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ABOUT US

We create games and simulations where learners engage in simulated conversations with virtual characters and develop their ability to manage others and communicate.

COMPANY

We create custom and off-the-shelf immersive learning simulations and games that help individuals improve their people-skills in the areas of leadership, management, customer service, and behavioral health. Our web-based simulations enable learners to practice and build experience in risk-free environments so they are better equipped to handle similar situations in real life.

Kognito has offices in New York City and San Francisco, where our team of leading experts in psychology, learning, and game technology works on developing off-the-shelf products and custom content for our clients. Our work has won multiple awards including the 2007 Learning Leader award from Bersin & Associates.

Utilizing our expertise in assessment and behavioral change, we work closely with our clients to design assessments studies that provide measurable data about the impact of our training on job performance and self-efficacy.

Our off-the-shelf products include: (1) The Investigator, which trains HR managers how to conduct workplace investigations, and (2) At-Risk, which trains university faculty and staff to deal with students in mental distress.

SOLUTIONS:

Custom learning simulations and games
Convert existing classroom-based materials into simulations and online/blended programs
Off-the-shelf learning simulations developed via partnerships with leading subject matter experts

Established in 2003, Kognito Interactive is a privately-held company with offices in New York City. Since its inception, Kognito has been determined to utilize its expertise in educational and cognitive psychology to push the boundaries of how technology can effectively help people reach their full potential.

WHAT IS "KOGNITO"?
The name Kognito is derived from the Latin word "cogito" which translates to "I think". Our play on the term reflects the company's mission to provide experiences that shape the way people think and behave.

TEAM

Dr. Glenn Albright, Director of Applied Research
Glenn's passion for learning fuels his activities at Kognito where, as Director of Applied Research, he is responsible for integration of learning theories into simulation platforms and assessing cognitive and behavioral impact as a result of simulation experiences.

When he's not taking in the fresh country air on off-roading adventures, Glenn can be found playing or watching sports and video games with his sons. Glenn is also faculty and chairperson at Baruch College's Department of Psychology.

Doug Bermingham, Business Development Manager
Proficient in all manners, Doug is an unpredictable force in the Kognito offices. He has sprung to the forefront of the interactive learning field with his ability to synthesize creative spirit and marketing instinct into a bundle of business-developing intensity. He assists all the major names at Kognito in consultation, persuasive contract-clinching, and strategy development.

When he's not jotting crude notes for a hitherto unwritten story, Doug can be found testing obscure hot sauces, listening to music, packing his lunch for tomorrow, reading, or selling homemade beef jerky.

Jenelle Boucher, Director of Instructional Design
Jenelle has always been drawn to fields that use visual media to tell stories that connect with people and enlighten them about new and interesting topics. In addition to having a Master's degree in the area of e-learning and human-computer interaction, Jenelle has also taught numerous university and ESL courses and has participated in the Certificate of University Teaching Program at the University of Waterloo.

As Kognito's Director of Instructional Design, Jenelle works closely with clients and end users to define the objectives of their training initiatives and then leads our team of designers to develop courses and simulations that meet those objectives

When she's not showing off her power swing on the tennis courts, Jenelle can be found with a chai tea and a book on evolutionary psychology.

Patrick Boyd, Lead Software Architect
Patrick has been intrigued with computer systems since he was a boy, always disassembling new things in order to understand their inner workings. Now, as Kognito's Lead Software Architect, Patrick is constantly working on the next major release, looking for better and more efficient technologies for our many courses and simulations.

If he's not tangled up in a code repository or in a pile of computer parts, you can find Patrick on a sunny New York beach or flying to a new part of the world to explore.

Ron Goldman, Chief Executive Officer
Ron has extensive experience as an entrepreneur in the areas of new media and entertainment, including as a talent manager and agent for young and upcoming rock musicians.

As Kognito's Chief Executive Officer, Ron is responsible for developing the company's strategy, managing its execution, and building strategic relationships with clients and partners.

When he's not at Kognito, Ron can be found traveling to surf at a new and distant country, or exploring the city to further his knowledge of where to get the best brownies and espresso in NYC.

Jack Kalish, Interactive Designer
It looks good, but doesn't work that well. Or how about it works well, but it doesn't look good? Jack's passion lies in merging creative and technical fields to produce compelling and enlightening interactive experiences, such as the one that took 1st place prize at the Technical Association of the Graphic Arts competition.

At Kognito, Jack not only works in designing and developing simulations, but also in setting a broader design philosophy where simplicity and functionality is an art.

Jack can be found strolling around the halls of museums in the city, listening to music and taking in the art. Jack is an honors graduate from the New Media Design Program at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Charley Miller, Instructional Designer
Part game designer, part educator, part international man of mystery: Charley likes to pretend everything can be made into a game that teaches something and encourages exploration of the world.

