AI won’t be a conversation topic in three years because it will be everywhere. Just like we don’t say ‘this document was made using a computer,’ we won’t say ‘this course was built with AI.’ It’ll be expected. Invisible. Embedded in every tool. At Popcorn, we’re already weaving AI into the fabric of learning design to make experiences smarter, faster and more personal. This isn’t about planning for the future. It’s about how we operate today.

Have You Ever Noticed How No One Talks About Computers Anymore?

It wasn’t that long ago that the phrase ‘computer-aided design’ was a big deal. Now, we just assume everything is. AI is heading the same way. It’s already everywhere, from your phone to your fridge, and we still feel the need to call it out.

But within the next three years (probably sooner), that will change.

We’ll stop using the term ‘AI’ as a selling point. Why? Because it’ll be built into everything. Not as a gimmick. As standard.

AI Will Be Invisible and Essential

We’re already using different kinds of AI every day, often without realising it:

• Narrow AI powers tools like Grammarly or Netflix recommendations. It’s focused, fast and specific.

• Generative AI (like ChatGPT or image generators) creates new content based on patterns.

• Predictive AI helps spot trends before they happen, whether in shopping habits or learner behaviour.

  
  

As AI gets smarter, these tools blend into our daily routines. They stop being a talking point and start being the way things just work.

Soon, asking ‘does this tool use AI?’ will feel as odd as asking ‘was this PowerPoint made on a computer?’

So Why Does This Matter for Learning?

Because we’re standing at a turning point. At Popcorn, we’re not waiting around for AI to arrive. We’re actively using it to make learning:

• More efficient: Automating admin and speeding up production.

• More effective: Adapting content in real-time based on learner input.

• More engaging: Creating interactive eLearning that would have been too costly a year ago.

  
  

It’s not about replacing people. It’s about giving them better tools. Tools that think with them, not just for them.

The Real Power of AI? It’s Behind the Scenes.

When AI does its job well, you shouldn’t notice it. The content feels sharper. The experience feels smoother. The learning sticks better.

That’s the goal.

We won’t say ‘AI built this.’ We’ll say, ‘This really worked.’ And that’s all that matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will AI replace learning designers?No. AI is a tool, not a replacement. It enhances creativity and helps designers work smarter, not less.

How do you use AI at Popcorn?We use AI to improve quality, speed, and relevance in everything we create.

Is AI safe and ethical to use in learning?Yes, when used responsibly. We follow clear ethical guidelines and only use AI in ways that respect privacy, fairness, and learning impact.

Can AI personalise learning?Absolutely. We’re already seeing AI in LMS / LXPs that can tailor learning pathways in real time based on learner data, helping people get exactly what they need, when they need it.

What should L&D leaders be doing right now?Start experimenting. See how AI can help make your budget go further than a year ago. Partner with providers (like Popcorn) who are already making AI practical.