This study investigates the co-creation of an experiential and challenge-based mobile learning platform designed to help immigrants upskill and rapidly integrate into the Swedish job market. Immigrants face several challenges when seeking employment in Sweden, including language barriers, unrecognised qualifications, limited local experience, difficulties in networking, and cultural differences.

Experiential and challenge-based learning promotes innovative, out-of-the-box thinking, enabling individuals to solve real-world problems through active engagement, reflective experiences, teamwork, and effective communication. While the mobile learning platform aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, it remains unclear how to design a platform that is engaging, enjoyable, and rewarding for immigrants while ensuring its relevance and value to Swedish companies.

We propose using Participatory Action Design Research (PADR) as a methodology that integrates the strengths of participatory action research (PAR) with design science research (DSR). Our discussion will focus on how to effectively combine and implement these methodologies, emphasising their key features during the stages of problem formulation, artefact design and evaluation, reflection, formalised learning, and theory development. Immigrants and Swedish companies in the region of Scania will actively participate with researchers and technology developers through various data collection methods including immigrant dialogues, storytelling, card sorting and body storming. The proposed PADR methodology and the mobile learning platform will be evaluated.

Incorporating principles of social inclusion, diversity, and equality will be fundamental to the design of the mobile learning platform for immigrants. Successful implementation of the platform will facilitate faster integration of immigrants into the Swedish job market, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Swedish companies. To conclude, this study encapsulates a proactive approach to education and employment, aiming to bridge the gap between immigrants' needs and the requirements of the Swedish job market through Participatory Action Design Research (PADR).