04Research
Developed together with researchers, teachers and students.
Echo was developed in 2023 and extensively tested in a variety of educational and work environments. During these pilot studies, we gathered valuable insights that both improved the app and demonstrated how effective Echo can be in learning and development trajectories.
User feedback: The pilot showed that Echo is particularly useful for learners who work (partly) independently and do not have daily contact with their mentors. The app helps them capture acquired knowledge, insights, and rich work experiences, which can then be applied in their formal learning process. Instead of relying on memory or scattered notes, they now have a structured overview of their development.
Timeline as a tool: The timeline feature proved to be a powerful aid for preparing progress meetings and compiling portfolios. Users indicated that having a complete overview of the entire learning period was extremely valuable. It makes the thread of their development visible, which helped not only students and starters but also experienced professionals in lifelong learning trajectories. All these groups appreciated having a full overview of their learning experiences. It helped them look back with confidence and plan their next steps in the learning process.
Ownership and self-direction: Actively selecting and recording relevant experiences fosters ownership and self-direction, strengthening workplace learning. By deciding for yourself what is important to record, you take control of your own development. Research on reflective learning shows that writing down experiences enhances the sense of ownership over one’s learning. It also encourages self-regulation: you evaluate what you have done and adjust your behaviour or learning goals based on that reflection. With Echo, this happens almost naturally, as the app invites you to pause at each learning moment. This helps you become more aware of your growth and better able to guide your own learning.
