Systems training has a bad reputation. It is usually synonymous with endless screen captures, dry "click-next" instructions, and zero engagement. But for a recent project with a leading higher education institution, we took a different approach. Instead of just teaching staff where to click, we focused on why it mattered—wrapping the entire learning experience in a compelling narrative about student success.
 
In this case study, we will walk you through how we turned a complex software rollout into an award-winning learning experience by seamlessly stitching together storytelling, high-fidelity simulations, and AI-driven interactions. You will see how we transformed a technical manual into a human-centered journey that staff actually praised.

In this session, we will break down:

• The Narrative Wrapper: How to replace dry technical instructions with a cohesive story that builds empathy and context for the learner.
• Next-Gen Simulations: Moving beyond the standard "Watch-Try-Do" model to create immersive, realistic practice environments.
• AI-Powered Interactions: How we integrated AI elements to allow staff to practice "messy," real-world student support scenarios within the software training.
• The Integration Strategy: A look at the design architecture—how we stitched these diverse elements (Story + Sim + AI) into one fluid, intuitive user experience.

Garima Gupta is the Founder & CEO of Artha Learning Inc., a full-service, award-winning Learning design firm based in Toronto, Canada. With over 20 years of experience in Learning & Development, training, digital marketing, content creation, education, and software engineering, Garima is a passionate learning designer and entrepreneur. She leads her team in creating learning solutions that are innovative, effective, engaging, and impactful, with a particular focus on creatively employing AI in L&D.

As a business consultant and educator, Garima has worked across diverse industries, earning recognition for her contributions to the field. Under her leadership, Artha Learning has received numerous international accolades, including multiple Brandon Hall Awards, TMG Network Choice Awards, and various honors from Hermes, IMA, Marcom, and the International eLearning Association.

Garima is a regular speaker at major international conferences, including ATD ICE, DevLearn, and Training, where she shares insights on AI integration in L&D, innovative instructional design, and the future of workplace and higher-ed learning. She holds an MEd in Adult Education, a B.E. in Software Engineering, and is a certified Training & Development Professional (CTDP).

Leif Olsen is a Student Success and Retention Specialist and EAB Navigate360 Program Owner at Iowa State University, where he leads institution-wide initiatives that connect student success strategy, technology, data, and human-centered systems design. His work focuses on helping faculty and staff confidently adopt complex tools and processes by creating learning experiences that emphasize purpose, context, and real-world application rather than simply teaching procedures.

Guided by a "No Wrong Door" philosophy, Leif has helped build a coordinated network of support spanning more than 100 campus areas, making it easier for students to access the right resources at the right time. His expertise includes systems implementation, change management, coordinated care, faculty and staff development, data enablement, and the design of scalable support models that strengthen both engagement and retention.

For the award-winning Cyclone Support training initiative featured in this session, Leif partnered with learning design experts at Artha Learning to reimagine traditional systems training through storytelling, realistic simulations, and AI-enhanced practice opportunities. Together, they transformed a complex software rollout into a learner-centered experience that helped staff and faculty understand not only how to use the system, but why their actions matter for student success.

A Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and Association for Talent Development (ATD) Master Performance Consultant, Leif is passionate about building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating sustainable systems that help both people and organizations succeed.