Interactive E-Learning Platform for De Beers Share: Ridgeway Score Awaiting client review n/a Date Published 29 April 2019 Reading Time 4-Minute Read Ridgeway built a first-class education hub for The De Beers Group Institute of Diamonds to root professionalism back into the industry. Inspirational Interactive E-Learning for the Diamond Industry The De Beers Group Institute of Diamonds wanted to build and offer inspirational online courses to root professionalism back into the industry and give it some of the desired rigour and authority. They aimed to share their unrivaled knowledge to industry members and other interested parties across the globe through a first-class education hub. Diamond Discovery The Ridgeway team worked through key stages with De Beers to define goals, objectives and the learning outcomes. Many stakeholder and user interviews across the globe were conducted to ensure the platform met the needs of both De Beers and the users. Next, the team gathered information about the types of customers who would use the online education hub and their motivations for doing the course. This persona identification was coupled with identifying learning preferences. Once these were defined user journeys were mapped out which enabled Ridgeway to define the course structure. Stimulating Learning Experience De Beers’ goal was to offer a superior learning experience via a variety of stimulating interactive and data rich learning content and to provide an exceptional brand and CX experience. The Diamond Foundation Course consists of eight modules which span across different elements of the diamond industry, from how diamonds grow and are mined, through to how they are marketed and sold to the end consumer. Interactive Features Each module consists of interactive and engaging features to stimulate learning and turn often complex scientific material into easy to understand the content. Using interactive hot spots, video and animated illustrations the online course delivers a superior blended learning experience to make studying easier and enjoyable for students. Assessment Time The assessment process has been created to assist the learning of the user, therefore, there is no fail or pass just further support. The process is interactive throughout to make it as enjoyable as possible. Users can download summary notes and achieve a certificate of completion at the end of their studies. The Right Platform The website is built on Kentico EMS and utilises many out of the box features including e-commerce, security and authentication mechanisms, custom modules, contact and account management and activity tracking. The core of the site utilises Kentico’s flexible content management system to manage structured course content comprising of many interactive features built using web parts and widgets alongside custom integration. Leaders in Education De Beers’ aim is to become leaders of all educational material in the diamond industry and educate jewelry retailers and other industry members about the diamond process. This high standard of education will better equip them to provide a first-class service to customers and ultimately sell better quality diamonds. International Reach The online course has been translated into Chinese, Turkish and Italian with other languages in progress. Kentico cultures and translation services, including Google Translate integration has been used to achieve this. Check It Out The site enables users to purchase both online and offline courses. This involved using Kentico’s flexible e-commerce checkout process utilising features such as product management, discounts, taxation, and payment integration. The End Result The end result is an inspirational online course which positions De Beers as leaders in the industry and provides the desired rigour and authority. The Diamond Foundation Course reinforces the rich knowledge and credibility that the De Beers team have, and will allow people across the industry to undertake training and gain confidence when operating in various parts of the diamond market. The eLearning course is just the beginning as De Beers plan to expand their portfolio of education solutions for the industry. As their digital partner, Ridgeway, will be working with them to bring these future developments to life.