LXD is a buzzword gaining recognition in the Learning & Development profession that has emerged in the last few years as a growing disciplinary approach to learning. LXD, or Learner Experience Design, is a discipline that focuses on the user's experience in learning. Merging the disciplines of UX (User Experience) and instructional Design (ID) - LXD courses are designed to laser-focus on learner job performance and learner outcomes. This approach starts with increased collaboration with training stakeholders.
Some questions that learner experience designers ask of stakeholders are:
Instructional Designer and writer Stacy Friedman is a 20-year L&D veteran. She has designed training courses for a wide range of industries, from software to the skilled trades to healthcare. She has been deeply motivated to improve user experience in learning design, and has been increasingly applying the LXD approach.
"What's really important," she says, "is to understand how to connect with the learners in your audience. LXD requires a change in mindset for HR and Training professionals," says Friedman.
The multi-disciplinary approach involves methods such as:
Tell-tale signs companies may need to revisit their approach towards training:
Friedman notes that "many organizations fall short when it comes to evaluating people on the job 3-4 months after they've taken training...but if they do implement an evaluation program, that's when companies will truly be able to gauge their training efforts. And if those efforts are not producing the desired result, it's time to take a step back and implement LXD in course design!"
Friedman suggests Kirkpatrick's Four-Level Training Evaluation Model as an effective way to evaluate the quality of your training programs.
Stacy Friedman will be presenting a session on LXD at the 2017 LEAP Ahead eLearning Conference on June 21, 2017 - along with some ideas and resources to get started. As she says, "This is an approachable way to tailor your training, you just need to have a mindset that is always thinking about the learner."