Transforming learning at scale for Kmart Group with a modernized Totara platform
A streamlined LMS experience that improves training visibility, boosts compliance, and empowers 90,000+ learners with clear, actionable learning pathways.
The challenge
Kmart Group was operating an older version of Totara (v16) that, while functional, no longer met the organization’s expectations for user experience, visual design, or alignment with modern digital platforms used elsewhere across the business.
Supporting a large frontline workforce across retail and operational roles, ease of use, intuitive navigation and a contemporary look and feel were essential to driving engagement. However, the existing platform experience felt dated and risked limiting adoption, particularly among managers and senior leaders who expected a professional, enterprise‑grade learning environment.
The platform also supported multiple brands and lines of business, each with distinct needs. Any improvement needed to preserve this complexity while delivering a clear and visible uplift for learners. Kmart Group wanted more than a technical upgrade; it sought a transformation that would modernize the platform, enhance usability, and reposition the LMS as a trusted and valued learning experience across the organization.
The solution
Kmart Group partnered with Mindtools Kineo to upgrade Totara from V16 to V19, using the project as an opportunity to transform the learner experience for 90,000+ team members.
The initiative combined a major platform upgrade with a comprehensive UX/UI refresh, focusing on making learning requirements clearer, more visible and easier to action.
The redesigned LMS delivered:
- A complete UX/UI refresh aligned to Kmart Group’s digital and brand standards
- Simplified dashboards prioritizing required learning
- Enhanced navigation for faster access to learning content
- A dedicated training block highlighting due and upcoming learning
- Clear visual cues that guide learner action
- A more consistent experience across frontline, manager and corporate audiences
- Improved platform performance, stability and future readiness through the V19 upgrade
Delivered across four Totara tenancies aligned to different business units, the solution provides tailored learner experiences while maintaining consistency and governance across the organization. The result was a platform that felt not just upgraded but transformed.
The results
The V19 upgrade and UX/UI refresh delivered immediate improvements in learner engagement, compliance and workforce readiness.
Key outcomes included:
- On-time refresher training completion increased from 54% to 78% (+24pp)
- Average completion time reduced from 145 to 38 days (-74%)
- Median completion time reduced from 55 to 32 days (-42%)
- Reduced variability in completion behavior, with more learners completing training within required timeframes
- Stronger compliance and faster workforce readiness
- Improved visibility and prioritisation of critical training
- A more modern, intuitive and engaging learner experience
- Positive feedback from managers and senior leaders
- Increased confidence in Totara as a scalable, enterprise learning platform
By improving clarity and usability, Kmart Group created a more effective learning experience that drives timely action and better learning outcomes at scale.
