L&D is becoming much more than traditional face-to-face or e-learning standards. The job of the instructional designer (ID) is changing, and learning experience designers are on their way in. As a result, L&D professionals are now tasked with new challenges outside their comfort zone.

UI/UX Design

For good reason, user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design is increasingly being used in digital learning. The user interface design anticipates what a user might need to do and ensures that the interface features parts that are simple to access, understand, and use to help them accomplish their goals. It is a process that doesn’t just include the design but the entire experience users have with a product from purchasing it to troubleshooting it.

Learning Experience Design

Learning experience design is created by combining UX and a focus on learning content (the ID method) (LxD). Simply put, designers in LxD concentrate on the learner journey and make it pleasant, engaging, relevant, and enlightening. LxD is more user-centered and takes a comprehensive approach to learning than standard instructional design. Instead of simply conducting a requirements analysis, LxD employs the concept of learner personas. In addition, LxD is technology-enabled and considers content curation, situational learning, data, and analytics. LxD does not require IDs to change their current practices; rather, it requires them to add some new tools to their toolbox.

Learning experience design is more user-centered and looks at a holistic learning experience.

Designers should use the design thinking paradigm, a new method of addressing training development, when producing learning inside the LxD framework:

1. Discover: Understand the learners and assess their needs.
2. Define: Obtain insights and define the program.
3. Curate: Select relevant content.
4. Develop: Develop and refine the learning experience solution through testing and feedback.
5. Learn: Deliver the course and gather feedback from learners.
6. Evolve: Iterate the course as necessary.

Improving Your Learning Experience Design Skills

• Working out loud is one way to get started on your LxD journey: share your experiences on Twitter or LinkedIn. You may participate in one of several Twitter conversations to meet people who share your interests.
• Consider all digital experiences while thinking outside the L&D box. Learners today are very comfortable using the internet, using apps, and gathering information on their own. Take a look at the user interfaces of your favourite apps, and make a list of what you like most about them and why. This will help you design your next learner experience.
• Hold brainstorming sessions on a regular basis for all of your tasks. Other designers, developers, and authors should be invited. Toss around ideas, be inventive, and, above all, have a good time.

Here are some other tips you can use to improve your learning experience