01
Clarity beats volume
People remember what they understand. We would rather explain five things well than mention fifty.
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About Harlequin · Since 1996
Thirty years of making things clear.
Harlequin is an independent learning and communications studio. Since 1996, we have helped organisations explain complex subjects, introduce change and bring their people with them, through bespoke e-learning, training materials and the communications that surround them.
The person behind the work
You work directly with the person doing the thinking.
Harlequin is led by John Lawton, its Founder and Director, an instructional designer and learning consultant with more than 35 years’ experience of corporate learning and communications.
John’s work spans technical and scientific subjects, technology adoption, professional education and change communications, from green hydrogen and veterinary nutrition to new business systems. He designs and builds in Articulate Rise and Storyline, writes scripts and storyboards, and creates the awareness communications that help learning land.
For larger projects, John sometimes brings in trusted illustrators, graphic designers, videographers and voice artists, but you always keep one point of contact who understands your subject and your goals.
John LawtonFounder and Director · Based in North Yorkshire, working with clients across the UK and around the world
What we believe
Four principles behind every project.
Thirty years have changed the tools enormously. They haven’t changed what makes learning and communications work.
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Start with what people need to do
Every course, message and resource should help someone do something differently, so that’s where we begin.
03
Learning needs a story around it
A course nobody hears about changes nothing. The communications before and after matter as much as the learning itself.
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New tools, honest judgement
We use what genuinely helps, from interactive simulations to AI-assisted production, and we will tell you when something simpler would work better.
Our story
Three decades of change. The same focus.
Thirty years of new tools and new ways of learning, with the same focus on making things clear.
1996
Harlequin is founded
Harlequin Training Solutions begins creating training materials and communications. Early clients include the BBC, Willis Corroon, Castrol, BT and QA Training.
2000s
Into e-learning
As computer-based training and early e-learning arrive, Harlequin starts designing digital courses while keeping the same focus on clear, practical content.
2010s
Learning goes everywhere
Responsive courses for tablets and mobiles, rapid authoring in Articulate Rise and Storyline, and video become central to the work.
2020s
Learning and communications, joined up
More projects combine awareness campaigns, learning and follow-up support, and AI-assisted production opens new creative possibilities.
2026
Thirty years on
Still independent, still curious, and still focused on helping people understand what matters and put it into practice.
Expertise and tools
What we bring to a project.
A practical mix of instructional design, writing, visual communication and technical build skills.
Learning design
- Instructional design
- Learning needs analysis
- Scenario and case design
- Storyboarding
- Accessibility
Build and production
- Articulate Rise
- Articulate Storyline
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Video and animation
- SCORM and LMS testing
Communications
- Key message development
- Awareness campaigns
- Scripts and copywriting
- Manager briefings
- AI-assisted visuals
Sectors we know well
Energy and technologyRetail and consumer goodsCorporate and professional servicesHealthcarePublic sectorManufacturing
Working with John
“He brings a great mix of experience, creativity and practical thinking to every project, always ensuring the end product is not only well designed but genuinely useful and impactful for the audience. On top of that, he is an absolute pleasure to work with: collaborative, reliable but also fun.”Diana Mattheou, Senior Change Manager, QA
Let’s talk about your project.
Whether it’s a course, a campaign or both, we’ll give you honest advice on the best way to help your people understand and act.
Prefer email? john.lawton@harlequinsolutions.com