Air Force Civil Engineers Training Modernization
The Challenge
How might we create an interactive learning experience for Airmen that enables engagement and retention?
As part of their promotion process, Air Force Civil Engineers are required to complete career development courses that provide supplemental knowledge for specific equipment, techniques, and processes that will be encountered on the job. These courses have traditionally been paper-based, with most of the learning material being text and diagrams. The main challenges included:
Paper waste from Airmen printing out pages of learning material
Lack of consideration for different learning styles, mainly visual and auditory
Lack of hands-on experience with specific engineering equipment depending on where an Airman was stationed
Results
11 Digitized Learning Modules
I digitized 11 learning modules, developing the content strategy and designing highly visual and engaging content including interactive menus, animations, and informational videos. Ultimately these efforts enhanced Airmen’s user experience and improved overall learning retention.
Process Flow: From Static to Visual
Lesson storyboards from the client were PowerPoints with the learning material in plain text accompanied by few visuals. Upon reviewing them, I identified opportunities for informative visuals and wireframed interactions that ensured the lesson was digestible, easy to navigate, and fun. After determining the required visuals, I also produced videos and designed graphics and animations for the lessons. Using instructional and UX design best practices, I transformed these storyboards into digital modules tailored towards various learning styles (visual, auditory, etc.) ultimately creating a more comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
Static storyboard lesson indicating that personnel have different duties for removing a tailgate off a truck.
Prototype of menu interaction that enables learner to click through each personnel type and watch a video on their respective roles.
Menu interaction in final development of lesson.
Small Engine Lesson
This is the developed version of a 360 slider interaction I prototyped as part of a lesson about operating small engines. This interaction allows learners to view all sides of a small engine and understand specific components through a video. In addition to designing this interaction, I also produced the videos for this lesson.
Forklift Operation Lesson
This is a video I developed for a lesson about operating forklifts. It was critical that Airmen understood the proper way to use a forklift control lever. As a a result, this video was produced to allow a learner to see how the forklift would move accordingly.