As an instructional designer at Kognito, Charley applies his recent master's degree in interaction design from NYU (and his love for games and storytelling) to his work. His background includes creative writing, journalism, experimental filmmaking, and the great Commonwealth of Kentucky.

When he's not in the office, Charley is typically off making more games... or pontificating something political with friends.

Grace Peng, Lead Media Designer
Technology enhances life, and art enhances the spirit. Combining technology and art to create meaningful online experiences is Grace's passion. As an interactive designer at Kognito, she uses her talents to create functional and visually pleasing animations, simulations, courses, and games.

When Grace isn't designing, she's usually drawing characters for serious games or immersed in music and movies. Grace obtained her Master of Fine Arts degree from the Communication Design and Technology Program at Parsons The New School for Design and presented her thesis, "Wasteland Adventure," at the 2007 Games for Change Conference.

Brendon Trombley, Lead Interactive Designer
Brendon is a graduate from the New Media Design program at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he learned how to create interesting and immersive interactive experiences. He is interested primarily in game creation, a field which he believes has great amounts of untapped potential for communicating ideas and teaching users.

At Kognito, Brendon assists in the conceptualization of projects, then sees them through to completion during production, working on visual design, animation, and interactive development.

When Brendon isn't immersed in code and design at the office, he can often be found working on independent game projects or playing new sports in Central Park.

Ralph Vacca, Chief Learning Architect
Coffee keeps people awake and cell phones keep people in contact. Finding the right solution to increase human productivity and well-being, and making that solution market viable is Ralph's passion.

As Kognito's Chief Learning Architect, Ralph sets the vision for Kognito's simulation products and services, ensuring they make the best use of available technology and literature in human psychology to produce a significant change in learners

When Ralph isn't thinking about designing interactive learning environments, he's usually writing music on his guitar or playing and analyzing the latest computer game. Ralph is currently on leave from a doctoral program in educational psychology.

Stuart Miller, Project Manager
Well-versed in getting things done, Stu is Kognito’s point-man for incoming projects. As an experienced project manager, he makes sure projects are finished on time and to the full satisfaction of our clients.

Originally from St. Louis, Stu has lived in France, China, and even Jersey City. He has a passion for languages and loves meeting people of unique backgrounds. He is currently living it up in the multicultural mecca known as Astoria.

Lindsay Joelle, Instructional Designer
Lindsay is an instructional designer, playwright, author, and lyricist trained at Columbia University and the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop. Lindsay also works closely with high school students, focusing on test taking strategy, academics, and college applications.

As an instructional designer at Kognito, Lindsay draws from her theatrical and teaching backgrounds to conceptualize and script interactive courses and simulations. She enjoys creating engaging stories told through realistic dialogue and nuanced characters.

When Lindsay is not working on a project, she can be found in a bookstore searching for new music, stories, and recipes.

ADVISORY BOARD

Robert J. Lee, Ph.D
Dr. Lee is an executive coach in the New York area, and he also teaches, writes, and speaks on the topic of coaching. He is an adjunct professor in the management department at Baruch College and is a senior fellow of the Zicklin Leadership Initiative. He is also an adjunct faculty at the Milano graduate school at New School University, and he is a faculty member of the International Center for the Study of Coaching at Middlesex University, London.

From 1994 to 1997, Dr. Lee was president of the Center for Creative Leadership, the world's largest leadership development and research organization. For the prior 20 years he was with Lee Hecht Harrison, the global career services firm he founded. He is co-author of Discovering the Leader in You (Jossey-Bass, 2001) and Executive Coaching: A Guide for the HR Professional (Wiley/Pfeiffer, 2004). His graduate degrees are in industrial/organizational psychology from Case Western Reserve University.

Sandra Roth
Ms. Roth has over 30 years of experience in the U.S. equity markets. Most recently, she was chief equity officer and senior vice president of Benefit Capital Management Corporation, where she oversaw assets of $2.5 billion. Ms. Roth also served as an advisor on the boards of several venture capital funds, including Patricoff & Company, APEX Ventures, Ltd., and Advent International.

Dan White
Dan White has over 25 years of experience in leadership development and coaching. After a successful career in Citicorp as the Organizational Development Director, Dan has developed and coached leaders in to companies such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, CBS, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Citibank, Dow Jones, Pfizer, and Siemens.

Dan holds an MA in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and is the Chair of the New York Association of Leadership Coaching. Recently, Dan has published his first book titled “Coaching Leaders” [Jossey-Bass/Wiley, 2005].

