What to Look for When Hiring a Learning Experience Designer or Instructional Designer
Hiring the right Learning Experience Designer (LXD) or Instructional Design Consultant (ID) can make all the difference when it comes to creating impactful training programs that drive real results. But with so many candidates out there, how do you know you’re picking the right one?
It all comes down to finding someone who can balance learner needs with business objectives — and who brings the right mix of skills, qualities, and mindset to the table. Here’s what to look for when you’re making that all-important hire.
Core Competencies to Look For
The best LXDs and IDs aren’t just good at putting courses together. They’re strategic thinkers who use research, creativity, and analytics to craft learning experiences that truly make a difference. Some of the key competencies you’ll want to see include:
- User-centered design and research: Great designers start with the learner, digging into user needs before building anything.
- Writing clear learning objectives: Strong objectives keep the course focused and ensure the outcomes align with business goals.
- Developing engaging, learner-centered eLearning: Today’s learners expect more than just clicking “Next.” Your designer should know how to build interactive, meaningful experiences.
- Creating adaptive and personalized pathways: One-size-fits-all is out. Look for someone skilled in designing flexible journeys that meet individual learners where they are.
- Designing assessments and feedback loops: Effective learning requires opportunities for practice and feedback, not just an end-of-course quiz.
- Using data analytics to improve learning: A good LXD or ID will be comfortable using learning data to tweak and enhance their designs over time.
- Collaborating with stakeholders, learners, and SMEs: Building training isn’t a solo sport. Strong collaboration skills are a must.
- Employing visual design principles: Good visual design isn’t just about aesthetics; it makes content more accessible and easier to understand.
- Knowledge of UX/UI principles: A seamless, frustration-free learner experience should always be the goal.
- Project management and communication skills: Designing learning experiences often means juggling multiple moving parts. Clear communication and solid organizational skills are critical.
Key Qualities That Set Top LXD Candidates Apart
While core skills are important, the best Learning Experience Designers and Instructional Design Consultants also bring a set of personal qualities that help them truly excel. When evaluating candidates, keep an eye out for:
1. Creativity and Innovation
You need someone who can think outside the box. Whether it’s finding fresh ways to deliver dry compliance material or designing an immersive leadership simulation, creativity is what keeps learning experiences engaging and memorable.
2. Adaptability
The learning landscape is constantly changing, from new technologies like AI to evolving learner expectations. The best LXDs and IDs can pivot quickly, stay on top of new trends, and apply them effectively in their work.
3. Empathy and Learner Focus
It’s not enough to build technically sound courses; the courses must also resonate with the learner. Candidates who demonstrate empathy, a genuine understanding of the learner’s perspective and challenges, will create more meaningful, impactful designs.
4. Attention to Detail
Small mistakes can quickly add up to big problems. Strong attention to detail ensures that learning materials are accurate, cohesive, and professional from start to finish.
5. Technical Proficiency
Today’s learning designers must be comfortable with a variety of authoring tools and platforms such as Articulate Storyline, Rise, and Adobe Captivate, as well as basic graphic design or video editing skills.
6. Analytical Mindset
A designer who embraces data can make smart, informed improvements over time. Look for candidates who are curious about metrics like course completion rates, learner satisfaction, knowledge retention, and behavior change.
7. Collaboration Skills
No learning project happens in a vacuum. Whether it’s working with SMEs to gather content, collaborating with marketing teams on messaging, or checking in with leadership about business priorities, strong collaboration skills are a must.
8. Communication Skills
Designers have to explain their ideas clearly to a range of stakeholders, not all of whom will be familiar with learning theories or technical jargon. Look for someone who can “speak the language” of both business and learning.
9. Cultural Competence
As workplaces become more diverse and global, cultural sensitivity in learning design has never been more important. An inclusive approach ensures that learning resonates with everyone, not just a few.
10. Commitment to Continuous Learning
The best LXDs and IDs are lifelong learners themselves. They stay current with trends in instructional design, technology, and even neuroscience, always looking for ways to improve their craft.
Final Thoughts
When you’re hiring a Learning Experience Designer or Instructional Design Consultant, you’re not just filling a seat, you’re investing in the success of your learners and your business. By focusing on the right mix of competencies, personal qualities, and mindset, you’ll find someone who can build training programs that not only look good on paper but also drive real, measurable outcomes.
Taking the time to find the right person upfront can save you countless hours (and dollars) down the road — while setting your learners, and your organization, up for long-term success.
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