Learning Experience Design: Leader and Developer

A custom LMS solution for federal procurement training

Homepage of NITAAC University

Homepage of NITAAC University, a custom LMS built for NIH’s contracting workforce.

Project Summary

Client: NITAAC

Sector: Federal Government

Completed: November 2024. Launched NITAAC University as a Minimum Viable Product with the first course: Introduction to NITAAC GWACs.

As lead designer and developer, I created NITAAC University, a custom learning platform for NIH’s contracting workforce. I collaborated with UX and DEV teams to build a solution that turned learning theory into user-centered experience. From early wireframes to launch, I helped shape an LMS that’s not just functional—but impactful.

My Roles and Responsibilities

1. Lead LMS Design & Development

Spearheaded the modernization and integration of the NITAAC Learning Management System (LMS), overseeing platform selection, implementation, and course conversion for online learning.

2. Research & Strategic Planning

Led a comprehensive LMS market analysis, evaluating 50+ commercial platforms. Facilitated a structured evaluation process that resulted in the selection of Drupal 10 as the preferred LMS foundation.

3. Curriculum & Content Development

Designed course maps, storyboards, and media assets in collaboration with SMEs, stakeholders, and UX/DEV teams. Created high-quality, learner-centered training tailored to government professionals—guided by personas, accessibility, and measurable outcomes.

4. Project Leadership & Client Engagement

Developed and delivered the NITAAC University MVP proposal and platform in under eight months from proposal acceptance. Presented iterative demos and progress reports to stakeholders, earning strong client feedback and buy-in throughout.

5. Tools & Tech Stack Integration
Used Drupal 10 and Adobe Creative Suite (especially Premiere), alongside Captivate and genAI tools like ElevenLabs, Runway ML, and CreateStudio, to design, prototype, and deliver LMS features and training content. Aligned technical components with instructional goals to ensure a seamless learner experience and platform functionality.

Inside the Build

Video 1: A quick 50-second trailer introducing NITAAC University—a custom LMS for federal learners, designed to make training accessible, modern, and credential-focused.

Audio generated using ElevenLabs, visuals created using Midjourney, motion design created using CreateStudio and edited in Premiere & Runway ML.

Video 2: This 60-second explainer provides a quick overview of NITAAC GWACs (Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts), using animated visuals and streamlined messaging to support learner onboarding.

Audio generated using ElevenLabs. Visuals created in Midjourney and PowerPoint, and assembled in CreateStudio using 2D motion graphics. Edited in Premiere & Runway ML, with final reviews conducted over multiple rounds via Frame.io.

Instructional Media & Course Assets

I developed all instructional content, including graphics and videos—except for the animated course trailer.

Graphics created in Midjourney, DALL-E, PicMonkey, Adobe Photoshop, and PowerPoint. 

Introduction to NITAAC GWACs public catalog page

Introduction to NITAAC GWACs Course Landing Page (screenshot)

Final course layout in the custom LMS. Content designed in collaboration with SMEs using Google Workspace tools. Visuals enhanced in PicMonkey and Procreate for onboarding clarity.

Course interactive hotspot exercise

Interactive Page: Reading FAR References

Instructional interaction built to help federal learners navigate FAR documentation. Illustrated using DALL·E and edited in Photoshop.

NITAAC CIO-CS Ordering Process

CIO-CS Ordering Process (comic-style sequence)

Step-by-step visual narrative guiding learners through the federal procurement process. Characters generated with Midjourney and composited in PicMonkey and Photoshop.

What I Learned

Working at the intersection of federal learning requirements and user experience showed me how critical it is to balance regulation with empathy. This project reminded me that even in highly structured environments, there’s space for design that feels human. It stretched my capacity to lead across tech, content, and client collaboration and reinforced the value of bringing clarity to complexity.

What Learners Said

Organized and flowed well. I am new to the GWACs and appreciate the walkthrough of the process.

Navigation was easy.

I liked the navigation and the review questions.

Collected from early learner feedback during the first month post-launch.

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