RISE 360 + STORYLINE 360 EXAMPLE
Collaborating Anonymously Using Discord
THE CHALLENGE
Introducing an anonymous digital discussion created a practical challenge. Many learners were unfamiliar with Discord, so the technology itself risked becoming another barrier to participation. The challenge was not to teach Discord comprehensively, but to help learners complete the specific tasks required for the learning activity: set up an anonymous identity, join the discussion space and use the core discussion functions with confidence. The onboarding therefore needed to build functional confidence quickly without overwhelming learners with unnecessary features.
MY ROLE & TOOLS
MY PROCESS
I designed the onboarding around the workflow learners would complete during the activity: SET UP → ACCESS → EXPLORE → PRACTISE
Rather than introducing Discord feature by feature, I focused only on the knowledge and skills learners needed to participate confidently. Rise 360 provides concise, step-by-step guidance for setting up an anonymous profile and accessing the discussion space, supported by labelled graphics and a short screen-recorded demonstration with captions. I used each tool for a distinct learning purpose. Rise 360 introduces the workflow, while Storyline 360 enables hands-on practice with immediate feedback before learners participate in the live discussion.
I scaffolded support across the experience: learners first receive concise procedural guidance, then explore the discussion interface, observe the workflow through a screen-recorded demonstration, and finally complete authentic discussion tasks independently within the Storyline simulation.
To support authentic practice, the demonstration and simulation use the same Discord interface learners encounter during the live activity. By focusing on authentic tasks rather than software features, the onboarding builds functional confidence that learners can apply directly in the live discussion.
COURSE VIDEO
VIEW INTERACTIVE COURSE ↗THE IMPACT
The onboarding supported the successful implementation of anonymous digital discussion activities with 180+ learners and eight stakeholders across four programmes. Anonymous digital discussion increased learner participation by 70%, demonstrating stronger engagement in collaborative activities facilitated through Discord.
Following the project, three staff continued using Discord to facilitate their own workshops, demonstrating adoption beyond the original implementation.
The same design challenge applies whenever organisations introduce a new collaboration platform, digital whiteboard or discussion tool: how can learners build enough confidence to participate effectively without being overwhelmed by unnecessary software training? This project demonstrates how task-focused onboarding and authentic practice can address that challenge.