Cisco GSX gamification training

Elevating Cisco’s Quest platform through storytelling, design, and character-driven engagement

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Illustration:

User Experience, Development:

Cisco, one of the world’s leading technology innovators, brings together its global salesforce each year for the Global Sales Experience (GSX)—an event focused on connection, learning, and growth. For several years, Sans Serif has partnered with GPJ and FanKave to design and evolve Quest, a gamified learning platform that motivates Cisco sellers to learn and build skills through competition and rewards.

For Cisco GSX FY26, GPJ proposed taking the experience further by introducing a narrative-driven character to guide and inspire participants as they accomplished Quest tasks. Sans Serif led all UI and visual design for the platform and art directed the new character in collaboration with WOAO 3D, creating a unified, story-driven experience that deepened engagement and made learning more personal.

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Enhancing learning with storytelling

In a short few years, Quest has become a cornerstone of GSX learning, motivating sellers through missions, points, and recognition. To encourage more participation and more engagement, Cisco wanted to deepen that experience—to make progress feel more personal and connected. Enter the need for a relatable, fun, and motivating character guide, the face of the engagement Quest encourages.

Bringing the Quest character to life

Working with GPJ and FanKave, Sans Serif led the next evolution of Quest by introducing a 3D character that embodies the platform’s mission-driven spirit. Collaborating with WOAO 3D, we guided tone, color, and movement to align with Cisco’s brand—adding a layer of warmth and motivation that tied the entire journey together. With the Cisco team, we landed on the ideal combination of approachability and authority.

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Designing a cohesive and intuitive interface

As Quest expanded to include storytelling and character interactions, the interface evolved to support new features while maintaining clarity and usability. Sans Serif redesigned the complete UI system, refining layouts, navigation, and motion to integrate the character’s feedback naturally within the experience.

Creating a look and tone that reflects Cisco’s innovation

The new Quest mentor needed to embody Cisco’s forward-thinking culture while staying approachable and professional. Sans Serif defined a stylized 3D look with soft forms, glowing accents, and expressive gestures—capturing a futuristic energy that added warmth and humanity to the platform. It’s a character people really want to interact with.

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Transforming engagement through design and collaboration

The FY26 Quest experience shows how thoughtful design and storytelling can elevate engagement at scale. By uniting cohesive UI design, gamification, and character-driven storytelling, Cisco transformed its learning platform into a motivating and memorable experience. Our continued collaboration with GPJ, FanKave, and Cisco builds on years of shared success—proving that great design can inspire connection, competition, and achievement long after GSX ends.

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