Supported by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), the Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PaCSON) connects experts and governments across the Pacific to improve cyber security capabilities. The Being Group was engaged to design and develop their Cyber Upskill Program (CUP), a suite of learning products for PaCSON members to educate their communities and improve technical capability in the region. We needed to tailor something unique for the Pacific to connect with Pasifika peoples of all cultures, experiences, levels of digital literacy and access to digital resources.

We began with extensive research, co-design workshops and meetings with PaCSON stakeholders and a Working with Pasifika Peoples training to truly understand the audience and cultural and technical context. We identified key commonalities between varied Pasifika cultures that shaped learning design: a spiritual connection to land and ocean; a strong sense of openness and community; and a high context, oratory tradition of sharing information.

To reach youth, community, business and government, we mapped out 15 different learning products, including videos, in-person courses, print materials and seven interactive e-learning modules (featuring 70 videos), plus training content to guide PaCSON members on program delivery.

To establish a connection with learners that would lead to better educational outcomes, the CUP needed to resonate with the diverse Pacific communities. Designed in consultation with PaCSON members, program branding featured recognisable oceanic motifs, colours and geometric patterns. Brand elements allowed us to present complex concepts and ideas in a familiar, engaging and accessible way for learners with limited ICT knowledge.

Following an extensive pre-production process to gain the necessary permits and ethical approvals, a small BEING visual media crew travelled to five Pacific countries to interview cyber security experts, government employees, small business owners and local community members. Interviews and candid footage contextualised and informed learning content, paired with animated graphics in videos tailored to different audiences.

Drawing on education principles, e-learning modules highlight relevance to learners, present information in a way that fits their experiences and values, and allow them to put their learning into practice. Modules are tailored to different audience segments, teaching the relevance and importance of cyber security, technical and practical ways to be cyber secure, and how to influence behaviour change among coworkers and communities.

To promote effective learning and behaviour change, modules balance written information, video, animation, educational activities and downloadable resources. Contextual information, relatable stories and motivational messages are shown through interviews and live action video, with animated elements for emphasis. Technical information and practical advice are explained through animation, with text on screen to reinforce understanding. After each core lesson, learners test their knowledge or reflect on learnings, through quizzes or activities.

Best-practice digital design of the custom-built e-learning modules prioritised user experience and accessibility for mobile devices, including comprehensive voice overs and subtitles.

For learners with limited internet or device access, downloadable and print resources and in-person courses include a presentation and brochures for community groups. For schools, a student workbook connects with a younger audience through comic-style illustrations, relatable stories, games and activities – a card game helps to reinforce and test students’ learning. 

User guides, lesson plans and game instructions guide PaCSON members to deliver courses and resources to different audiences, including facilitating in-person learning and modifications for different ages and levels of understanding.

All deliverables prioritised accessibility and cultural sensitivity, using simple, plain English, practical advice and familiar visuals. Where possible, content was provided in print and digital formats.

We presented the final product to PaCSON members in a virtual meeting, stepping through the CUP and how to use it effectively for optimal outcomes.

Initial feedback for the CUP (launched in February 2024) was extremely positive, highlighting the importance of the program and the impact it is set to have on improving cyber security readiness, response and resilience. While it is still early to identify tangible behaviour change outcomes of the CUP, engagement has been high and the PaCSON website experiencing its highest ever spikes in traffic.