Somewhere under the hood of every software application is a conceptual design - a purpose and method. It may be explicit or implicit. It may be clear or confusing. It may work or fail.

Most Software Fails

Much, if not most educational software fails. The stuff that's academically sound is usually boring and often way too complicated. Users don't like it, so it ends up on the shelf. The stuff that's simple and/or engaging is often not educationally sound. Experts don't respect it, because it doesn't translate into changed outcomes.

What Works

Studies of both users and experts - when combined - point to some key characteristics of really successful educational software.

• It makes diverse users all feel smart, instead of dumb
• It engages the whole person: heart and soul and body, as well as mind
• It supports both opportunistic (teachable moment) and curriculum-based learning
• It breaks down into "bite-size" lessons
• It expands and contracts to meet user needs
• It can move easily to new technology platforms
• It's NEITHER BORING nor COMPLICATED

Ripple Effects Social Learning Software meets all these criteria

We've Added Two More Criteria for Great Software:

• It creates special options for people who have the hardest time learning
• It telegraphs racial and cultural inclusiveness

What Ripple Effects Did

In developing our groundbreaking Social Learning Software, Ripple Effects relied on a Software Designer (CEO Ray) who is

• skeptical about technical gadgetry
• a master of short form, SIMPLE communications
• an expert in creating award-winning, emotionally engaging media
• an acknowledged expert in what works with social learning

We Then Hired Four Consultants

• One design consultant's only job was to advocate for simplicity at every step of the way.
• Another one's only job was to tell us what could make it more engaging.
• Another one's only job was to tell us how we could ensure it was a tool - not a toy.

Finally, We Gave Our System Architect a Clear Mandate:

• engineer it so that no matter what button users push, they will succeed
• let users go away thinking how smart they are, not how smart you are

How It Came Out

The result is a simple, engaging design based on our Whole Spectrum Learning System, that has won many awards. You can find out more about four different Ripple Effects products: kids 7-10, teens, teachers, and managers. e-mail us to gain access to online walkthroughs.