How TS4 turns a learning need into a practical solution
This page goes beyond the six-stage overview. It explains the thinking behind each stage, the role of the client, typical outputs and examples of tools that may support the work.
The method is deliberately tool-agnostic. Technology is chosen after the learning and performance need is understood, not before.
Four principles shape every decision
They help TS4 remain relevant, inclusive and outcome-focused whether the solution is digital, facilitated or blended.
Evidence-led
Performance evidence, audience needs, workflow, risk and context are examined before recommending a response.
Learner-centred
Real tasks, decisions, prior experience and barriers shape the experience, not simply the amount of source content.
Inclusive by design
Readability, keyboard use, captions, contrast, cognitive load and flexible participation are considered from the start.
Outcome-focused
Objectives and evaluation connect learning with confident action and useful workplace results.
Explore what happens at each stage
Select a stage to see the purpose, TS4 activity, client contribution, outputs and examples of tools that may be used.
Discover
The aim is to understand the real performance need before deciding whether learning, process support, communication or another intervention is required.
What TS4 may do
- Stakeholder interviews and discovery workshops
- Audience, task and workflow analysis
- Review of existing content, systems and learning data
- Accessibility, risk, compliance and operational constraints
What the client contributes
- Access to representative stakeholders and learners
- Existing content, policies, data and platform information
- Known deadlines, business priorities and constraints
Typical outputs
- Discovery brief
- Problem statement
- Learner / stakeholder profiles
- Evidence baseline
- Initial solution options
Examples of tools that may support this stage
Tools are selected to fit the project, client environment, accessibility needs and governance requirements rather than used by default.
Define
Discovery evidence is turned into an agreed problem, scope, audience, success measures and practical route forward.
What TS4 may do
- Define measurable performance and learning objectives
- Agree solution boundaries and priorities
- Set governance, dependencies, review routes and success measures
- Confirm accessibility, technology and reporting requirements
What the client contributes
- Approve scope and intended outcomes
- Confirm reviewers, decision-makers and subject experts
- Agree milestones, assumptions and review expectations
Typical outputs
- Approved brief
- Learning objectives
- Curriculum / solution map
- Project plan / RACI
- Evaluation approach
Examples of tools that may support this stage
Tools are selected to fit the project, client environment, accessibility needs and governance requirements rather than used by default.
Design
The learning experience is made visible before full production so structure, practice, accessibility and assessment can be tested early.
What TS4 may do
- Map content to workplace actions and decisions
- Design scenarios, practice, feedback and assessment
- Create learning journeys, storyboards and prototypes
- Plan visual, media, interaction and accessibility treatments
What the client contributes
- Provide accurate source content and expert clarification
- Review against the agreed brief and objectives
- Consolidate feedback and approve the design direction
Typical outputs
- Design specification
- Learning journey / pathway
- Storyboard
- Assessment blueprint
- Prototype / visual treatment
Examples of tools that may support this stage
Tools are selected to fit the project, client environment, accessibility needs and governance requirements rather than used by default.
Develop
The approved design is converted into usable learning products, tested for quality, accessibility and technical performance.
What TS4 may do
- Build modules, workshops, media and performance support
- Configure interactions, assessment and tracking
- Run editorial, functional, accessibility and technical QA
- Resolve review feedback and prepare release files
What the client contributes
- Check factual, brand, policy and regulatory accuracy
- Test in the intended platform and environment
- Approve final amendments and release criteria
Typical outputs
- LMS-ready learning
- Facilitator / participant resources
- Video and animation
- Assessment banks
- QA / accessibility records
Examples of tools that may support this stage
Tools are selected to fit the project, client environment, accessibility needs and governance requirements rather than used by default.
Deliver
The learning is prepared for launch or facilitation, with the right platform, communication, facilitator and learner support in place.
What TS4 may do
- Prepare LMS, virtual or classroom delivery environments
- Brief facilitators, managers and support teams
- Coordinate launch, enrolment and communications
- Monitor access, participation and early issues
What the client contributes
- Own learner data, invitations and internal communication
- Confirm platform readiness and support routes
- Release learners and managers to participate
Typical outputs
- Launch plan
- Train-the-trainer / facilitator briefing
- LMS upload package
- Learner / manager resources
- Delivery record
Examples of tools that may support this stage
Tools are selected to fit the project, client environment, accessibility needs and governance requirements rather than used by default.
Evaluate
Evidence is reviewed to understand participation, learning, confidence, application and operational value, then identify what should change next.
What TS4 may do
- Review completion, learner experience and assessment evidence
- Gather stakeholder, manager and workplace feedback
- Compare results with the agreed baseline and measures
- Identify improvements, maintenance needs and scale opportunities
What the client contributes
- Provide relevant learning and business data
- Enable follow-up with learners and managers
- Interpret findings in operational context
- Agree improvement priorities and ownership
Typical outputs
- Evaluation dashboard
- Findings summary
- Kirkpatrick-aligned evidence where appropriate
- Improvement backlog
- Sustainment / scale recommendations
Examples of tools that may support this stage
Tools are selected to fit the project, client environment, accessibility needs and governance requirements rather than used by default.
Different needs require different routes
The six-stage method can result in digital learning, facilitated training or a connected blended solution.
Digital learning
Useful for scalable, consistent and flexible access.
- Self-paced eLearning
- Microlearning and video
- Digital assessment
- Performance support
Facilitated training
Useful when dialogue, coaching and live practice matter.
- Classroom workshops
- Virtual sessions
- Case studies and role practice
- Facilitator resources
Blended solution
Useful for complex or sustained capability change.
- Pre-work and diagnostics
- Live application
- Practice and feedback
- Follow-up tools and evaluation
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A UK-based digital learning consultancy helping organisations improve capability and performance through strategy, learner-centred design, accessible digital development and effective learning technology.
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