Have you ever noticed that some online learning feels like a chore, while others pull you in and make you want to keep going? The difference is design, or to be more specific, it’s design that puts the learner first.

At Popcorn Learning Agency, we believe content should work hard: not just to inform, but to inspire. And the best way to do that? Understand who’s learning, what they need, and how they engage best.

Here’s how to make that happen.

Start with your learners, not your content

Most organisations begin with “what do we need to teach?” But great custom digital learning content starts with “who are we teaching, and how do they learn best?”

A learning needs analysis can help you answer:

• What do learners already know?

• What do they need to do differently?

• What barriers might get in the way?

  
  

From there, you can start building learning that meets them where they are, whether they’re new to the business, returning from leave, or managing teams.

Speak their language (but keep it simple)

Corporate jargon doesn’t help anyone learn faster. In fact, it often does the opposite.

Effective adult learning strategies rely on clear, relatable language. Write like you talk. Use plain English. Explain new ideas with analogies and examples. If you wouldn’t say it in a team meeting, don’t write it in your course.

If you’re creating digital learning solutions for a diverse workforce, check your content for:

• Cultural sensitivity

• Neurodiversity and accessibility (including alt text, transcripts, and contrast)

• Device compatibility (especially for mobile)

  
  

Use media with meaning

Animations, filmed videos, podcasts - they’re brilliant when they’re purposeful. But too often they’re used as filler, not as fuel for learning.

Here’s what works:

Animated Learning Videos for abstract or emotional concepts

Filmed Training Videos to show real-world behaviours or spark discussion

Podcasts that add tone, context or clarity

Design with intent. Make every interaction earn its place.

Give learners control

One of the biggest benefits of interactive eLearning is that it lets learners choose their own path. But only if you let them.

Build in options:

• Let them test out what they already know

• Allow them to go deeper on topics they find tricky

• Offer formats: video, quiz, infographic, podcast

  
  

Not everyone learns the same way. Your content shouldn’t expect them to.

Measure what matters

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Before you even start creating content, define what success looks like.

Then use:

• Embedded knowledge checks

• Pre- and post-assessments

• Behavioural metrics from your learning management system (LMS) integration

  
  

And once your learning is live, go beyond tick-box metrics. Look for evidence that learning has changed something, such as knowledge, behaviour, or business outcomes. That’s true learning impact evaluation.

Final thought: Design digital learning content with empathy, deliver with purpose

When you design with the learner in mind, content becomes more than a checkbox. It becomes a catalyst for change.

So whether you're building blended learning solutions, mobile learning, or a full suite of corporate training solutions, make it personal. Make it engaging. Make it count.

Need support designing content that learners actually love and leaders can get behind? Popcorn’s award-winning team blends strategy, creativity and compassion to build digital learning that works.