.
   
   

5. Assume your learners have experienced trauma—and design accordingly.

Clear language wins every time

This isn’t about dumbing things down. It’s about writing the way you speak—clearly, directly, and without a bunch of academic filler. Think shorter sentences, logical transitions, and real-world examples.

Anchor your content in reality

Our learners aren’t theoretical, and they certainly aren’t just numbers. They’re real people, navigating real decisions. The more your content reflects that, the more meaningful it becomes.

Always ask:

• Would this make sense to someone who's been incarcerated?
  
  

• Is this example grounded in real experience—or just assumption?
  
  

Multimodal matters (but keep it real)

Not everyone learns by reading—and most incarcerated learners are dealing with noise, interruptions, and 7-inch screens. Use audio, video, and visual examples—but only when they support the message.

Quick tips:

• Keep narration calm and clear—avoid background music unless it really adds something.
  
  

• Use high-resolution images (1920x1080) that are visually simple—no crammed infographics.
  
  

• Label attachments clearly so learners can pick up where they left off.
  
  

Empower, don’t lecture

Many incarcerated learners have experienced academic trauma. The worst thing you can do is talk down to them or assume they’re broken. Design like you’re speaking to someone who’s survived a lot—and still wants to grow.

Design with trauma in mind

You don’t need kid gloves—but you do need intention. Trauma is the norm for most incarcerated learners. That means your tone, pacing, and language all shape whether your content feels safe enough to engage with.

Five trauma-informed design tips:

1. Keep language calm, clear, and grounded
   Skip harsh tone or complex language. Speak like a human, not a professor. Use plain, everyday words. Explain ideas simply, without dumbing them down. Avoid overwhelming jargon or a “talking at you” tone. You’re building trust—not writing a textbook.
   Think: “Here’s what this means and how it can help you,” instead of “According to theory…”

2. Use content warnings
   Give learners a respectful heads-up before discussing sensitive topics like abuse, loss, addiction, or violence. It’s not overprotective. It’s informed consent. It helps learners decide when and how they want to engage.

A quick note—“This section talks about trauma and may be difficult for some people”—goes a long way.

3. Build in breathing room
   Learning doesn't mean plowing through. Add natural breaks where learners can pause, reflect, or simply breathe. Use prompts like: “Take a moment to think about…” or “When you're ready, move to the next section.” This pacing helps the brain process and the nervous system regulate.

4. Offer voice and choice
   Whenever possible, let learners choose how to engage: watch or read, write or reflect, click or skip. Even simple options give a sense of control—something many incarcerated people rarely have. Choice isn’t a luxury; it’s a trauma-informed practice that promotes dignity. Agency = healing.
   
   

5. Assume the past is present
   Expect that trauma lives in the room—and teach with care. Many learners carry trauma with them, even if it’s invisible. Expect that trauma lives in the room—and teach with care. Don’t shame mistakes or missed steps. Instead, affirm progress, effort, and resilience.

Every interaction—every word—is a chance to remind them they’re worthy of growth.

Want to go deeper?

This article is your foundation—but it’s just the beginning. If you’re ready to level up, we’ve got an entire section dedicated to more advanced instructional design strategies. From scaffolding and sequencing to trauma-informed engagement techniques, you’ll find practical tools, research-backed frameworks, and real examples tailored specifically for incarcerated learners.

Check out The Edovo Edge: Research-Backed Methods for Real Results section if you want your content to go from “solid” to “standout.”

TL;DR

Design like you’re speaking to someone who’s survived a lot—and still showed up to learn. Use plain language, real examples, and varied media. Empower, don’t lecture. And above all? Teach with care and realness, because content that meets people where they are doesn’t just inform—it transforms.