Mindfulness Micro-Learning
Project Overview
For this self-directed project, I set out to design and develop a mindfulness-themed microlearning experience using Articulate Rise. The goal was to create something short, impactful, and engaging that would encourage learners to pause, breathe, and reconnect. Alongside this, I wanted to showcase my skills in instructional design, graphic design, and animation. With a focus on clarity, ease of use, and strong visual storytelling, the finished piece offers a moment of calm in just a few minutes.
Details
Type: Micro-Learning
Client: Self-directed
Date: April 2025
Tools
Articulate Rise
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe After Effects
Skills
Graphic Design
Instructional Design
Animation
The Brief
Mindfulness is something I care deeply about. Taking a moment to slow down and be present can have a real impact on our health and wellbeing. With this project, I wanted to promote that message in a way that felt accessible, inclusive, and relevant. It was also an opportunity to explore and combine several creative disciplines I enjoy. I used Articulate Rise for learning design and development, Illustrator for custom visuals, and After Effects to create a subtle breathing animation. This project became a blend of creative expression and purposeful learning design.
Instructional Design & Analysis
Although this was a self-initiated project, I approached the design with the same structure and attention to detail I would apply to any professional brief. My aim was to create a compact, human-centred learning experience that offered a moment of calm and clarity. It needed to be easy to access, simple to navigate, and meaningful for the learner.
Microlearning principles shaped the format. The content was short, focused, and designed to work seamlessly across devices, whether accessed on a phone, tablet, or desktop. I kept the flow intuitive and the cognitive load light, allowing learners to engage at their own pace without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Rather than directing the learner to reflect, the design gently creates space for it. Through thoughtful pacing and calming visuals, it encourages a quiet pause, a chance to breathe and simply be.
Storytelling & Design
This project gave me the freedom to lean into visual storytelling and present my design skills in a meaningful way. I used soft, textured backgrounds, hand-drawn illustrations, and a pastel colour palette to create a modern, calming atmosphere. Instead of leaning into traditional "zen" visuals, I aimed for a look that felt fresh, inclusive, and quietly confident. It was important that the design felt welcoming to anyone, not just those already familiar with mindfulness.
While Articulate Rise has some layout limitations, I used its structure intentionally to guide the learner through the content with clarity. Key messages were presented in full-screen text blocks, helping them stand out and making the experience easier to scroll and read, particularly on mobile and tablet devices.
I also researched popular mindfulness apps and digital courses to better understand how visual and structural choices influence the user experience. I studied pacing, tone, and design patterns, using these insights as a foundation to create something that feels human, open, and accessible.
Create & Develop
The final piece was built in Articulate Rise, which provided the clean, responsive framework needed for a smooth and intuitive learning experience. From the beginning, I aimed to create a cohesive visual style. Every element, including the backgrounds, textures, shapes, and layout, was created from scratch in Illustrator.
The only exception was the central character, which I sourced as a stock illustration. I customised her extensively to fit the overall tone of the project. I adjusted the colour palette, reworked facial expressions, refined the line work, and added texture and shading. The original sporty look was transformed into a more neutral and calming presence that better supported the mindfulness theme.
The breathing animation was created from the ground up using bespoke graphics designed in Illustrator and animated in After Effects. It was important that this sequence not only matched the visual style of the module but also provided a clear and calming focal point to guide the practice.
Throughout development, I prioritised clarity, tone, and learner comfort. The result is a short, visually engaging piece of microlearning that encourages learners to take a breath, slow down, and carry a sense of calm into the rest of their day.
Final Product
Slide Sequence Examples
Introduction Slides and Flip Card Interaction
Stretch Exercises and Carousel Interaction
Breathing Exercise and Hydration Slides
Breathing Exercise Animation
Check-in Flip Card Interaction, add to Calendar Reminder and Outro Slides
Let’s Create and Collaborate
I’m currently freelancing and open to new collaborations, whether you need a promotional video, a multimedia-rich training solution, or a fresh take on digital learning design.
To learn more and view examples of my portfolio work, please get in touch!
Let’s make learning that has an impact with learners and products that clients are proud to deliver.