The micro-learning platform Ed can be used on all devices, and delivers lessons daily, suited to the individual's skillset. The courses range from health and safety to cyber security, and are delivered in bite-sized chunks, rather than over lengthy courses. The platform relies on 'spaced repetition learning', where questions answered incorrectly will reappear in lessons more frequently, while gamification is used by pitting students against one another, so they can win credit or vouchers. "Given 80% of smartphones never leave a person’s side, companies are discovering that mobile-first learning is now the most effective way to engage employees," says Darren Winterford, Ed's founder and CEO.

Ed app enables micro-learning for young AussiesStrelka Institute, Creative Commons (2017)

Utilising mobile tech for learning seems like a natural move, especially for always-connected Gen Y, Ed's largest market segment. This cohort largely want bite-sized learning programmes, favouring it over long and costly higher education education, as they look to upskill by keeping interference to their home and work life's to a minimum. This sentiment applies across the board globally, especially for older generations – many of whom consider themselves lifelong learners. In Australia, this naturally poses a challenge to traditional education institutes; The University of Sydney, have underwent a rebrand, to get people to think differently about higher education, and the purpose it serves.

Safa Amirbayat is a junior behavioural analyst at Canvas8, which specialises inbehavioural insights andconsumer research. An economics graduate from University College London with a specialism in industrial organisation and behavioural economics, he can be found boxing or reading a novel outside of work.