Hi, I’m Dana Cannam đź‘‹
Designer, Educator, and Builder of Better Learning Experiences
With a foundation in product design and a passion for learning, I’ve spent the last decade creating everything from award-winning home products to enterprise-scale educational platforms. My journey has taken me through the worlds of UX design, instructional design, and product development—often all at once.
I’ve worked on funded startups (including one backed by the largest utility company in the EU), helped build customer learning ecosystems for global SaaS companies, and developed immersive AR/VR learning applications. I’ve also partnered with the Canadian military, taught university-level courses, and facilitated hands-on design workshops in fablabs and makerspaces around the world.
Whether I’m designing for a digital interface or a physical product, I focus on creating meaningful, effective learning experiences. My research is rooted in Learning Experience Design, and I’m always exploring new ways to blend design, education, and technology. I also develop with 2D and 3D assets, and enjoy pushing the boundaries of what’s possible across content platforms.
Some highlights:
- 🏆 Red Dot Design Award recipient
- 📦 Products available in stores globally
- 🛠️ Collaborations with design labs and innovation hubs worldwide
- 🎓 University instructor and workshop leader
I believe great design starts with curiosity, thrives on collaboration, and should always aim to empower people—whether they’re users, students, or customers.
When I’m not building prototypes or learning systems, you might find me biking along the coast, tinkering with sensors, or browsing museum gift shops for design inspiration.
Skills
Instructional Design and UX Research
- Learning Experience Design (LxD)
- Instructional Design (corporate and academic)
- UX Research (interviews, surveys, usability testing)
- Customer & Employee Onboarding Design
- Curriculum Development
- Storyboarding and Content Mapping
- eLearning Development (Articulate, Rise, Camtasia, LMS platforms)
- AR/VR for Learning
- Accessibility and Inclusive Design
- Workshop Facilitation & Design Thinking
- University-level Instruction & Curriculum Delivery
- Learning Analytics & Evaluation
Product Development
- Physical Product Design (design, development, testing & certification, and mass manufacturing)
- 3D modeling, rendering and technical drawing
- Rapid Prototyping (3D printing, CNC, laser cutting)
- Hardware Design (pcb and integrated system design)
- Collaborative Work with Makerspaces and Fablabs
Web Development Technology
- HTML / CSS / JavaScript (basic to intermediate)
- Front-end Prototyping (Figma, Framer, and ProtoPie)
- Content Management Systems (WordPress, Webflow)
- 2D & 3D Asset Integration
- Basic Unity for AR/VR Projects
- LMS Platforms (Moodle, LearnUpon, custom integrations)
- Video Editing and Animation Tools (Camtasia, After Effects)
Startup & Entrepreneurial Experience
- Startup Co-Founder (funded by EU’s largest utility company)
- Product-Market Fit Discovery
- Pitching & Stakeholder Engagement
- Business Model Development
- Cross-functional Team Collaboration
- Market Research and ICP Development
- Public Speaking and Conference Representation
- Educational Technology Innovation
- Global Product Launch & Retail Strategy
- Mentorship in Design & Entrepreneurship Programs
Corporate Instructional Design
In my corporate Learning and Development journey, I’ve had the privilege of leading initiatives that empower teams through effective training strategies. As a seasoned professional in this field, I’ve crafted and implemented instructional design solutions that not only align with organizational goals but also resonate with diverse learners. Whether navigating the dynamic landscape of employee onboarding or enhancing skills through targeted development programs, my commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning remains unwavering. My hands-on experience extends beyond the classroom, encompassing a strategic blend of technology and pedagogy to elevate the learning experience within corporate settings.
Corporate Learning Experience Development
I’ve led L&D teams through the entire product life-cycle on a diverse range of corporate learning solutions, including a new hire onboarding portal, with the design and development of a WordPress multisite, added features of gamification for real-time user feedback, and the integration of Azure Active Directory for the purposes of employee single sign-on capabilities.
I’ve also had the experience of developing an organizational Capability Academy, providing managers and employees quick and easy access to updated learning materials around business-specific skills. This included analyzing current organizational learning metrics, implementing an effective marketing and communications plan, and creation of learning assets delivered through a SharePoint site and Yammer social community.
Corporate Technology
In the realm of Learning Technology, I excel in leveraging cutting-edge tools and methodologies to elevate instructional design and shape impactful learning experiences. My proficiency extends to the realm of web-based Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) learning solutions, where I have skillfully integrated immersive technologies to enhance engagement and knowledge retention. I am adept at harnessing the potential of cloud-based learning solutions, ensuring seamless access to educational resources and fostering collaborative learning environments. My expertise encompasses the development of comprehensive frameworks for training and development, spanning the entire spectrum from onboarding initiatives to ongoing training programs, and from leadership development to succession planning. By seamlessly integrating innovative learning technologies into these frameworks, I strive to create dynamic and effective learning experiences that resonate with diverse audiences, fostering continuous growth and development.
Educational Technology
With a foundation in crafting award-winning products and a background in sustainable design education, I was driven by a compelling desire to contribute meaningfully. This inspiration culminated in the creation of Qmod, an educational platform dedicated to imparting knowledge about sustainable energy to children. Steering a startup venture in the education sector demanded relentless effort, leading to the successful acquisition of nearly $1 million in funding. This financial support empowered us to develop innovative products for esteemed clients, including the Science Museum in London, the Port of Rotterdam, E.ON (a prominent German utility company), and numerous educational institutions spanning Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. More…