AWARDS

2008 CODiE Finalist
Kognito was named one of four finalists for Best Workplace Training for the Hurricane Sheltering Orientation to train those staffing the NYC hurricane sheltering system

Bersin & Associates Learning Leaders 2007
The Learning Leaders Program recognized Kognito for its innovative interpersonal skills simulation platform which results in significant business improvement.

FuturePlay 2nd Place Winner
FuturePlay, a game design research conference, recognized Kognito for Meeting Officer Roberts, an interpersonal skills simulation game.

2007 Davey Awards Silver Winner
Kognito was recognized for Meeting Officer Roberts, an interpersonal skills game used to train officers on having performance feedback conversations.

2007 Davey Awards Silver Winner
Kognito was recognized for the Hurricane Sheltering Orientation used to train those staffing the NYC hurricane sheltering system in the event of an evacuation.

JOB POSITIONS

We are currently filling positions for:

Flash Interactive Designer
Flash Motion Graphics Designer
Interactive Instructional Designer

We also have great internship opportunities for Summer 2009. Applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and link to an online portfolio or selection of sample work to jobs@kognito.com. Be sure to let us know why you want to work at Kognito.

TECHNOLOGY

Kognito has developed a number of proprietary technologies which provide cost-effective and pedagogically sound vehicles to design and deliver engaging experiences where learners can experiment, learn, and practice so they are better equipped to perform in real-life situations.

One of our most exciting technologies is the award-winning Interpersonal Skills Simulation Platform. This web-based platform allows players to engage in conversations with realistic virtual characters - equipped with emotions and memory - and develop a strong understanding of the strategies and tactics that underlie effective and non-effective interpersonal communications. The user's performance within the simulation is recorded and then utilized to increase learning by highlighting decision-making patterns, assumptions, and behavioral tendencies.

Other notable advantages of using our simulation technology:

Reduce the cost and risk of having people learn on-the-job with real customers and co-workers
Monitor performance change with powerful and standardized metrics
Increase engagement levels and impact of online and classroom-based training
Reduce development cost and time
Reduce cost of modifying and updating of existing simulations through the use of virtual animated characters versus video
Utilize simulation as a strong foundation for classroom discussion

To learn more about our technologies, please contact us.

PHILOSOPHY

OVERVIEW
Kognito believes that human experience is at the core of the most effective types of learning. Two powerful means of experience are observation (vicarious learning) and practice (experiential learning). Today's technologies afford people the ability to have observational and practical experiences within a simulated, controlled environment, before having such experiences in real life. This provides learners with opportunities to form meaningful mental representations, better equipping them for performance in the real world.

THE LEARNING MODEL
Our simulations engage learners in realistic storylines, allowing them to make decisions, experience the consequences of their actions and associated emotions, obstacles, and successes – all the things that come with real life experiences.

These simulations allow learners to accelerate the pace in which they gain experience and confidence to fulfill their roles in the company.

PURPOSE OF INTERPERSONAL SIMULATIONS
Many simulation providers concentrate on attempting to create high-fidelity and "realistic" conversation simulations, only to frustrate learners, for, even though they have a large number of dialogue chunks to choose from, none is exactly how they would "say it" and the responses of the virtual characters are often confusing and out-of-place.

We believe that when it comes to developing interpersonal skills such as conducting difficult conversations or resolving conflicts, simulations can help learners do something they couldn't do before: see and understand the interpersonal dynamics that underlie these types of conversations and learn how to utilize them in real life situations.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS:

Interactive Storytelling by Andrew Glassner
Engaging Learning by Clark N. Quinn
Rules of Play by Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman
A Theory of Fun for Game Design by Raph Koster
Coaching Leaders by Dan White
Learn by Doing by Clark Aldrich
The Online Learning Idea Book by Patti Shank

PRODUCTS

At-Risk
In this 45-minute simulation, learners assume the role of a faculty member in a fictional university where they analyze student' profiles to identify those who are potentially at-risk, engage in simulated conversations with those students, and decide whether and how to refer them to the campus counseling center.

Online
45 minutes
Targets faculty and staff
Produced in partnership with the Mental Health Association of NYC (MHA)

The Investigator
In this 4-hour simulation, learners assume the role of a human resources manager where they investigate a sexual harassment claim by conducting simulated interviews, determining policy violations, evaluating evidence and more.

Online
4 hours
Targets HR professionals
Produced in partnership with Curiale Hirschfield Kramer LLP

Coversations for Change
The Conversations for Change simulation is designed to develop one's ability to engage in productive feedback conversations that promote mutual understanding and learning, maintain good working relationships, enable collaborative problem solving, and promote overall positive change.

