Task LMS: Enterprise Learning Management System

Full-stack corporate training platform built in 5 days
⏱️ Timeline

5-day development sprint

👥 Scale

200+ employees and external partners

💻 Tech Stack

Next.js, React, TypeScript, PostgreSQL

🔐 Authentication

Microsoft 365 SSO, Google SSO

The Challenge

A 150-person company needed a modern learning management system that could:

  • Serve both internal employees and external partners/contractors
  • Provide role-appropriate access to training content
  • Track progress and generate compliance certificates
  • Integrate with existing Microsoft 365 infrastructure
  • Scale to accommodate future growth

The company needed a solution that could outgrow their existing training approach, requiring a comprehensive platform that combined enterprise-grade security with an intuitive user experience. I built Task LMS to demonstrate what's possible.

The Solution

I architected and developed Task LMS, a full-stack learning platform that delivers enterprise features while maintaining rapid development velocity. The system demonstrates my ability to combine instructional design expertise with technical implementation - building not just training content, but the entire platform itself.

What Makes This Different

Most learning experience designers work within existing LMS platforms. I built the platform itself, which required understanding:

  • Learning pathway design and progress tracking
  • User authentication and role-based access control
  • Certificate generation and verification systems
  • Multi-tenant architecture considerations
  • Scalable database design for learning data

This end-to-end perspective informs how I approach any learning solution, whether building custom platforms or working within established systems.

Technical Architecture

Frontend

Next.js - Server-side rendering
React - Component-based UI
TypeScript - Type-safe development
Tailwind CSS - Modern design system

Backend

Node.js with Express - RESTful API
PostgreSQL - Relational database
JWT with Refresh Tokens - Session management

Authentication & Security

Microsoft 365 SSO - Azure AD integration
Google SSO - External authentication
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Zod Validation - Runtime type checking

Infrastructure

Enterprise-grade deployment
Designed for scalability
Security-first approach
Multiple authentication layers

Key Features

For Learners

  • Personal Dashboard - At-a-glance course progress
  • Progress Tracking - Real-time completion status
  • Certificate Generation - Automated upon completion
  • Multi-Format Content - Video, PDF, quizzes
  • Intuitive Navigation - Clean, learning-first interface

For Instructors

  • Course Creation - Streamlined content workflow
  • Content Management - Easy uploads & organization
  • Learner Analytics - Track enrollment & completion
  • Assignment Management - Individual or group assignments

For Administrators

  • User Management - Control access & permissions
  • Role Assignment - Four-tier system
  • Enrollment Management - Bulk operations
  • Analytics Dashboard - System-wide metrics
  • Certificate Verification - Validate credentials

Enterprise Features

  • Single Sign-On (SSO) - Both Microsoft 365 and Google authentication
  • Role-Based Access - Granular control over feature access
  • Audit Logging - Track system usage and compliance
  • Secure Architecture - Enterprise-grade security throughout
  • Scalable Design - Built to grow with organizational needs

Screenshots

Administrator Dashboard

Administrator Dashboard - Welcome screen with overall progress stats, learning streak, completed courses, and certificates earned

My Learning Dashboard

My Learning Dashboard - Progress tracking with visual indicators, course completion status (100%), and certificate access

Course Catalog

Available Courses - Browse and enroll interface showing CRM training, Active Shooter, and Security Awareness courses

Admin Dashboard

Admin Dashboard - Platform management with user breakdown by role (Admins, Instructors, Employees, Partners), course analytics, and enrollment metrics

Development Process

Sprint 1-2: Foundation & MVP (Days 1-5)

Accomplished:

  • Complete technical architecture and database design
  • User authentication system with SSO integration
  • Role-based access control framework
  • User management interface
  • Course creation and management system
  • Learner dashboard with progress tracking
  • Certificate generation and verification
  • Admin analytics dashboard

Result: Fully functional prototype with enterprise features, demonstrating rapid development capability and full-stack learning platform expertise.

Future Phases (Planned)

Phase 3: Advanced Features

  • Compliance tracking with required courses and expiration dates
  • Advanced analytics with custom reporting
  • Discussion forums for peer learning
  • Calendar integration for scheduled training

Phase 4: Integrations

  • Automated email notifications
  • Mobile app development
  • Third-party content integrations
  • Advanced gamification features

Technical Highlights

Rapid Prototyping Methodology

Building a functional LMS in 5 days required strategic prioritization:

  1. Start with core user flows - Authentication, course enrollment, content viewing
  2. Build for expansion - Architecture supports future features without refactoring
  3. Leverage modern frameworks - Next.js and React accelerate development
  4. Focus on UX first - Clean interface reduces training overhead

Enterprise Authentication Challenge

Implementing Microsoft 365 SSO required:

  • Azure AD configuration and OAuth flow implementation
  • JWT token management with secure refresh patterns
  • Fallback authentication for external users (Google SSO)
  • Role mapping from enterprise directory to LMS permissions

This multi-authentication approach serves both internal employees (M365) and external partners (Google), a common enterprise requirement.

Scalable Database Design

PostgreSQL schema designed for:

  • Complex relationships (users, courses, enrollments, progress)
  • Efficient queries for progress tracking
  • Certificate generation with verification
  • Analytics and reporting requirements
  • Future multi-tenant capability

Impact & Outcomes

Business Value

  • Training infrastructure replacing ad-hoc approaches
  • Certificate tracking for compliance
  • Scalable foundation for growth
  • Cost-effective vs. third-party LMS
  • 5 days from concept to prototype

What I Learned

  • Platform thinking informs content strategy
  • Different learner types need different experiences
  • Completion tracking drives engagement
  • Certificates as motivational tools
  • Balancing security with usability

L&D Impact

  • Deep understanding of platform capabilities
  • Effective communication with engineering
  • Data-driven outcome measurement
  • Full learner journey perspective
  • Technical feasibility evaluation

Why This Matters for Learning Design

Building an LMS from scratch isn't just a technical achievement - it's a learning design superpower.

Most L&D professionals say "I wish the LMS could do X." I can evaluate whether X is:

  • Technically feasible
  • Worth the development investment
  • Better solved with content design
  • A gap that needs a different tool

I don't just create training content. I understand the systems that deliver it, the data they generate, and how to optimize the entire learning experience from platform to pedagogy.

Project Status

Status: Functional prototype demonstrating full-stack capabilities
Scope: Designed for 200+ users with enterprise features
Availability: Screenshots and detailed documentation available

Ready to Discuss Your Learning Design Challenges?

Whether you need custom training content, platform expertise, or full-stack learning solutions, let's talk about how my unique combination of instructional design and technical implementation can serve your organization.

Get in Touch

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