Overview
Introduction to the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability 2.0 (2024)
Organisations - CHS Alliance , Groupe URD, Sphere, Save The Children
Developed an interactive e-learning course based on the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), turning a policy document into an engaging, scenario-based learning experience. The goal was to ensure better understanding, retention, and application of CHS commitments in humanitarian work.
The Audience
Humanitarian Leaders
Responsibilities
• Instructional Design
• Visual Design
• Storyboarding
• eLearning Development
Tools Used
• Storyline 360
• Affinity Designer
• Vyond
• MidJourney
• ChatGPT
Challenges
• Tight Deadline – 2 months for design and development
• A Lot of SMEs – 10 People, Lengthy Feedback Loop
• Dense & Complex Policy Content – The CHS material was difficult to digest, making learning overwhelming.
• Lengthy Training (2-4 Hours, Original 1.0 Course)
• Lack of Personal Connection – Making it hard for learners to relate to real-world applications.
• Lacked Diversity & Inclusion to Appeal to Younger Generations and Neurodivergent Learners
Solutions
• Replicable Design – Focused on finalizing 1 commitment’s interactivity, then replicated across the remaining eight.
• Cloud-Based Feedback – Assigned a single project manager on the SME side to streamline feedback collection. Used a cloud-based service for the whole team to work simultaneously.
• Simplified Content – Clear language, structured modules, and real-world applications.
• Engaging Format – Introductory 1-hour course designed to spark curiosity.
• Interactive Learning – Gamified elements, decision-making exercises, and real-world dilemmas.
• Humanized Approach – Named characters, relatable stories, and role-based challenges.
• Modern Design – Inspired by a Netflix-like experience for intuitive navigation and engagement.
Analysis – Used AI-driven analysis to process 15,000 customer survey responses from the 1.0 (2014) course, identifying key gaps.
Defining Learning Objectives – Aligned new course goals based on insights from data and stakeholder discussions.
Stakeholder Collaboration – Engaged Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who had practical experience with CHS to contribute real stories.
Visual Mockups – Designed main menu mockups for all 9 CHS commitments.
Storyboarding – Used Mural whiteboard for real-time, collaborative storyboarding, allowing 10 SMEs to develop 9 stories simultaneously.
Interactive Prototype – After approval, built an alpha version of the first section in Articulate Storyline 360, ensuring a scalable interaction model for the remaining 8 sections.
Impact & Outcomes
• Higher Engagement – Learners reported increased interaction compared to the original 1.0 course.
• Improved Retention – Simplified structure and real-world scenarios boosted knowledge retention.
• Scalability – Course format allows easy integration of new stories, enhancing relevance and long-term impact.
• Diversity & Inclusion – Diverse characters and scenarios made it more relatable. Modernized design makes the course more appealing to younger audiences and neurodivergent learners.
• Faster Course Completion – The new 1-hour format reduced drop-off rates and encouraged full course completion.
• Positive Stakeholder Feedback – SMEs and humanitarian workers found the course more relevant, practical, and user-friendly.
Key Takeaways
• Simplified Learning Improves Adoption – Breaking down complex content makes humanitarian principles more accessible.
• Interactivity is Essential for Modern Learners – Engaging formats like gamification and decision-making are more effective than passive learning.
• Modular Design Future-Proofs Training – Courses should be scalable, allowing for continuous updates with new stories and real-world examples.
• Representation Matters – Including diverse characters and scenarios ensures greater relatability and encourages inclusive learning environments.
• Shorter, High-Impact Training is the Future – Microlearning formats increase engagement and completion rates without overwhelming learners.
• Maintaining the Balance – Constant communication with SMEs ensured stories and interactive elements aligned with terminologies and learning objectives.
