Writing
Thoughts on design,
learning, and craft.
Week 6 or 6 – Appreciating the Journey
Six weeks have flown by, and with them a deep dive into the foundations of learning theories and their implications for learning design. This course has been an invaluable chance to step back from the day-to-day, reflect, and connect the dots across theory, practice, and my own role as a learning designer.
Week 5 of 6 – Connectivism: Learning in a Networked World
As I'm only one week away from finishing the course, we've shifted from classic theories like behaviourism, cognitivism, and constructivism into a more contemporary space: Connectivism.
5 September 2025
Week 4 of 6 — Social learning theories in action
This week focused on social learning and constructivism — exploring how observation, interaction, and authentic community design turn online spaces into real learning environments.
28 August 2025
Week 3 of 6 — Making Sense of Cognitive Load (And Why My Infographic Looks Like a TEMU Ad)
Halfway through the Think: Learning Theories and Implications for Learning Design course at UTS, and things are starting to get deeper. Module 3 has been all about cognitive learning theories – and how our brains process, store, and recall information.
21 August 2025
Simple truths we often overlook in learning design
This post connects simple visuals from Growth by Visuals to core lessons in learning design—progress through imperfection, consistency over intensity, and growth through mistakes.
20 August 2025
Biomimicry: Nature's R&D Department (and We're the Interns)
Biomimicry shows that nature is the ultimate designer — from kingfishers shaping bullet trains to termites inspiring sustainable buildings. This post looks at how those lessons translate into learning design.
18 August 2025
Week 2 of 6 — Behavioural learning theories in action
Following on from Week one's focus on the many paths into learning design, this week was all about behavioural learning theories and how they shape what we design for students.
14 August 2025
Week 1 of 6 — Getting started with learning theories
Over the next six weeks, I'll be sharing a short post each week as I work through the Think: Learning Theories and Implications for Learning Design microcredential
7 August 2025
Why Simple Design Wins Every Time
Simple wins. Extra features create confusion, while clean, focused design brings clarity. Start with the core task, strip away the clutter, and validate with real users. Simplicity isn't easy — but it makes the experience effortless.
11 June 2024
Biomimicry: Nature's R&D Department (and We're the Interns)
Exploring how nature's time-tested patterns and strategies can inspire sustainable and innovative design solutions in the world of UX and beyond.
20 May 2024
Useful thinking tools: insights from design and teaching
Scott H Young's Twenty-Five Useful Thinking Tools offers insights that resonate deeply with UX and learning design. Two stand out: designing products and materials that communicate for you, and seeing through the eyes of a novice to bridge knowledge gaps.
13 May 2024
Striking the Balance: Data, Empathy, and Gut Feeling in Product Design
Great design isn't just about data, empathy, or intuition alone — it's about how these three intersect. When balanced, they create products that are both user-focused and business-ready.
30 August 2023
Navigating Curriculum Alignment through Workshops: A University of Adelaide Initiative
At the University of Adelaide, our Online Program Team tackled the challenge of aligning Health Service Management and International Business programs through collaborative workshops and iterative documentation improvements.
25 May 2023
Decoding UX/UI Design: More Than Just Pretty Buttons?
UX/UI design isn't just about making apps look pretty — it's about making them work seamlessly for people. Behind every interface are thoughtful decisions about usability, accessibility, and flow.
15 August 2022
Why does everyone seem to suffer from 'imposter syndrome' when becoming a UX designer?
Imposter syndrome is real — especially in UX/UI design. Many of us doubt our skills, question our worth, or fear being 'found out.' The key? Be kind to yourself, keep practising your craft, and see self-doubt as proof you're still growing.
6 June 2021
New to UX? Here are 11 UX design principles to live by
If you are new to the realm of UX/UI design, you may find yourself pondering the principles that will guide your work. This article outlines 11 foundational principles.
6 June 2021