We Stopped Building Training Apps. We Started Sending WhatsApp Messages.

The Birth of a New Approach

Years ago, in the early stages of my software development career, I built a training platform for a major local company. The result was an AngularJS-based application packed with features: 40 slides per module, around 12 exams, all designed for leadership training. Administrators loved it, but employees hated it. They faced the tedious requirement to log in and engage with content that felt disconnected from their daily routines. Engagement suffered as a result. This experience lingered in my mind, and I noticed a recurring pattern across various companies: training platforms that served compliance purposes but failed to engage users. Especially with the rise in the importance of cybersecurity awareness, it became clear that the issue wasn't the content itself but rather the delivery method.

Introducing Don Armando

In an attempt to solve this, I developed Don Armando, named affectionately after my father. The concept is straightforward: instead of adding yet another app to employees' already cluttered digital space, we deliver training via WhatsApp, an app they are familiar with and use frequently. Don Armando operates through a dedicated WhatsApp number that sends training content directly to employees. Interaction is streamlined with quick-select buttons instead of free-text responses. This approach keeps costs low and the user experience seamless. Administrators benefit from a user-friendly dashboard where they can upload existing training materials in PowerPoint format. We leverage AI to process these materials, automatically generate exams, and seamlessly distribute them through WhatsApp. This eliminates the need for new app installations or unfamiliar interfaces, making training accessible where employees already spend their time.

Expanding Horizons

We began with cybersecurity training, acknowledging that not everyone naturally gravitates towards this subject—it's often seen as a concern for tech enthusiasts. Recognizing this, we expanded our offerings. We developed training modules for warehouse safety compliance, addressing the constant need for employees to stay updated with evolving rules and regulations. More recently, we introduced a system for educators, focusing on training them to identify psychological and behavioral cues in children—training that is crucial yet often overlooked in dense binders.

Overcoming Challenges

The most significant hurdle with Don Armando wasn't technical. It was about changing perceptions. Companies are accustomed to investing in platforms, distributing logins, and considering the task complete. Our approach challenges this norm: forget about the login, forget about the app. Your employees are already on WhatsApp. Let's deliver the training there. If your company requires training on topics such as cybersecurity, compliance, safety protocols, or professional development, Don Armando provides a frictionless solution. It integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, eliminating barriers and enhancing engagement.

Forget the login. Forget the app. Your people are already on WhatsApp. Let's use that.