Case Study: Designing Scalable Learning Experiences for Black Spectacles
Company Overview
Black Spectacles is a leading online education platform for architects preparing for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Built on proven learning science, the platform combines video lectures, quizzes, flashcards, practice exams, and a Guided Study Process to help members pass the ARE faster and with higher success rates.
Members report completing licensure in half the time of the NCARB average, with pass rates more than 40% higher than the national average. At the center of the experience is a tightly integrated learning system designed for repetition, retention, and confidence on exam day.
The Challenge
The ARE covers dense, technical subject matter that can be overwhelming for candidates balancing full-time work with exam preparation. Black Spectacles needed a way to:
Break down complex architectural concepts into clear, digestible lessons
Maintain consistency across hundreds of lecture videos
Reinforce learning through visual clarity and repetition
Scale content production across multiple courses without sacrificing quality
My Responsibility
My primary role at Black Spectacles is designing the storyboards and visual structure for all lecture-based video content, ensuring each lesson is clear, engaging, and aligned with learning science principles.
Scope of work includes:
Storyboarding ~350 lecture videos across 7 full ARE courses
Designing videos averaging 10–14 minutes each for optimal cognitive load
Establishing consistent visual patterns for diagrams, callouts, and key takeaways
Designing study guides that reinforce video content and support spaced repetition
Process & Approach
Learning-First Storyboarding
Each storyboard is designed to support how users actually learn — not just how content is presented. I focus on:
Progressive disclosure of information
Visual hierarchy that guides attention
Repetition of core concepts across diagrams and layouts
Clear alignment between spoken instruction and on-screen visuals
Visual Consistency at Scale
With hundreds of videos across multiple courses, consistency was critical. I developed reusable visual systems that:
Reduce cognitive friction for learners
Allow students to recognize patterns quickly
Enable efficient production without visual drift
Reinforcement Beyond Video
In addition to lectures, I design study guides that mirror the structure and visual language of the videos, helping learners:
Review key concepts quickly
Retain information through repetition
Move seamlessly between video and self-study materials
Results & Impact
While my work focuses on content design, it directly supports Black Spectacles’ measurable outcomes:
A scalable video system supporting 350+ lectures
Visual clarity that enables learners to complete licensure faster than the national average
Reinforcement of learning science principles that contribute to 40%+ higher pass rates
A cohesive learning experience that supports the Pass the ARE Guarantee
My work helps ensure that every lecture — regardless of topic or course — feels intentional, clear, and aligned with the broader learning ecosystem.
Additional Video Projects:
AIA Chicago 2022-2024
AIA Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 | Presented to Linda Searl
AIA Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award 2022 | Presented to Ralph Johnson
AIA Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 | Presented to Cynthia Weese