Sonos works out of four offices, has 1250 staff and operations in more than 60 countries, but largely relies on retail staff to evangelise its platform. It needs to be sure that they’re fully aware of its benefits. The traditional solution to a problem like this would be on-site face to face training. However, Sonos wanted an elearning system that would promote the advantages of the product – and drive conversions at retail stores without visiting every outlet in person.
Sonos works out of four offices, has 1250 staff and operations in more than 60 countries, but largely relies on retail staff to evangelise its platform. It needs to be sure that they’re fully aware of its benefits. The traditional solution to a problem like this would be on-site face to face training. However, Sonos wanted an elearning system that would promote the advantages of the product – and drive conversions at retail stores without visiting every outlet in person.
A comprehensive interactive video suite with quizzes was created in 10 languages. It enabled staff to learn at their own speed, in their own time and choose the subjects that mattered most to them.
Each aspect of the Sonos product was fully explored and illustrated with live action video or detailed product software simulation. The video content was storyboarded, shot and edited specifically for the training. While watching the video, users are presented trophies which are recorded in a virtual trophy cabinet.
Menu navigation sits over the video, so actors can walk through the menus bringing the locations to life. To cater for two different user types the menus can be switched between explore mode (hotspots) and quick mode (buttons). This allows the training to be run solo or guided by a Sonos representative.
The training site sits on a mini learning management system (LMS) called OnlySonos, where each user is tracked and managed.
A comprehensive interactive video suite with quizzes was created in 10 languages. It enabled staff to learn at their own speed, in their own time and choose the subjects that mattered most to them.
Each aspect of the Sonos product was fully explored and illustrated with live action video or detailed product software simulation. The video content was storyboarded, shot and edited specifically for the training. While watching the video, users are presented trophies which are recorded in a virtual trophy cabinet.
Menu navigation sits over the video, so actors can walk through the menus bringing the locations to life. To cater for two different user types the menus can be switched between explore mode (hotspots) and quick mode (buttons). This allows the training to be run solo or guided by a Sonos representative.
The training site sits on a mini learning management system (LMS) called OnlySonos, where each user is tracked and managed.
The dual role of product owner and designer was a challenge due to the unique nature of the interactive video, the client being based in the states and the high standards set by the Sonos Brand team. Each of these challenges was met successfully by good, open and clear communications from conception to delivery.
I created the user interface using Sonos brand guidelines. The unique interactive video approach meant the user experience required some thoughtful experimentation. By maintaining dialogue with the creative team, the development team and the client throughout the project, the user experience was both feasible and well received!
I co-authored the learning script which helped when storyboarding the live video sections. I directed the video during a two day shoot on location and briefed the editing team. Final editing and refinement was my responsibility as design lead.
The simulation sections required careful planning and involved a team of several people. I ensured the simulations were true to the product, interesting to watch and efficiently delivered in the multiple languages.
The dual role of product owner and designer was a challenge due to the unique nature of the interactive video, the client being based in the states and the high standards set by the Sonos Brand team. Each of these challenges was met successfully by good, open and clear communications from conception to delivery.
I created the user interface using Sonos brand guidelines. The unique interactive video approach meant the user experience required some thoughtful experimentation. By maintaining dialogue with the creative team, the development team and the client throughout the project, the user experience was both feasible and well received!
I co-authored the learning script which helped when storyboarding the live video sections. I directed the video during a two day shoot on location and briefed the editing team. Final editing and refinement was my responsibility as design lead.
The simulation sections required careful planning and involved a team of several people. I ensured the simulations were true to the product, interesting to watch and efficiently delivered in the multiple languages.
“We commonly tell people that our kit is easy to set up but if you don’t own Sonos we can’t prove it. If people have never seen a Sonos set up before, this can show them how easy it is to install, while those who own Sonos already can skip that section and move on to a new topic altogether.”
“It’s a testament to product team and its style of working that it can keep pace with us,”
“the relationship was ‘very succinct and efficient,’ and it’s one that’s produced one of the most accomplished and flexible training platforms imaginable”
Dan Couvillion, Sonos training manager
“This is an excellent tool thats geared toward a specific education purpose. I see phenomenal benefits in this tool.”
Cody Kline, Training Manager at Sonic Fidelity
“We commonly tell people that our kit is easy to set up but if you don’t own Sonos we can’t prove it. If people have never seen a Sonos set up before, this can show them how easy it is to install, while those who own Sonos already can skip that section and move on to a new topic altogether.”
“It’s a testament to product team and its style of working that it can keep pace with us,”
“the relationship was ‘very succinct and efficient,’ and it’s one that’s produced one of the most accomplished and flexible training platforms imaginable”
Dan Couvillion, Sonos training manager
“This is an excellent tool thats geared toward a specific education purpose. I see phenomenal benefits in this tool.”
Cody Kline, Training Manager at Sonic Fidelity