Bridging the Gap Between User Experience and Learning Experience Design

Audience Level: 
All
Session Time Slot(s): 
Institutional Level: 
Higher Ed
Streamed: 
Streamed
Abstract: 

Learning Experience Design is a field which has not been formally defined, despite the growing popularity of the term. Attendees of this session will learn about a new definition and model for LXD can be used to inform future directions of this exciting field.

Extended Abstract: 

Overview:

Learning Experience Design (LXD) has become an increasingly popular term in higher education. However, despite the attention it has garnered, the term remains largely undefined. Even individuals who are considered experts in the field struggle to articulate a definition of this expansive term. One factor that may contribute to this, is the significant overlap in the conceptual domains associated with LXD. These domains include instructional design, pedagogy, neuroscience, social science, design thinking, user experience design, and many more.  To some degree, it may seem that LXD is simply a notion that is too broad to be defined. 

Similarly, most individuals who speak about the concept of LXD often reference user experience models as valid approaches to drive design. While these may prove to be a highly valuable resource for those in the UX field, they do not address the numerous facets of learning that need to be taken into consideration when designing experiences for students. 

Defining a Field:

By conducting extensive research, a definition was developed that reflects both the depth and breadth of this exciting new field. It encompasses multiple perspectives of learning experience, user experience, and design strategies. This holistic definition will allow designers, faculty, researchers, multimedia specialists and others to have a common understanding by which they will be able to effectively communicate about this evolving field. 

A New Model:

As part of the same research endeavor, a model was designed to help inform future directions of work in the area of LXD. The model established key features or attributes with a specific focus on each of the three keywords in the phrase, Learning, Experience, and Design. Together they form a comprehensive, yet simple to understand view on how each of the three terms supports and enhances one another. 

Session Engagement

The presenters will take approximately 25 minutes to share a new definition and model for Learning Experience Design they have developed. Attendees will then break into groups and spend 5 minutes reflecting on the presented approach. The groups will take a different perspective by which they will evaluate the model. One set of groups will be tasked with challenging the approach presented, identifying gaps, and shortcomings. Another group set will be tasked with reinforcing the proposed approach and identifying the positive attributes of the design. A third group set will be asked with identifying any unidentified opportunities associated with the design. All groups will document their findings in a Google doc. After the 5 minutes of reflection, each group will have 2 minutes to provide the findings of their analysis to the rest of the audience. The presenters will provide a 4-minute recap and closing. 

Session Goals

Attendees of this session will be able to:

  • Define Learning Experience Design
  • Describe a new model for LXD
  • Identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities associated with the new model and definition. 
 
Conference Session: 
Concurrent Session 4
Conference Track: 
Teaching and Learning Practice
Session Type: 
Present and Reflect Session
Intended Audience: 
All Attendees