No Nonsense Learning

We partnered with DPG to create this vibrant, split-screen social ad all about no nonsense learning designed to highlight the difference between traditional university learning and DPG’s flexible, online approach to professional development.

In one half of the screen, we see the classic student experience — stressful commutes, tight schedules, and information overload. In the other, we see a calmer, more modern alternative: studying from home, on your own terms, at your own pace.

DPG offers fully online qualifications in HR and Learning & Development, tailored for busy professionals who want to upskill without turning their lives upside down. This video was all about showing that switch, cutting the chaos out of life and learning the no nonsense way!

Cutting the Chaos: Learning That Works Around You

We partnered with DPG (Development Processes Group) to bring their modern approach to professional development to life by showing just how different it is from the traditional university experience. The result was a vibrant, punchy split-screen social ad that speaks directly to busy professionals looking to take control of their learning.

At the heart of the brief was a simple yet powerful message: you don’t need to put your life on hold to gain new qualifications. DPG offers fully online HR and Learning & Development programmes, designed for working adults who want to upskill without stepping away from their careers—or sanity. Our challenge was to make that comparison crystal clear, and to do it in a way that would stand out on social media, especially in fast-scrolling environments like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Two Worlds, One Screen

Visually, we landed on a split-screen concept that immediately draws the eye. On one side, we show the classic student experience – sleeping through alarms, rushing through a stressful commute and feeling overwhelmed on packed public transport. There’s a frantic, almost claustrophobic energy to this half of the frame.

On the other side, we reveal a very different picture: calm, comfortable, and completely in control. Here, our learner studies at home, coffee in hand, on their own schedule. The lighting is warm, the pace is steady, and there’s space – both physically and mentally – to breathe, absorb, and grow. The right side of the screen feels like a deep exhale. That was the hook.

Storytelling in Seconds

Knowing that attention spans on social are short, we designed the ad to communicate its message quickly and clearly, with minimal voiceover and all action captured into a swift 15 second slot. Every frame works to highlight the core value proposition: DPG gives learners the flexibility to study when, where, and how they want. No crowded classrooms, no rigid timetables – just professional development, simplified.

We kept the tone confident but accessible, using visual humour to exaggerate the stressful student experience without mocking it. The contrast wasn’t about shaming traditional routes; it was about showing an alternative that feels more aligned with modern day life. Especially for mid-career professionals juggling jobs, families, and everything else life throws at them.

Tailored for Scroll-Stopping Impact

From day one, we knew this campaign had to be built natively for social media. That meant alternate vertical formats, short runtimes, and a style that would feel fresh, familiar, and sharable. Every element from colour grading to shot composition was tested to make sure it would stand out on mobile. The split-screen format in particular lent itself well to thumb-stopping layouts, inviting viewers to compare both worlds instantly and draw their own conclusion.

And because DPG’s audience includes a wide range of learners, from recent grads to experienced managers, we made sure the visual storytelling was relatable and inclusive. Clean, modern styling. Diverse casting. Real-life scenarios that didn’t feel overly staged. We wanted viewers to see themselves in the content, and see a better, easier way forward.

A Smarter Way to Learn

Ultimately, this video wasn’t just an ad, it was a statement of intent. It showed that learning doesn’t have to be chaotic, stressful, or outdated. With DPG, it can be empowering, convenient, and completely on your terms.

The campaign has gone on to support wider social and digital activity, with further versions rolled out across various platforms. And while the message is simple, the impact is clear: when learners feel like they have a choice and more control, learning becomes something to look forward to, not dread.

Because at DPG, it’s not just about getting qualified. It’s about getting there without losing your mind in the process.