The Training Foundry
Elevating Teacher Development
Explore how innovative learning design principles and user-centred UX design turned Training Foundry into a dynamic and engaging digital learning platform. This case study highlights my approach to creating impactful learning experiences that cater to diverse learner needs and enhance educational outcomes.
My role: Web designer/developer team of one
Image by graphictwister on Freepik
Creating Engaging and Effective Digital Learning
The Training Foundry project aimed to develop an intuitive and immersive online learning environment. By applying user-centred design and leveraging modern learning theories, I crafted a platform that promotes active engagement and knowledge retention.
- Objective: Develop a user-friendly digital learning platform that enhances learner engagement and educational outcomes.
- Scope: Must be able to easily implement interactive learning modules, assessments, and user feedback mechanisms.
Aaron showcased an impressive level of design expertise. He not only created a visually stunning website and logo but also ensured that the course video content was appealing and tailored to our needs.
Aaron consistently demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and a strong work ethic. He met project deadlines, was responsive to feedback, and willingly made adjustments to guarantee that the platform aligned perfectly with our expectations. His dedication and commitment to delivering high-quality results were commendable.
Thank you, Aaron, for bringing our vision to life. Your design skills and collaboration have made Training Foundry a remarkable teacher training platform and our platform’s success is largely due to your exceptional skills and dedication.
Testimonial from David Read
Academic Director for Technology Enhanced Learning
English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC) The University of Sheffield
UX Design and Platform Development
Intuitive Learning Design
The platform was developed with a focus on usability and accessibility for teaching staff and their learners, ensuring a seamless learning experience.
- User Interface Design: Created a clean, responsive and intuitive interface that allows learners to navigate the platform with ease.
- Prototyping and Usability Testing: Developed high and low fidelity prototypes and conducted usability testing to refine the platform based on management feedback.
Content Creation
Team of One
Directing, filming, and editing the high-fidelity video content for each E-learning module.
To achieve the desired lighting effect and audio clarity, I designed and set up my own greenscreen studio to enable use of 4K images from various locations around the University campus without encountering issues associated with filming outdoors in public areas or inside classrooms that would not allow for all the necessary equipment setup.
By using a consistent greenscreen backdrop and Adobe Premier Pro with Camtasia for post-production, I ensured continuity in the visual aesthetic of future content and retakes, further enhancing the overall quality and professionalism of the course engagement.
Results and Impact
Listening to Feedback
The Training Foundry platform significantly improved learner engagement and satisfaction, demonstrating the power of thoughtful learning and UX design.
- Increased Engagement: Learners reported higher levels of engagement and satisfaction with the interactive and user-friendly platform.
- Enhanced Learning Outcomes: The platform’s effective design contributed to better knowledge retention and academic performance, based on user and teacher feedback.
- Gathering feedback: Communicating with key stakeholders and end-users to create a platform that truly meets their needs.
Previously, teachers used Storyline 360 to develop courses for the foundry, but a WordPress website with the Learn Dash plug-in proved to be the best solution whilst enabling the use of SCORM and API files. This allowed for additional features and interactive, user-friendly content, including a responsive mobile and tablet version of the courses to accommodate users on the go.
Navigating Challenges
Meeting Demands
The ELTC’s Learning Technologies Director and I recognised a need for a new, all-inclusive platform for online courses, tailored specifically for teachers’ learning, sharing, and collaboration. Improving asynchronous and digital teaching skills was a primary goal.
- Create a brand identity: It was essential this aligned with the university’s design language and standards.
- Meeting tight project deadlines: Navigating the intricacies of hosting, domains, and security policies for remote staff using personal devices.
- Communication: As strict lockdown rules meant building a rapport with my users and conducting effective user testing was near impossible. This had to be overcome by adapting to online video calls
