Disney Imagineers are the creative force behind Disney’s theme parks and attractions. In this fun, fast-paced and interactive workshop, participants will transform into Imagineers to design, build and showcase digital learning prototypes of the future! Everyone is welcome.

Extended Abstract Imagineers are the masterminds behind Disney's enchanting theme parks, luxurious resorts, captivating attractions, beloved products, and magical experiences. By incorporating three main roles and mindsets: The Dreamer, The Realist and the Critic, Disney Imagineers are able to transform incredibly creative ideas into profitable realities. The Dreamer: In this role, Imagineers focus on free association and brainstorming ideas without limitations or criticism. The goal is to get ideas out into the world and on paper. The Realist: In this next role, Imagineers evaluate the practicality and feasibility of the ideas generated by the dreamer and develop a strategic plan to transform dreams into actionable steps. The Critic: As critics, Imagineers analyze and refine their ideas to ensure they align with the overall goal or objective. The critic looks for potential flaws and considers how the ideas would look to a customer, user, or expert in the field. The creative process for Imagineering follows at 5 stage process: 1) Blue Sky Brainstorming, 2) Concept Development, 3) Feasibility Assessments 4) Design and Development 5) Production and Installation and Deployment Stages. By applying Walt Disney’s creative processes, innovators can design engaging, immersive, and effective educational experiences that resonate with learners. Workshop Objectives In this design sprint-style workshop, participants will step into the shoes of Disney Imagineers to design prototypes for digital learning experiences. In each phase, participants will experience the creative process of Disney Imagineering applied to digital learning design. In the context of digital learning, the principles of Disney Imagineering can be applied to designing immersive and engaging educational experiences. It begins with Blue Sky Brainstorming, where educators and designers gather inspiration and research to generate innovative ideas. These ideas are then refined into high-level creative visions in the Concept Development stage, detailing immersive experiences using multimedia, interactive features, and storytelling. Next, Feasibility Assessments ensure the project can be achieved within practical constraints. The Design and Development stage involves detailed planning, prototyping, and user testing to create a coherent learning experience. During Production, all components are created and quality assured. Finally, in Installation and Deployment, the product is assembled, tested, refined, and launched. The grand finale will feature a live installation where participants will showcase their innovative creations. This hands-on experience will allow participants to apply these innovative techniques and skills to their own professional projects Participant Learning Outcomes Workshop participants will: Develop and present creative digital learning concepts through collaborative "Blue Sky" brainstorming and concept development, focusing on storytelling and sensory engagement. Assess the feasibility of their ideas by evaluating practical constraints like budget and resources, and strategize reliable project delivery. Create detailed plans and prototypes using a variety of materials, refining designs iteratively based on peer feedback. Showcase their prototypes, receive constructive feedback, and reflect on applying the Imagineering process to future digital learning projects. Workshop outline and schedule Introduction (10 minutes) We will kick off the workshop with a warm welcome and an overview of the objectives and schedule. Then, we will break the ice by having participants share their favorite Disney attractions. Next, we will discuss briefly why these attractions resonate with them to set the tone for creative thinking. Then, we will explain the connection between Disney Imagineering and digital learning design. Finally, we will discuss the three roles: the Dreamer, the Realist and The Critic and outline the 5 stages of the Imagineering process. Stage 1: Blue Sky Brainstorming (15 minutes) We will divide participants into small teams (5-6 people per team). demonstrate and model an iteration session using the “yes, and” technique to generate a high quantity of ideas. Each team will then brainstorm creative ideas for innovative digital learning products or services. They will use Post-it notes to jot down ideas and place them on a large shared board or wall. Stage 2: Concept Development (20 minutes) Teams will then choose one idea from their brainstorming session to develop into a high-level creative idea. We will give them examples of how to incorporate their user’s senses (visual, auditory, tactile) and utilize story-telling elements. Then, participants will detail how their experiences will engage the senses and incorporate storytelling elements to make the concept compelling. Stage 3: Feasibility Assessment (10 minutes) We will briefly present some practical considerations such as budget, time, technology, and resources. After that, the teams will assess the practicality and reliability of their chosen concept using a feasibility scorecard. Then, they will discuss and strategize how to overcome potential