Here are the core principles I return to whenever I design learning, supported by learning science and brought to life through clear, intentional action.
I build learning that people connect with, not just power-click through.
Belief
Learning sticks best when it recognises how people feel, especially when situations are messy or emotions run high. Research shows that when emotions are acknowledged, people process information more effectively.
I design with clarity, empathy and an understanding of real human pressures.
Action
This includes:
Writing scenarios people genuinely relate to
Crafting tone of voice that feels human and respectful
Spotting emotional blockers before learners hit them
Shaping interactions that feel supportive rather than overwhelming
When people feel understood, they learn better. Simple as that.
Challenge is good. Overwhelm is not.
Belief
Adults learn best when the challenge is in the sweet spot. Too little effort feels patronising, too much causes people to shut down. Learning science calls this the “optimal learning zone” and “Zone of Proximal Development.
When experiences stretch people at the right level, confidence and curiosity grow naturally.
Action
This includes:
Designing decisions with just the right level of difficulty
Building branching paths that get learners thinking, not guessing
Offering guidance that supports without spoon-feeding
Creating safe to fail moments with meaningful consequences
Balancing cognitive load so challenge stays engaging
It’s all about stretching, not snapping.
Adult learners lose interest when they see corporate fluff in about three seconds flat.
Belief
People spot inauthentic training instantly. Learning transfers best when it feels relevant and meaningful, so I keep the scenarios grounded in real conversations, real decisions and real consequences (with thanks to you and your Subject Matter Experts, of course!).
Action
This includes:
Designing with Subject Matter Experts to capture accurate nuance
Using genuine workplace tensions, dilemmas and decisions
Writing dialogue that sounds like real people, not manuals
Ensuring every interaction has purpose, not filler
It’s all about stretching, not snapping.
Slides inform. Practice transforms. Cheesy but true!
Belief
Skills grow through doing. Studies consistently show that practice builds stronger memory, better judgement and deeper confidence than passive reading or watching. People learn more when they can try, test and refine.
Action
This includes:
Lifelike simulations and scenario challenges
Interactive journeys that encourage exploration
Decision-making tasks with meaningful feedback
Opportunities to try, get things wrong, adjust and improve
Confidence grows through experience, not theory.
