Designing a Forward-thinking Enterprise Learning Interface

Takeda, an international biopharmaceutical company, was looking to create buy-in for reimagining their internal training platform. The goal was to show a year-by-year evolutionary vision from a traditional layout to one that provides a more dynamic user experience over time, including individualized recommendations and AI-powered insights.

The first phase provides the user with training based on their specific role and location while the second prioritizes enterprise-wide training to create a higher level of comprehension throughout the Takeda workforce. The third phase integrates personal recommendations based on a user’s predicted areas of growth — such as finding other employees within the company to connect with for coaching and mentoring.

Our typical process starts with a download of information from the client. We learned that we’d be working within some strict confines; we were prototyping these interfaces to be included in a larger presentation on enterprise learning to be given in just over a week’s time.

We had to do a 180˚ on our design approach. Instead of specifically addressing granular functionality and features, we’d be outlining the system and implying functionality. Ultimately, we only had a single slide to summarize an entire user experience.

Due to our tight timeline and specific deliverables, we checked in with the client daily and used our in-progress work as a launchpad for alignment on the greater vision and practical deliverable. Our unconventional approach meant we had a lot of questions; those daily check-ins helped us get quick answers and avoid hang-ups.

Our close feedback loop ensured the delivery of an effective presentation and started the process for making structural changes to the way Takeda employees learn and develop.