Learning Design
I design learner-centred digital learning experiences that combine clear structure with visual storytelling. With a background in education and visual communication, I focus on translating complex information into accessible, engaging content that supports understanding and application across diverse learner groups.
Flagship project: Introduction to Visual Storytelling
Module Summary:
This digital learning module introduces adult learners to the principles of visual storytelling and how visuals can improve clarity, understanding, and retention in everyday workplace communication.
Learners explore three core principles — clarity, hierarchy, and narrative — through realistic before-and-after examples and a hands-on redesign activity. The module focuses on simplifying information, guiding attention, and structuring content so messages are easier to process at a glance.
The learning experience emphasises application over theory, allowing learners to practise visual decision-making in a low-risk environment. They take with them supporting materials to take their learning forward and reflect on how these principles can be applied to presentations, updates, emails, and learning materials.
Prototype built in Figma.
Learning Design Focus
-
Adult learning principles
-
Application-based activity design
-
Visual storytelling for understanding
-
Cognitive load reduction
-
Learning transfer to real-world contexts
Learning Objective:
By the end of the module, learners will be able to:
-
Recognise ineffective visual communication in common workplace materials
-
Apply visual storytelling principles (clarity, hierarchy, narrative) to improve visual structure and meaning
-
Explain why effective visual storytelling improves understanding for their audience
Learning Structure
The learning experience progresses from understanding and recognition through to application and reflection, increasing cognitive demand as learners move through the course.
The module is structured into five progressive stages to guide learners from awareness to application, with each stage designed to build understanding while managing cognitive load.
Orientation & Context
-
Introduces the purpose, learning objectives, and structure of the module.
-
A colour-coded contents overview aligns with the visual system used throughout the course, helping learners anticipate progression and reducing uncertainty at the outset.
Defining Visual Storytelling
-
Establishes a clear, accessible definition of visual storytelling using familiar, real-world examples.
-
Reassures learners that visual storytelling is a skill based on principles rather than artistic ability, reducing barriers to engagement.
Key Principles: Clarity, Hierarchy, Narrative
Introduces three core principles sequentially to limit cognitive load. Each principle is:
-
Explained in plain language
-
Demonstrated through realistic before-and-after examples
-
Reinforced with short, memorable summaries to support recall
-
Principles are intentionally cumulative, showing how they work together rather than in isolation.
Application: Reconstructing a Team Update
-
Learners apply the principles by redesigning a common workplace communication.
-
A drag-and-drop activity encourages decision-making rather than recall.
-
Immediate feedback explains which principle each design choice supports and why.
-
An analogue, printable version of the activity is provided to support accessibility and offline use.
-
Multiple example solutions are reviewed to reinforce that visual storytelling allows for flexible, context-dependent outcomes.
Review & Transfer
-
Summarises key takeaways and reinforces the three core principles using the same visual aids introduced earlier.
-
Provides a concise, printable reference sheet to support on-the-job application.
-
Prompts learners to reflect on where and how they can apply visual storytelling in their own work, supporting learning transfer beyond the module.
Design Decisions and Rationale
Key design choices were made to prioritise clarity, application, and learning transfer for adult learners.
-
Three principles only – reduced cognitive load and supported recall
-
Before/after examples – allowed pattern recognition rather than memorisation
-
Reconstruction activity – shifted learners from passive viewing to decision-making
-
Figma prototype – rapid iteration and visual fidelity without LMS constraints
-
Printable analogue version – ensured accessibility and offline use
Illustration Portfolio
Separate visual design and illustration work