This paper focuses upon the research and development (R&D) process associated with developing automated feedback materials for the SIMulation NETworking (SIMNET) training system. This R&D process involved a partnership among instructional developers, practitioners, and researchers. Users' input has been utilized to help: (1) design the prototype feedback materials; (2) determine their instructional suitability; (3) refine the prototypes; (4) design the implementation process; (5) test the implementation process; and (6) make any final improvements to the prototypes and implementation process. The automated feedback aids (after-action reviews or AARs) produced vis-a-vis this R&D process are discussed, as well as the importance of this partnership in developing any new instructional innovations. It is suggested that such a partnership should help reverse the historical trend of use and then abandonment of new instructional innovations by giving instructors a sense of ownership and ease with using the innovation. It is concluded that a tentative framework for involving the users in the instructional R&D process has emerged from this project, although questions remain regarding both the number of users who should be included in the R&D process and the generalizability of the framework. Five figures illustrating the text are included. (Contains 26 references.) (Author/ALF)