Designing for Learner Centricity: Understanding your audience
Tuesday 10 February 2026 | 12:00pm AEST | Presented by Wendy Palmer
Put the student at the centre
One of the biggest challenges in training is designing learning that truly lands.
Too often, we design for “the learner” in the abstract rather than the very real humans in our classrooms, workshops, and online spaces.
This session introduces learner personas as a simple but powerful design tool that helps trainers move from one-size-fits-all delivery to targeted, meaningful learning experiences.
You’ll explore how personas capture motivations, barriers, digital confidence, work context, and preferred ways of learning.
Outcome Standard 1.1 requires that "Training is engaging, well-structured and enables VET students to attain skills and knowledge consistent with the training product."
Through practical examples and short activities, you’ll learn how to create personas and apply them to shape content, engagement strategies, and delivery modes.
After this session, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of who your learners are – and how to design for them with intention.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Define and develop learner personas
- Identify key motivations, barriers, and characteristics of diverse learners
- Apply personas to course design to improve engagement and relevance
Participants will receive a complimentary copy of "Learner Persona Quick-Start Guide":
- A visual template that helps trainers draft learner personas, including prompts for motivations, goals, barriers, digital confidence, and contextual factors. Includes examples and tips for applying personas during planning and delivery.
