DCMA Multifunctional Orientation
Example Images of the Articulate Course and the Discovery Game
Summary
This project helped introduce DAU to a more modern and flexible approach to eLearning development after years of relying on a much more limited legacy platform. The goal was to create an experience that helped new employees understand what DCMA is, what the agency does, and how its many functions support the federal government, while also demonstrating the value of newer development tools and design approaches.
The result was a blended experience that felt far more dynamic than a traditional course. By combining a SharePoint-hosted website with custom web development, interactive modules, motion graphics, and video, the project delivered onboarding content in a format that was more engaging, cohesive, and visually polished.
Just as important, the success of this effort helped DAU become more comfortable with modern development tools. After seeing the outcome, they became far more receptive to learning experiences authored in HTML5, Articulate 360, and Rise, helping open the door for a broader evolution in their course development approach.
Solution
The solution centered on creating a unified onboarding experience that could both meet the immediate training need and serve as a proof point for a new way of building courses.
Because this was DAU’s first major step away from Composica in many years, the experience had to do more than function well. It had to feel like a meaningful leap forward. The final product used a SharePoint-hosted website as the central framework, with interactive Storyline modules, live-action video, and After Effects animation integrated into a single cohesive experience.
A key part of the solution was making sure all of those elements worked together visually and instructionally so that the course felt intentional rather than pieced together from separate technologies. The project also included Discover DCMA: The Game, a larger gamified module designed to teach key agency terms in a way that was more interactive and memorable than standard onboarding content. This helped break up the monotony of traditional eLearning while reinforcing important terminology through active participation.
In the end, the project succeeded not only as a training solution, but also as a change-management moment. It demonstrated that DAU could move beyond legacy tools and create richer, more modern digital learning experiences.
My Role
I played a central role in helping the client become comfortable with this new direction. Because this was DAU’s first major move into HTML5 and Articulate-based development after years of using Composica, part of my contribution was not just creative and technical, but strategic. I helped build confidence in the approach by showing how these tools could produce a more cohesive, engaging, and modern learner experience.
From a design and development standpoint, I created the overall look and feel for both the website and the interactive modules. I also developed the HTML5 wireframe proof of concept for the site, which helped establish the experience early and demonstrate the potential of the approach. I oversaw implementation of the client’s color schemes and visual styling with junior staff as the final site was developed.
In addition, I created all graphics for the interactive modules, programmed the modules, and produced some of the Adobe After Effects animations used in the live video segments. My role helped ensure the final experience was visually unified across every component while also helping the client embrace a new generation of course development tools.ction for the website and interactive modules
Designed and built an HTML5 wireframe prototype as a proof of concept
Oversaw design cohesion and implementation across the final SharePoint experience
Directed the application of the client’s color scheme and visual styling
Created graphics and interface elements for the interactive modules
Programmed the Articulate Storyline 3 modules
Produced selected Adobe After Effects animations for use within live video content
Helped ensure the full experience felt unified across web, video, and courseware components