Propagation-Inspired Methods for Community-Centered Testing of Learning Artifacts

This paper presents biomimicry-inspired methodologies for testing learning artifacts within community ecosystems across higher education and workforce training contexts. Drawing from ecological propagation principles, multiple testing approaches such as wind dispersal, champion-carried, flow-based, and runner networks iteratively explore design concepts with diverse stakeholders while building community capacity. These methods address critical limitations of Universal Design for Learning in community-specific contexts, revealing how standardized accessibility approaches may create unintended barriers that locally-controlled adaptations resolve more effectively. The framework treats testing as a way to build community capacity rather than extract feedback, with ethical protocols that recognize community ownership, ensure inclusive participation, and strengthen existing learning networks. It closes with a method selection guide and an innovation registry that practitioners can put to use right away.