nth degree id is Natalie Taylor Hart
About Me
A lot of scientific principles are involved in watercolor painting. Many variables affect the way the paint will look on the page: the temperature of the water, the amount of water, the size of the pigment particles, and the texture and absorbency of the paper. It’s fascinating! Since the colors are transparent, you work from light areas of the painting to dark areas to build hue and value by layering the paint. Even if you know the science, there are always little surprises and delights as the colors mingle.
When I’m not designing, I like to paint with watercolors.
My journey toward instructional design is a little like watercolor.
The first layer of my career was teaching English in a high school. I loved teaching writing and literary analysis, but I wanted to write stories with visual ideas. I went to graduate school for scenic design for theatre. Designing scenery for theatre involves connecting audiences to stories through immersive visual experiences and meaningful contexts. I moved people’s minds and hearts through carefully coordinated and sequenced images. To get my artistic ideas built, I had to collaborate with partners extremely effectively and deliver excellent documentation. I did a lot of project management in theatre design, too. I tracked and coordinated calendars, budgets, documentation, decisions, and communication. After grad school, I moved to New York and worked in large theatres and Broadway studios designing, building, and managing projects that involved big names and big investments.
Instructional Design
All of these skills served me well when I moved to a college classroom. I knew that I loved teaching, but I discovered an affinity for creating curricula and for leading departments and committees. I liked empowering my colleagues to do their best work whether that was through a well-designed spreadsheet, shared resources, or a conversation. I lead with calmness and lots of listening. My department achieved ambitious strategic initiatives in addition to managing our usual work. And I loved creating fun and surprise in learning spaces through games, playful visual design, and a play-based approach to learning.
Growing into the instructional design space has felt like refining and blending these previous layers. Now, I lead teams that focus on adult learners and organizational goals. I am comfortable in both the creative and analytical spheres. I value human-centered solutions and solutions that broaden access.
I am particularly interested in delivering instruction through collaborative learning, game-based learning, and VR/AR/XR technologies.
I think learning should be accessible, visual, immersive, situated, learner-centered, collaborative, and fun.
How can I support your mission?
I am based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the City of Arts and Innovation.
