DAPs And The 70:20:10 Model: Learning In The Flow Of Work

Delivering Studying In The Stream Of Work

I lately had the chance to discover (within the type of an organization demo) a digital adoption platform (DAP), and it gave me a brand new perspective on how I take into consideration studying within the office.

What Is A DAP And Why It Caught My Consideration

A DAP is a layer of expertise that integrates immediately with the instruments workers use each day—guiding them by way of processes in actual time utilizing walk-throughs, device ideas, and good nudges. As somebody deeply concerned within the integration of expertise in Studying and Improvement (L&D), this was thrilling. As an alternative of taking learners away from their work for a course or module, DAPs ship studying as they work, making it sensible, speedy, and extremely contextual.

An Instance From What I Noticed

The current demo of a digital adoption platform actually obtained me occupied with how successfully it may be carried out throughout the studying ecosystem. As I explored the options, I could not assist however relate it to a standard problem confronted by many on the office.

Let me clarify with a fast instance. Think about a brand new joiner studying to make use of the inner utilization/time monitoring device. Historically, this may contain separate logins, manuals, or explainer movies—assets which are helpful, however typically time-consuming and indifferent from the precise workflow. The group member must watch the video, change tabs, attempt to recall the steps, after which try the duty—resulting in delays, confusion, or errors.

Now, think about a special expertise. As the worker logs into the platform, they’re guided step-by-step on the device itself. The DAP walks them by way of the place to enter time, highlights required fields, nudges them if one thing is lacking, and even acknowledges activity completion with a delicate immediate. All this occurs in actual time, with out the necessity to depart the display or consult with a separate useful resource.

This sort of embedded help not solely simplifies the educational curve but additionally reinforces the 70:20:10 mannequin—notably the “studying by doing” side. It is an environment friendly, intuitive, and learner-centered strategy to undertake new programs.

How DAP Aligns With The 70:20:10 Studying Mannequin

Greater than a tech layer, DAPs actively allow and help studying within the move of labor, and align fantastically with the 70:20:10 mannequin for Studying and Improvement. Let’s unpack {that a} bit. What’s 70:20:10 studying mannequin?

1. 70% of studying comes from on-the-job experiences
2. 20% from interactions and suggestions
3. 10% from formal coaching

The 70:20:10 Mannequin

Let’s Break It Down: DAP And The 70:20:10 Mannequin

70%: Studying By means of Expertise

How DAP helps this
DAPs embed studying into day-to-day duties. They information customers by way of new processes whereas they’re working—making studying really feel pure and speedy.

Instance
To illustrate a brand new worker is studying to file expense studies in a fancy finance device. As an alternative of sitting by way of a 30-minute coaching, the DAP walks them by way of it stay, step-by-step, throughout the device. The worker does not depart the interface, does not get caught, and learns by doing. Over time, they construct confidence, make fewer errors, and internalize the method—all whereas staying productive.

Why it really works
This sort of studying mirrors how individuals really be taught in actual life—by making an attempt, failing, and bettering. It is contextual, just-in-time, and boosts retention as a result of it is tied to actual outcomes.

20%: Studying By means of Others

How DAP helps this
Many DAPs enable integration with chatbots, peer ideas, or inside dialogue boards. Extra importantly, DAPs can immediate customers to hunt assist or enter when wanted—facilitating these essential social studying moments.

Instance
Whereas onboarding into a brand new function, a DAP may information an worker by way of a venture administration device and recommend, “Ask your group lead for examples of previous venture timelines.” Or it would flag a peer-reviewed greatest observe proper inside a workflow.

Why it really works
This reinforces that studying is not a solo journey. By nudging learners to have interaction with others or comply with what friends are doing, DAPs assist bridge information gaps by way of collaboration—one thing an LMS typically does not do.

10%: Formal Studying

How DAP enhances this
Whereas DAPs aren’t designed to interchange LMSs, they improve formal studying by reinforcing it. After somebody completes an LMS module, a DAP can reinforce the identical ideas on the level of utility.

Instance
An worker completes a course on threat and safety greatest practices. Weeks later, when accessing a delicate system, the DAP reminds them: “Bear in mind to allow two-factor authentication—click on right here to do it” or “As per the corporate coverage you aren’t allowed to ship this through electronic mail.” The idea from the LMS course is now tied to an actual motion, in actual time.

Why it really works
Formal studying sticks higher when it is bolstered repeatedly and in related moments. DAPs ensure these moments occur when and the place they matter most.

To Conclude

The 70:20:10 mannequin has taught us that a big a part of studying occurs informally—by way of doing and interacting in actual time. I consider digital adoption platforms (DAPs) can considerably improve this sort of studying, particularly by supporting workers immediately within the move of labor. One space the place I see enormous potential is onboarding. For brand spanking new joiners navigating unfamiliar instruments and programs, DAPs can cut back friction and increase confidence from day one. That is one thing I am eager to discover within the coming months.

I would love to listen to from those that’ve carried out DAPs of their studying ecosystem—what labored, what did not, and what you’d do in a different way.

Disclaimer: This isn’t a promotional put up. These are private views based mostly on my analysis and a current demo I attended.

Picture Credit:

The picture throughout the physique of this text was created and equipped by the creator.