Best Buy is dedicated to fostering a learning environment where every employee can access the resources they need, in the way that suits them best, and at their own pace. This commitment hinges on the effective creation and delivery of learning content. As a valued merchandising partner, you are instrumental in shaping this enriching experience.
We are actively refining our training modules and developing innovative solutions for our vendor collaborations within the realm of learning. To truly excel and maximize impact, our collective efforts must focus on:
- Enhancing engagement with vendor-provided content by seamlessly integrating Best Buy’s and vendor’s learning strategies.
- Constructing strategies that prioritize an optimal learner experience while simultaneously strengthening our vendor partnerships.
- Transitioning our focus from simply offering space to delivering comprehensive learning experiences.
- Emphasizing the quality of content and the creation of targeted, relevant learning journeys.
This guide is designed to navigate current merchandising partners through the Best Buy Learning Network, covering everything from company registration and user setup to providing practical guidance for crafting impactful learning content.
Elevating Employee Learning with the Best Buy Learning Network
Employee feedback highlights key areas for improvement in current learning approaches. Understanding what resonates—and what doesn’t—is crucial for creating effective training materials.
Employees have expressed that the following formats are less effective for their learning needs:
- PowerPoint-style e-learning modules: Often perceived as static and less engaging.
- Lengthy videos: Can be overwhelming, demanding significant time and attention without always maximizing knowledge retention.
- E-learning modules with multiple topics or extended durations: Can dilute focus and lead to learner fatigue.
- Overly technical “speeds and feeds” content: May lack practical application and fail to capture learner interest.
- Marketing-centric videos/e-learning materials: Often prioritize promotion over genuine educational value.
- PDFs primarily used for communication rather than training: May not be designed for effective knowledge transfer and skill development.
- PDF documents with dense, difficult-to-digest content: Hinder comprehension and retention, reducing the overall learning impact.
A visual representation of less effective learning methods, including lengthy videos and text-heavy PDFs, which are not optimized for employee engagement and knowledge retention.
Vendor Content Guidelines: Your Key to Success on the Learning Network
To ensure a consistent and high-quality learning experience, all vendor-provided content must adhere to specific guidelines. Attention to detail in content creation is paramount for successful integration into the Best Buy Learning Network.
Content Submission and Review Process
Please note that all content submissions require 5 business days for processing and posting. This timeline allows for a thorough two-step review process designed to maintain content integrity and effectiveness:
- Technology Review (by Vendor): Vendors are responsible for the initial technical verification, ensuring that all submitted materials are in the correct format and function flawlessly within the Learning Network.
- Sales Enablement Review: Best Buy’s Sales Enablement team will conduct a comprehensive review to confirm that the content aligns with the established content guidelines outlined below, focusing on learning effectiveness and relevance.
What to Avoid: Content Restrictions for Vendors
To maintain a neutral and focused learning environment, vendors are prohibited from including the following in any content provided to Best Buy:
- Mentions of other vendors: Content should be exclusively focused on your products and solutions.
- Vendor A vs. Vendor B comparisons: Avoid direct or indirect comparisons with competitors.
- SKU/Product comparisons between vendors: Refrain from contrasting your specific SKUs or products with those of other vendors.
- Technology comparisons (direct or indirect): Content should not evaluate or compare different technologies, including your own versus competitors’.
- Self-proclamatory statements: Avoid subjective and unsubstantiated claims such as “World’s best…” or “Best in the Industry…” Focus on factual information and demonstrable benefits.
Technical and Compliance Requirements
Clarity, Detail, and Validation in Technical Language:
When discussing technology, ensure your language is precise, detailed, and technically accurate. All technical claims must be validated and supported by evidence.
Rigorous Review and Testing:
All submitted content must undergo thorough review and testing to guarantee functionality and compatibility:
- eLearning Module Standards: eLearning modules must strictly adhere to SCORM 1.2 and ADL industry standards to ensure proper tracking and compatibility within the Learning Network.
- Video Compression and Format: Videos should be compressed to under 20MB and utilize the H264 codec (.mp4 output). This ensures optimal playback and accessibility across various devices and network conditions within Best Buy stores.
ADA Compliance:
Accessibility is a critical component of inclusive learning. All content must be ADA compliant:
- Closed Captioning for Videos: All videos, whether standalone or embedded within an eLearning module, are mandatory to include closed captions.
- Captioning for Spoken Dialogue in eLearning: If your eLearning modules contain any spoken dialogue outside of embedded videos, captions are also required for these audio elements to ensure accessibility for all learners.
