Product Design and Product Innovation with Funmi And Lindsey at Learning Pool

The Assembly

In this excellent interview, Brigid sits down with Lindsey Coode and Funmi O'Dell of Learning Pool.

Lindsey is Learning Pool’s Director of Content Software, with over 25 years of experience in learning design and technology. Funmi is a Product Manager at Learning Pool, specializing in shaping impactful digital learning and compliance solutions with a deep background in product development and UX design.

In this episode, Lindsey and Funmi break down the core concepts of experience design and product innovation, explaining how these disciplines are transforming the L&D landscape. They provide a masterclass in product thinking for learning professionals, including:

1. The Cereal Analogy: Funmi provides a brilliant and simple way to understand the difference between content (the cereal), user interface (the bowl and spoon), and experience design (the entire end-to-end feeling of eating it).
2. The Goal is to "Delight Learners": Lindsey explains how experience design in learning moves beyond just knowledge transfer to focus on how the experience makes people feel, which is critical for both engagement and impact.
3. Innovation vs. Invention: Learn why innovation isn't about creating something from scratch, but about applying existing ideas and technologies in new ways to solve real problems.
4. Practical Techniques to Spark Creativity: Discover actionable brainstorming methods like "Worst Possible Idea," "Brain Writing," and "Working Alone Together" to generate better ideas and ensure all voices are heard.
5. The Role of AI: Lindsey and Funmi discuss how AI is used both in their products (for role-plays and feedback) and in their process (as a "brainstorm buddy"), and why the question isn't just can we use AI, but should we?

Lindsey and Funmi offer a clear and accessible guide to the skills and mindset needed to innovate in L&D. If you want to understand how to design more impactful and engaging learning experiences, this is a must-listen-to episode.

Connect with Lindsey and Funmi on LinkedIn: Lindsey Coode & Funmi Wendel

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