LX and ID tool: introduction to learning theories
User experience (UX) designers often have a knack for instructional design or learning experience (LX) because the disciplines have many similarities. They require an understanding of cognitive load theory; how to chunk content and progressively guide users (or learners) through a funnel based on their ability to comprehend information. They also use similar evidence-based frameworks to create content. For example, the instructional design ADDIE model (analyse, design, develop, implement, evaluate) is pretty similar to the double diamond (discover, define, develop, deliver). Creating a rubric to measure variable student outcomes has similar principles to how we measure if a user has completed a task successfully or if a customer is satisfied. While UX is often about helping people to complete tasks and LX/ID is about imparting knowledge, they require similar skills. This is why when I studied instructional design as a seasoned UXer I found it intuitive. Having been a leader and consultant for many years I also knew how to explain complex ideas to teams and clients, how to formally train teams and how to measure skill maturity.
However, there are interesting theories you don’t learn if you don’t formally train in either field. So, for the UXers who are interested in LX, this is my summary of 5 key learning theories you might find interesting to start with.