challenges. Stage 4: Design and Iterative Development (25 minutes) Teams will begin prototyping using provided materials (Play-Doh, pipe cleaners, tin foil, cardboard, fabric, metal wire, etc.). After about 15 minutes, the teams will conduct quick user testing to gather feedback and iterate on the design. Then they will iterate their models based on feedback from teams and the workshop facilitators. Stage 5: Live Installation and Showcase (10 minutes) Teams will set up their prototypes for display and present their final prototypes to fellow participants and guests. Attendees and guests will have an opportunity to provide quick, constructive feedback and praise. Conclusion (10 minutes) Reflection: Participants reflect on what they learned during the workshop. Discuss how they can apply the Imagineering process to their own digital learning projects. Closing Remarks and Q&A’s We will thank participants for their involvement and encourage their continued innovation in digital learning. Finally, we will open the floor for any final questions or comments from participants. How participants will be able to apply the knowledge and practices at their home institutions: By adopting the principles of Disney Imagineering, creators of digital learning products can design engaging, immersive, and impactful educational experiences that resonate with learners. Blue Sky Brainstorming: This initial stage involves gathering inspiration, researching learning objectives, audience needs, and emerging technologies to generate innovative ideas. Concept Development: Initial ideas are developed into high-level creative visions, detailing how the learning experience will engage the senses using multimedia, interactive features, and storytelling techniques. Immersive Experiences: Digital learning products strive to create immersive experiences by leveraging multimedia elements like videos, animations, simulations, and virtual reality, making learning engaging and memorable. Storytelling: Integrating storytelling techniques in digital learning products helps contextualize content and captivate learners' interest, facilitating deeper connections and meaningful learning experiences. Feasibility Assessment: The feasibility of the project is evaluated considering time, budget, and technological constraints, with potential risks identified and addressed. Design and Development: Instructional designers work with multimedia developers, graphic designers, and subject matter experts to specify all components, ensuring coherence and continuity across elements to minimize distractions and keep learners focused. Production: This stage oversees the creation of each part of the digital learning product, involving content creation, multimedia production, software development, and integration of learning management systems, with quality assurance to meet educational objectives. Installation and Deployment: In the final stage, all elements are assembled, tested, refined, and deployed to learners, including beta testing with a sample audience for feedback and adjustments. Primary Audiences • Educators and instructional designers • eLearning developers and technologists • Creative Professionals and storytellers • Product managers and project Leads in EdTech • Students and aspiring professionals in education and design • Innovators These participants will benefit from developing and presenting creative digital learning concepts, assessing the feasibility of their ideas, creating detailed plans and prototypes, and applying the Imagineering process to their future projects. What makes this workshop unique and innovative? Unlike traditional design sprint workshops, this session draws inspiration from the imaginative and immersive processes used by Disney Imagineers. Participants will adopt techniques from a world-renowned brand known for creating engaging and memorable experiences. In addition, this session places a special focus on integrating storytelling and sensory engagement into digital learning. These elements are often underutilized in online education but are essential for creating impactful and memorable learning experiences. Alignment with Track 2 Themes This workshop aligns with key track themes, including instructional strategies for engagement, UDL, accessibility, open educational practices, evidence-based practices, and innovative assessment strategies. Participants will learn to design learning experiences that captivate and motivate students through innovative use of sensory engagement and storytelling. Participants will explore sensory engagement and storytelling to captivate learners, ensuring alignment with UDL principles and accessibility needs. The collaborative workshop fosters open sharing and development of ideas, promoting inclusivity and adherence to UDL guidelines. Practical feasibility assessments and iterative feedback ensure evidence-based strategies are applied to concept development. Finally, the live showcase and peer feedback offer innovative assessment methods, focusing on practical implementation and user reception. Materials Needed for the Workshop: Presentation tools: projector and screen Materials: 1 Post-in Easel pad, 10-12 whiteboard markers. (Note: If we are unable to obtain an easel pad, we can also use regular sticky notes, which can provide.) Room set up: The room should be set up with several circular tables and 6 chairs around each tables.