Mindtools
Learning & Development
Course Creation
Project Snapshot:
Campaign: Project Nova - Learning & Development Course Creation
Services: Creative strategy, writing room, script consultation, character development, casting, studio filming, voice-over, 2D animation and post-production
Deliverables: 11 videos, 14 animations, 11 animated background scenes and 25 voice-overs
Impact: 50+ learning assets delivered
Bringing a Shelved Project Back to Life
Mindtools, a leading digital learning and development provider, called on Bearded Fellows after an ambitious course concept had stalled due to its creative complexity. Our role was to transform it into engaging, accessible learning content that could be delivered at scale.
We brought the project back to life through a combination of live-action video, 2D animation, character-led storytelling, and creative direction. Working closely with the Mindtools team, we designed content that captured attention and supported long-term knowledge retention.
Designing for Engagement and Retention
The project began with a two-day writing room facilitated by Bearded Fellows, bringing together the Mindtools team to shape the creative direction of the course. Together, we developed the scripts and explored how each topic could be translated into relatable, emotionally intelligent scenarios.
Our creative team challenged and refined the narrative throughout the process, helping shape characters and situations that felt relevant to a broad audience. We intentionally created a diverse cast of characters and scenarios, avoiding anything tied to a specific demographic, fashion, or cultural moment.
This resulted in a more inclusive and evergreen learning experience with content built to be adaptable and remain relevant long after the course was launched.
A Flexible Mix of Film and Animation
To keep the course engaging and varied, we developed a hybrid production model combining actor-led scenarios filmed on green screen with 2D character animation.
Illustrated backgrounds gave us the flexibility to create multiple locations without the constraints of traditional filming. Characters could be developed and reused across different scenarios, while the animated format allowed complex emotional and behavioural concepts to be explored in a clear and accessible way.
Our casting process was carefully designed to reflect the diversity of the audience. By combining a broad range of actors with animated characters and environments, we were able to maximise representation while maintaining an efficient production model.
The result was a modular content system that gave Mindtools a high-quality learning experience with the scope to evolve over time.
Testing the Learning Experience
Creative quality was one part of the brief, but the content also needed to do its job as a learning tool.
To test engagement and knowledge retention, we ran weekly focus groups over the course of a month. Participants engaged with the content while eye tracking and qEEG (quantitative electroencephalography) were used to measure concentration, engagement, and cognitive response.
The results demonstrated strong knowledge retention and validated the creative approach - giving Mindtools clear evidence that the content was not only engaging, but effective as a learning experience.
From Shelved Project to Scalable Learning Content
Bearded Fellows transformed Project Nova from a shelved concept into a complete suite of learning and development content.
The finished programme combined 11 videos, 14 animations, 11 illustrated environments and 25 voice-overs into a cohesive learning experience that blended live action, animation and creative storytelling.
By integrating strategic and creative thinking, inclusive character development, live-action production and animation, Bearded Fellows delivered a scalable learning solution that helped Mindtools transform a shelved concept into a best-in-class training experience.
Contact Us
Ready to create a unique Learning & Development Course that grabs the attention of your audience? Or perhaps you’re an L&D organisation ready to use video & animation to engage your learners.
Get in touch to discuss ideas with our team.