Learning Management System (LMS) template design project, migrating from old, existing static PowerPoint-based training materials, to interactive, quiz-based materials, suitable for an online portal, 'a la Blackboard.
The Old, Static PowerPoint-based Training Materials
My Role & Responsibilities
UI/UX Designer/Interactive Developer
I served as the primary designer/developer of the initial branded template, for the new course format. I also then migrated/converted existing content (text, visuals, videos) into the new Captivate environment. I created new, interactive screens, quizzes, videos, etc.
I was accountable for creating the visual look & feel for the interface, and ensuring that the final product was brand-compliant, in terms of using company-branded logos, fonts, colors, etc
Project Length 3 months
Methodologies Iterative design process, by which prototype designs were created, feedback gathered from internal stakeholders, initially, then at a later stage we also employed several key existing customers as “beta testers” to see how they liked it.
Tools Adobe Captivate, Photoshop, Camtasia (video screen capture and editing app), Illustrator.
What are the business goals?
To convert existing, static onsite training materials into engaging interactive, online versions, that can be consumed online, due to covid restrictions.
To convert existing, static onsite training materials into engaging interactive, online versions, that can be consumed online, due to covid restrictions.
Problem statement
Convert & migrate to online materials - critical for business continuity, with the advent of Covid, as this was a major source of revenue for the company. With in-person training now impossible, we quickly had to ramp up this project, to maintain this revenue stream provided by the training delivery.
Convert & migrate to online materials - critical for business continuity, with the advent of Covid, as this was a major source of revenue for the company. With in-person training now impossible, we quickly had to ramp up this project, to maintain this revenue stream provided by the training delivery.
Target Audience
Respiratory medical professionals who need professional training, but due to covid, now cannot take traditional, classroom onsite training, previously offered by the company. They now need online LMS-based training courses, available 24/7, that offer graded assessments & CEU credits & certificate of completion if course is successfully passed.
Respiratory medical professionals who need professional training, but due to covid, now cannot take traditional, classroom onsite training, previously offered by the company. They now need online LMS-based training courses, available 24/7, that offer graded assessments & CEU credits & certificate of completion if course is successfully passed.
Research insight
Researched the best development tool to use, decided upon Adobe Captivate, as it fit the project needs & at no additional cost, as it was already included in our Adobe Creative Cloud license. Also, had to research the best LMS platform to use, as there are many options available. This was primarily handled by the clinical staff, with my input and recommendations.
Researched the best development tool to use, decided upon Adobe Captivate, as it fit the project needs & at no additional cost, as it was already included in our Adobe Creative Cloud license. Also, had to research the best LMS platform to use, as there are many options available. This was primarily handled by the clinical staff, with my input and recommendations.
Key user needs
Online-based training courses, needed to become certified respiratory therapists, able to work in a clinical setting. Cannot now attend onsite classes, as in the past, due to covid.
Online-based training courses, needed to become certified respiratory therapists, able to work in a clinical setting. Cannot now attend onsite classes, as in the past, due to covid.
Pain points to address
Existing materials were static, PowerPoint & paper handout based materials, intended to be delivered by company trainers, in an onsite classroom setting at the client site.
Existing materials were static, PowerPoint & paper handout based materials, intended to be delivered by company trainers, in an onsite classroom setting at the client site.
Process
Web-based review process, using Atlassian Confluence, initially, then migrated over to a more centralized base on MS SharePoint, which allowed for a more centralized repository for all reviews, assets, and an automated review process. This was necessary due to our move to a remote-based team, due to covid restrictions. Also increased efficiency, by streamlining the overall process.
The new design
This is a prototype/storyboard, showing the design & suggested format for the new courses.
Reflection
A very enjoyable and interesting project, as I did not have any real prior experience with the development of interactive training materials, aside from past experience in supporting static materials with more traditional visual elements and template design. Also, the chance to learn a new tool, in Adobe Captivate, which is not very well known amongst the Adobe apps, but is very effective for creating these interactive, quiz-based training courses intended for online LMS.