Designing and Validating Learner-Centered Experiences.

Pearson is committed to offering learning products that are designed with empirical learning science research in mind and that demonstrate efficacy in enhancing learning outcomes. In applying the learning sciences to our designs, however, we must be mindful of human factors, particularly ensuring that our research-based products are designed in a way that meets the needs of our students and instructors. Accordingly, we have implemented Design-Based Research (DBR) processes to investigate student needs, iteratively test product designs, and inform design decisions. Our continually refined and scalable process has yielded many successes in both current and forthcoming products. This paper first outlines the history and theoretical underpinnings of design-based research. Additionally, the need for design-based research at Pearson is described. Subsequently, we provide an overview of our design-based research approach and processes. Finally, successes informed by design-based research are shared.