Representation matters in the learning experiences we create. At Kindred Learning, bespoke character design gives us an opportunity to create learning experiences that better reflect the diversity of Australian workplaces.
The people, environments and stories learners see on screen can influence whether training feels relevant to them, their workplace and their community. At Kindred Learning, bespoke character design gives us an opportunity to create learning experiences that better reflect the diversity of Australian workplaces.
As part of our animation and illustration capability, we create bespoke Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander characters that can be incorporated into eLearning, animation, scenarios and workplace training.
Representation That Fits the Learning
Rather than relying solely on generic stock characters, bespoke illustration allows characters to be designed around the organisation, audience and learning environment.
Characters can be developed for a wide range of settings, including:
- Offices and professional workplaces
- Construction and infrastructure
- Healthcare
- Community services
- Education and training
- Government
- Retail and customer service
- Resources and industrial environments
This helps the visual storytelling feel connected to the real environments in which learners work.
Thoughtful Indigenous Representation
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and cultures are diverse.
For this reason, Indigenous representation should be approached thoughtfully rather than treating one character, visual style or cultural reference as representative of everyone.
Where a project involves specific cultural stories, communities, Country, symbols or cultural knowledge, appropriate consultation and permissions should form part of the project process.
For broader workplace scenarios, bespoke characters can contribute to a more diverse and representative cast without making cultural identity the sole focus of the character.
Characters Designed for Real Learning Scenarios
Bespoke characters can be designed to work across multiple scenes and learning situations.
For example, a character may appear:
- Speaking directly to the learner
- Participating in a workplace conversation
- Demonstrating a process
- Appearing in a safety scenario
- Supporting branching scenarios
- Showing examples of appropriate workplace behaviour
- Appearing across multiple modules in a learning program
Creating a consistent character library also allows organisations to reuse familiar people across courses, strengthening visual continuity across their learning ecosystem.
More Than Representation
Inclusive character design is not simply about adding diversity to an illustration library.
When it is considered as part of the broader learning design, it can help create training that feels more recognisable, human and connected to the people completing it.
At Kindred Learning, our goal is to combine thoughtful learning design, illustration, animation and storytelling to create training experiences that people can connect with.
Creating Bespoke Characters for Your Organisation
Kindred Learning can develop custom illustrated character libraries specifically for an organisation, industry or learning program.
Characters can be designed to align with:
- Your workforce
- Your workplace environments
- Uniforms and PPE
- Organisational branding
- Specific job roles
- Existing illustration styles
- Learning scenarios and storylines
Where appropriate, characters can then be animated and incorporated into eLearning, videos and other digital learning experiences.
Want to learn more about how we approach Indigenous storytelling and engagement? Explore our services or get in touch to discuss your next project.
FAQs
What are bespoke Indigenous characters for eLearning?
Bespoke Indigenous characters are custom-illustrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander characters created specifically for a project, organisation or learning program — rather than relying on generic stock imagery. They can be designed to reflect the learner's workplace, role and environment.
Why is inclusive character design important in workplace learning?
When learners see people who reflect their own backgrounds and workplaces, training feels more relevant and relatable. Inclusive character design can improve engagement, help communicate complex information more effectively and contribute to a stronger sense of belonging in workplace learning.
Does Kindred Learning create characters for specific industries?
Yes. Bespoke characters can be designed for a wide range of industries including construction, healthcare, government, education, community services and resources. Characters can be tailored to reflect uniforms, PPE, workplace environments and specific job roles.
Can bespoke characters be animated?
Yes. Characters designed by Kindred Learning can be animated and incorporated into eLearning modules, explainer videos, scenario-based training and other digital learning content.
How does Kindred Learning approach cultural sensitivity in character design?
We approach Indigenous representation thoughtfully, recognising the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and cultures. Where a project involves specific cultural knowledge, Country or symbols, we support appropriate consultation and permissions as part of the project process.
Let's Talk About Your Next Project
Combine high-quality digital learning with genuine participation and social procurement outcomes.