L&D authority Cara North outlines the key competencies of learning experience design and provides a structured process for developing effective learning experiences. Instructional design often overloads learners with content while overlooking the context and ongoing nature of learning. North challenges this status quo by emphasizing the integration of content with context built from the learners’ perspective, and by drawing on principles from user experience, user interface and accessibility. North includes guidance on creating a 30/60/90-day implementation plan to put her ideas into use.
The field of instructional design continues to evolve.
Today, job listings for instructional design demand a multi-faceted skill set beyond just creating learning content. Instructional design traditionally involves creating storyboards and mapping curricula. Depending on where the instructional design role is located within the organization, it might focus primarily on compliance training.
Recent trends suggest that job descriptions are expanding. Employers often expect proficiency in needs analysis, storyboarding, e-learning, learning management system (LMS) administration, and more. Additionally, instructional designers might lead training sessions – either online or in person, depending on their organization’s needs. This increasing breadth of duties raises questions about the implications for the field’s future.
Learning design has given way to learning experience design (LXD).
LXD takes an interdisciplinary approach to crafting educational experiences that emphasize the learner’s current needs and future job success. By integrating principles from psychology, human performance...
Cara North is a learning experience design leader with more than a decade of experience across many sectors of learning and development. She has worked in many industries, including e-commerce, higher education, manufacturing, health care and consulting.
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