Intro to Bouldering
Embarking on your rock climbing journey can be both exciting and rewarding, Bouldering is a popular climbing discipline that focuses on short, yet challenging climbs without the need for ropes. Before you begin, familiarize yourself with the essential techniques and safety practices, such as proper foot placements and body positioning. Understanding how to fall safely is crucial, as bouldering typically involves climbing at lower heights. Climbing at a local climbing gym is a fantastic way to meet fellow climbers and gain the confidence you need to further explore the world of rock climbing.
Full Course


Bouldering Course: Step-by-Step Creation Guide
Step 1:
Training Outline
Tools
ChatGPT
Pages
I used a custom ChatGPT model trained in professional-level Instructional Design concepts to create a basic outline for a roughly 10-minute introductory course on bouldering. I tell the model what topics I want to cover and what points to go into more/less detail on. I iterate and refine the prompts, gradually shaping the content to match the upbeat and casual tone I envision for the training — one that reflects the fun, energetic vibe of the sport.
After generating the outline, I transferred it into Pages to make the outline my own by further customizing the topics, adjusting the flow of information, and fine-tuning the time allocation needed for each section.


Step 2:
Creative Assets
Tools
Replicate AI
Epidemic Sound
Photoshop
I chose a calm and comforting pastel anime-inspired palette for this training's visual style. Using Replicate AI, I generated modern, clean gym environments to match the imagery in my mind. The AI generation process took several iterations to fine-tune both composition and style.
After a few hours and a few dollars, I finalized a set of cohesive assets:


After a few hours — and a few dollars — I finalized a set of cohesive assets:
Environmental images showing climbers in a gym
Key pieces of bouldering equipment
Gradient backgrounds aligned with my color palette
A clean AI-generated climber model for interactive components


For the interactive climbing simulation, I placed the climbing wall image into Photoshop, streamlined the visual by removing unnecessary holds, and used the Puppet Tool to animate the climber model, capturing each movement step by step. I exported these frames for later use in Storyline 360.


Next, I used Photoshop to:
Generatively expand and combine images
Remove distractions and highlight key items
Adjust the color and positioning of climbing holds to simulate route setting


Finally, I sourced sound effects from Epidemic Sound — such as crowd noise for an authentic gym atmosphere and celebratory sounds for correct choices — to enhance the interactive experience.


Step 3:
Course Creation
Tools
Rise 360
Storyline 360
I used Rise 360 as the primary platform for this training. Starting with my refined outline, I organized the course structure by inputting topics and content step by step. I continuously polished the language, grammar, and visual presentation using Rise's tools.
Once the core content was in place, I shifted to Storyline 360 to design the interactive portion:
Imported the animated climber images onto individual slides.
Added hotspots to provide real-time feedback when learners selected correct or incorrect holds.
Incorporated sound effects, such as gym crowd ambiance and positive audio cues for correct actions.
I exported the interactive simulation and embedded it into the Rise course. To conclude the training, I crafted quiz questions based on the most critical information. After manually drafting these questions, I used Rise's AI to review and enhance their clarity and accuracy.




Step 4:
Testing and Feedback
I conducted a full run-through of the training myself and gathered feedback from a small group of trusted individuals. They evaluated:
Total course duration
Visual consistency and appeal
Grammar and terminology accuracy
Learner retention and comprehension
I used their insights to fine-tune the course, ensuring it aligned with my goals and provided an engaging, informative experience.
This step-by-step approach kept my process organized, efficient, and creatively driven, ensuring the final training not only educates but also captures the spirit of bouldering.
Get in Touch
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