Little ones learn for the sheer pleasure of knowing something new. They can’t wait to jump on a bike and learn to ride, or explore the world of dinosaurs. But for adults, learning can seem like a lot of hard work with little fun involved. Fortunately, learning designers can add a little levity to the mix!

Obviously there are some topics that don’t invite humor. Sexual harassment, for example, shouldn’t be treated as anything other than the serious issue it is. But yes, it really is ok to be gently humorous when the opportunity presents itself. As generations of office sitcoms and office-based comic strips testify, the office really is a funny place when it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Humor is ok when the subject is non-personal and the humor is recognizable. Yes, it’s ok to be humorous when explaining how to replace the toner in the printer, or how to select a secure password. No, humor is not appropriate when the subject relates to racism, sexual harassment, or personal stereotyping.

Humor works when the joke is on someone who is too over-the -top to be real. The manager who needs to oversee the selection and distribution of the streamers used to decorate the office for a birthday party. The teammate who chooses the day of the big presentation to bring his toddler to the office. The sales person who drives the competition’s car to sales meeting. It’s not ok when the joke cuts too close to home, or seems to be targeting a real individual.

Why bother to be funny? Simply put, humor, used correctly, is fun. And when the topic is dull or the process is repetitive, humor can add that much-needed giggle to an otherwise boring day.

What are your insights on humor in instructional design?