“A few years ago, some early adopters started to use and ‘transfer’ UX principles for learning design, and Learning Experience Design was born”
Ger’s Learning Notes #35
Learning Experience Design
I bought my first iPad in Chicago in 2010. At that time, the device wasn’t available yet in the Netherlands. During my flight back home, I opened the box and switched the device on. What a magical experience! Never before had a nine-hour flight felt so short. Steve Jobs and Apple changed the world. They moved design, in general, and User Experience Design (UXD), in particular, towards the centre of attention and set new standards.
A few years ago, some early adopters, like Niels Floor and Connie Malamed, started to use and ‘transfer’ UX principles for learning design, and Learning Experience Design (LXD) was born. The topic is gaining popularity and is a very promising approach to create learning with impact. That’s what we like at aNewSpring.
Because of the Covid-19 crisis you might have other concerns today than moving forward with LXD. Please let me remind you of episode #32 on ‘moving from classroom to online learning’ that might be helpful for you. Or my blog on ‘Time-out, Transport, Transform’ to give you some strategies to move forward out of the crisis. My advice would be; if you see opportunities to ‘Transform’, please take LXD into consideration.
Stay healthy, stay safe!
(1) Fundamentals of Learning Experience Design
by Niels Floor
What’s it about?
This is a great overview of the most important aspects of Learning Experience Design by LXD pioneer and thought leader Niels Floor.
Why read it?
- A pioneer in the field of LXD, with tons of experience, Niels Floor is an internationally recognised thought leader. In fact, Niels is ‘Mr. Learning Experience Design’.
- Get insights into all the important elements of LXD via the very clear explanation in this post.
- Be sure to explore what’s behind all the hyperlinks in the text because this is a rich, ‘multi-level’ resource with the LXD canvas as a ‘must check out’.
Where to find it?
https://learningexperiencedesign.com/fundamentals-of-learning-experience-design/
(2) Elements of Learning Experience Design
(blog and podcast)
by Andre Plaut
What’s it about?
Andre Plaut explains the lessons he learnt about Learning Experience Design (at Apple!) and puts it in a larger context.
Why read it?
- Learn about the very interesting insights Andre learnt at Apple, in general, and from very experienced UX designers.
- Have a look at his ‘panels’ framework: a very useful structure to use and keep in mind.
- In the podcast, Andre covers a lot of other topics related to effective learning and places LXD in a broader context.
Where to find it?
https://soundcloud.com/user-263704674/04-elements-of-learning-experience-design-with-andre-plaut
https://medium.com/@andreplaut/elements-of-learning-experience-design-1a5327ce2569
(3) Free e-learning tools overview ‘ZEEF’ page
by Tracy Parish
What’s it about?
This is a curated list of free e-learning tools put together by Tracy Parish over the past few years. Usefully structures by topic and direct links included!
Why read it?
- If you want to create a rich Learning Experience Design, it is nice to have many (free) tools available to ‘host’ your great piece of design work.
- Tracy created a smart structure in 38(!) categories so it’s easier to navigate and find what you are looking for.
- Check which tools are Tracy’s favourite, to learn from her as an experienced learning designer. (tip: Tracy will present at https://learningtechday.be/ on June 16 in Belgium).
Where to find it?
(4) Start with Who – the Golden Circle for Learning Design
What’s it about?
Learner Experience Design is much about the use of empathy, but how do you apply that in a way that makes sense and leads to relevant results? Find out here. Spoiler: Personas won’t do the job.
Why watch it?
- It explains the four-step approach of who, what, where and how and their interconnectedness to help you create a Learning Experience Design.
- It incorporates the very useful concept of ‘jobs to be done’ to create ‘empathy that matters’ for deeply understanding the challenges and needs of the people you design for.
- It brings context into the equation; a perspective of empathy sometimes forgotten in other approaches. And remember, ‘context is king’.
Where to find it?
https://www.anewspring.com/start-with-who-the-golden-circle-for-learning-design/