Online
2 hours
Targets managers and team leaders

CUSTOM

Meeting Officer Roberts
Client: John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY)
Overview: A custom learning simulation developed to train NYPD officers in providing effective performance feedback in the workplace.

Hurricane Sheltering Training Orientation
Client: NYC Office of Emergency Management
Overview: A custom learning simulation designed for those who would manage New York City's hurricane sheltering system, giving them practice managing a virtual hurricane evacuation center.

NYC Hope 2009
Client: NYC Department of Homeless Services
Overview: A learning resource to teach and motivate NYC residents to participate in the annual survey of unsheltered people living in the city's streets, parks and subways.

Inside the System
Client: Starwood Hotels
Overview: A custom course developed to orient, motivate, and engage employees around a new system. Users are invited into the actual system where they meet characters that introduce different system features.

PROCESS

Designing an engaging interactive experience is half science half art. We believe the key to bringing to life a great idea, is a great process. Here's how we do it...

Phase 1: The Preliminary Proposal
Many clients contact us with a specific training need they have. To figure out the best way to address their need using a simulation, we engage in a short needs analysis (for free!). In this phase we learn more about their need, their learners, and then create a preliminary idea of how the simulation should work and look. At the end of this process, we put together a preliminary proposal that covers the idea for the simulation and its cost.

Phase 2: Finalizing the Proposal and Signing an Agreement
Following further discussions with the client, we finalize the proposal and sign an agreement. In some cases, we offer to share the cost of development in return for the right to re-sale modified versions of the simulation to other clients.

Phase 3: Kick off Meeting
Once the agreement is signed, we conduct a kick off meeting where we re-iterate the objectives of the project and finalize the schedule and team that will be involved.

Phase 4: Needs Analysis
Then we conduct a thorough needs analysis to clearly define the content and behaviors to be encapsulated in the simulation, the impact to be expected, and the assessment protocol to be integrated. This is achieved through meetings with the client team and sample end users.

Phase 5: Instructional Design Plan/Game Design
In this phase, we develop the theme, narrative style, and the general user interface design for the resource. The concept is run through focus groups and the client and is refined as needed.

Phase 6: Production
In this phase, the instructional design plan is used to create the simulation. During production, we continuously seek client feedback and conduct user testing sessions to refine design and ensure quality assurance.

Phase 7: Final Delivery
Once all changes resulting from final focus group and client feedback are integrated, we deliver an unforgettable learning experience that improves your organization's performance.

CONTACT US

=Kognito Interactive
150 West 28th Street
Suite 902 - B
New York, NY 10001
(212) 675-9234

General Questions:
(212) 675-9234
info@kognito.com

Business Development and Sales:
Ron Goldman, CEO
(212) 675-9234

Requests for Presentations:
Ralph Vacca, Chief Learning Architect
(212) 675-9234

Job Inquires:
Head of Recruitment and Talent Management
jobs@kognito.com

PRIVACY

At Kognito Interatcive, we are committed to protecting your privacy. We use the information we collect about your company to save you time when we contact you. By asking some questions up-front we can give you a more personalized explanation of our product. Please read on for details about our privacy policy.

When you send in a request for information we need to know your name, organization, title and e-mail address. This allows us to contact you with the information you requested.

We also request additional information on your company although it is not required. This helps us to understand your organization before we contact you regarding the solution which best fits your interests.

Kognito will not sell, trade or rent your personal information to others. Kognito may provide aggregate statistics about our customers, sales, traffic patterns, and related site information to reputable third-party vendors, but these statistics will include no personal or company-identifying information. In limited cases, we may be required to disclose certain information to comply with a legal process, such as a court order, subpoena or search warrant.

By filling out our request for information form, you consent to the collection and use of this information by Kognito. If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will post those changes on this page so that you are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we disclose it.

If we change any of our privacy policies or practices, we'll post those changes to this policy statement at least 30 days before they take effect.

Kognito welcomes your questions and comments about privacy. Please send your inquiry to feedback@kognito.com.

LEGAL

Kognito, Kognito Interactive, Kognito Solutions and the Kognito logo are trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks or registered service marks of Kognito Solutions, LLC in the United States and other countries. Kognito Solution's trademarks may be used publicly only with permission from Kognito Solutions. Fair use of Kognito Solution's trademarks and service marks in advertising and promotion of Kognito Solution's products or services requires proper acknowledgement.

The contents of these pages are subject to periodic change without notice from Kognito Solutions, LLC. This site is provided by Kognito Solutions on an "as is" basis. Kognito Solutions makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the operation of the site, the information, content, materials or products, included on this site. To the full extent permissible by applicable law, Kognito Solutions disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Kognito Solutions will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of this site, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental punitive and consequential damages.