Do you ever wonder who’s behind those engaging online courses that actually keep you hooked? Chances are, a learning experience designer (LXD) played a big part in your positive experience as a user. They’re like the architects of digital education—merging design thinking, user experience, and educational psychology to make content that sticks.
LXDs go beyond posting facts on the screen. They craft smart, human-centered learning journeys. According to LinkedIn’s 2024 Jobs on the Rise report, demand for learning experience designers jumped 21% year-over-year, reflecting their growing importance in digital-first education and workforce development.
The role of a learning experience designer
Learning experience design is about making the learning experience resonate with learners in a way that feels relevant and motivating—replacing the old-school sentiment that learning is a must-do. LXDs focus on the “how” of learning: how it feels, how smoothly learners move through lessons, and how engaged they are.
They often collaborate with subject matter experts, developers, and instructional designers to ensure learning is both accurate and stimulating. Sometimes that means weaving in storytelling or using interactive tools or gamification to make things more memorable.
Learning experience design vs. instructional design
People often confuse learning experience designers with instructional designers—but they’re different. Instructional designers usually focus on the “what” of a lesson, the meat and potatoes: learning objectives, lesson plans, and assessments.
Meanwhile, learning experience designers come at a lesson through a holistic mindset. They ask: Is the flow intuitive? Does the learner feel supported? Is this enjoyable to use? Think of instructional designers as creating the blueprint for a house, and LXDs as designing a home with all the elements that make people want to live in it.
Key skills every LXD needs
So, what does it take to thrive as a learning experience designer?
- Design thinking and creativity. To craft learning that’s functional and delightful.
- UX and accessibility know-how. Accessing and navigating the program should be seamless so the learner can focus on the experience.
- Tech skills. Tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Creative Cloud, and basic HTML/CSS are essential to create digital learning.
- Team collaboration. LXDs act as a bridge between educators, developers, and stakeholders.
A background in education, psychology, digital media, or instructional design is also helpful.
Career outlook for LXDs
The future looks bright. Companies like Google and Amazon are investing heavily in upskilling and custom learning platforms—and they need professionals who can make those experiences meaningful. In higher ed and corporate learning settings, LXDs are helping revamp traditional curricula for today’s learners.
According to ZipRecruiter, in 2025, the average salary for U.S.-based learning experience designers is around $80,000 annually. Senior LXDs can make six figures.
How to break into learning experience design
The good news is there’s no single path. Many LXDs come from adjacent careers like teaching, UX design, digital marketing, or even graphic design.
Short courses and certifications are a great way to build credibility. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and FutureLearn offer beginner-to-advanced courses. Potential LXDs can create a portfolio that showcases their design thinking and problem-solving in real projects.
What the experts are saying
“Learning isn’t something you get—it’s something you do,” says Dr. David Merrill, a pioneer in instructional theory. He emphasizes that effective learning is active, not passive—a principle that top LXDs embed in every design decision, as highlighted in his First Principles of Instruction.
FAQs about learning and instructional design
What is a learning experience?
It’s a purposeful, often interactive process that helps people learn through content, reflection, and engagement.
How do I get into learning experience design?
Start with foundational knowledge in UX, education, or design. Then upskill with certifications and hands-on projects.
Is instructional design a promising career?
Yes. Instructional design is in demand across industries, pays well, and offers excellent flexibility. Learning experience designers are key players in shaping how people learn—at work, in school, and everywhere in between.
What’s the difference between a teacher and an instructional designer?
Teachers lead classrooms. Instructional designers (and LXDs) build the content and structure behind the scenes.
What is level 3 eLearning?
It’s highly interactive training—think branching scenarios, gamification, and simulations.
If you’re curious about becoming one, now’s the time. And if you’re building a learning product or team? Don’t just hire a developer or trainer. Bring in an LXD to make the experience stick.
About Velocity Global
Businesses considering building or expanding an international learning team turn to Velocity Global. As a leading provider of global Employer of Record (EOR) solutions, they help businesses hire, pay, and manage talent in over 185 countries—all without the need to set up legal entities. Velocity Global’s global hiring solutions let you scale quickly and compliantly. Ready to grow your learning design talent pool worldwide? Let’s talk.
