Cegos Learning Philosophy
Cegos Learning Philosophy
Every L&D resource we create is user-centric, built iteratively, practical in its approach to problem-solving, grounded in real-world needs, and empathetic to the people involved. Here's how.
Creative. Practical. Effective.
All our bespoke learning design in the UK and US is created under the leadership of our UK & US CEO, Jonna Sercombe, whose background is Cognitive Science, and our Creative Director, Emily Larson, whose background is human-centred design.
Together with the team, they ensure our L&D resources use Pragmatic Human Centred Design. Everything has to look good, feel good, and most importantly, be effective, including cost effective.
A pragmatic approach to human-centered design focuses on practical, real-world solutions by prioritizing user needs and creating usable products and services that delight the target audience.
What is human-centered design?
Human-centered design (HCD) is a problem-solving approach that puts real people at the center of the design process. It emphasizes understanding the needs, behaviors, and context of users to create products and services that are not only functional but also meet their needs and expectations.
HCD is an iterative process, meaning that designs are constantly refined based on user feedback and testing. We are learning together as we go thought the project with our clients. Feedback is welcomed. Change requests are embraced. Outputs are honed. Every iteration takes us closer to the goal.
HCD is extremely important in learning and development. It's a step above user-centered design, which tends to focus on the way people use things, not their psychological and emotional needs. In L&D people’s psychological and emotional needs are fundamental to how they interact with learning experiences.
What is pragmatic design?
Pragmatic design emphasizes solving problems sensibly and realistically, focusing on practical solutions and achieving desired results. It involves a focus on achieving practical results rather than relying on abstract or theoretical considerations. Cegos group uses the expression:
from skills to performance
For organisations to succeed, skills must be pragmatic and show up practically in performance. Pragmatic design is characterised by a willingness to adapt and iterate based on real-world feedback and results.
What pragmatic human-centred design means
Focus on real-world needs
Pragmatism ensures that solutions are grounded in real-world needs and peoples real experiences, rather than theoretical ideals.
Embrace iterative and adaptive
Our pragmatic designers are comfortable with experimentation and iteration, constantly refining designs based on user feedback and testing.
Insist on practical solutions
Our pragmatism leads to the development of practical and usable solutions that can be implemented and scaled effectively. Factoring implementation and scaling is fundamental to the success of L&D projects.
Prioritise a user-centric approach
By prioritizing human needs and experiences, pragmatic human-centered design ensures that solutions are not only functional but also enjoyable and satisfying for people who participate.
Value empathy and collaboration
Pragmatic design emphasises empathy for users and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that solutions meet the needs of all involved. In organisations it is particularly important to develop learning this means developing great relationships with key stakeholders.
Our philosophy in action
Here's what you might see from our team as we work together through pragmatic human-centred design:
User research
Investigating to understand user needs, behaviors, and pain points, not just consulting the L&D team. Discovery workshops. Interviews.
Rapid prototyping and concepting
Using quick and inexpensive prototypes to test ideas and gather user feedback early in the design process.
Pilot implementation
Testing and implementing solutions on a small scale before rolling them out more widely.
Iterative Design
Continuously refining designs based on user feedback and testing. All to achieve the best possible outputs that achieve our goals.
