AMANDA GASSER
Lead Instructional Designer
SIMPLIFYING SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES TO DRIVE CONSISTENCY
TURNING COMPLEXITY INTO CLARITY
This Hygienic Design project demonstrates how complex systems can be transformed into clear, actionable learning. By breaking down technical processes, reducing cognitive overload, and designing for real-world application, the course helped employees move from understanding information to confidently applying it in their work. The result was improved clarity, stronger performance, and more consistent outcomes across teams.
Business Problem
Food and beverage manufacturing processes are complex and highly technical, making them difficult for employees to understand and apply consistently.
This created several challenges:
-
Overload of technical information presented all at once
-
Difficulty connecting procedures to real-world application
-
Inconsistent execution across teams
-
Increased reliance on additional support and clarification
There was a clear need to design a structured learning experience that simplified complexity and supported on-the-job performance.
Audience
Primary Audience:
R&D food scientists, process development engineers, and quality and food safety professionals responsible for evaluating equipment used in food production.
Secondary Audience:
Manufacturing engineers, sanitation leaders, and plant operations personnel who play a role in ensuring processing equipment meets hygienic design standards and regulatory requirements.
Results/Impact
-
Improved understanding of complex processes and how they connect
-
Increased confidence in applying procedures on the job
-
Reduced need for additional clarification and support
-
Supported more consistent execution across teams
My Role
Content Analysis & SME Partnership
I partnered with subject matter experts to evaluate and analyze complex manufacturing content, identifying key concepts, gaps, and opportunities to simplify for learner understanding.
This included:
-
Reviewing and breaking down technical processes and requirements
-
Collaborating with SMEs to clarify intent and ensure accuracy
-
Identifying areas of complexity that required simplification or restructuring
Learning Experience Design
I designed the overall course structure using learning science principles to support clarity, retention, and real-world application.
This included:
-
Structuring content from foundational concepts to more complex applications
-
Applying strategies such as chunking and scaffolding to reduce cognitive overload
-
Designing scenario-based learning to support decision-making and application
-
Aligning content to real-world tasks and performance expectations
Visual & Functional DevelopmentI created the full visual design and developed the interactive eLearning experience.
This included:
-
Designing visuals and process diagrams to clarify how systems connect
-
Developing the course in Adobe Captivate
-
Building interactions and knowledge checks to reinforce learning
-
Ensuring a clear, intuitive user experience throughout the course
Future Iterations
-
Break the course into smaller, modular components to support just-in-time learning and on-the-job application
-
Evolve the experience into a decision-support tool that employees can reference when selecting equipment or navigating complex scenarios
-
Introduce role-specific and facility-specific variations to increase relevance and applicability
-
Strengthen connections to real-world application through additional performance-based experiences
Tools Used
Adobe Captivate • Adobe Illustrator • Microsoft Suite
Design Approach
Reducing Cognitive Load
Complex food safety and engineering concepts were simplified using clear visuals, icons, and consistent layouts. Information was presented one concept at a time so learners could focus on key ideas without being overwhelmed.
Structured Learning (Chunking & Scaffolding)
Content was organized around five core hygienic design principles—Accessible, Cleanable, Compatible Materials, No Collection Points, and Hygienic Operational Performance. Learners first build foundational understanding of these principles and then progressively apply them to evaluate equipment design.
Real-World Application
Scenario-based activities require learners to evaluate real manufacturing equipment and classify designs as Acceptable, Marginal, or Unacceptable. These interactions mirror real decisions made by R&D, engineering, and food safety teams in manufacturing environments.
