Experience Design is a relatively new term in L&D and yet it has very quickly become an aspiration for forward-thinking functions around the world. Danny and David explore what Experience Design is, some great examples and how you can get started with it. 

Creating experience and using practical applications rather than shoving theoretical practice is highlighted in this episode of The Learning and Development Podcast. The big gap after the onboarding process of new employees will be filled if we see things differently. Support, knowledge, and training shouldn’t just be given during the first months. We have to learn how to make this a long-term commitment to the people in the company. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Companies show their utmost support and value to new employees during the onboarding process. There’s 'excitement' and 'enticement'. They give them the full experience as they enter. But the problem is there’s a big gap that’s felt after individuals sign the contract. There’s no continuity of what they have established, which may help improve the individual’s experience and performance inside the company.  
• Face-to-face interaction does not outright mean experience design. For example, learning inside a classroom won’t assure that you master your leadership skills. You need to actually experience it –learn the ropes and practice it with team exercises. 
• Immersion is a good way to learn. When you experience it with your senses and feelings, it’s easier to be acquainted and remembered. 
• Danny’s advice: Put yourself into their experiences so you can shape theirs. Don’t just look at L&D. Look at other industries and get inspiration. 

BEST MOMENTS 

• “I don’t think learning experience is a thing. I think experience is a thing and learning is the byproduct of that experience.” 
• “We know our memories our crap, but the emotions that we can attach to that are different.” 
• “When we talk about the impact, we talk about the real reasons we do it. We don’t do it because it’s nice to have. We don’t give people a standardised what they shouldn’t do.” 
• “Experiences don’t have to be grand.” 
• “It’s all about leading so someone else follows.” 

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Danny is an Experience Design Architect and has been a leader in this field, at TalkTalk and GP Strategies amongst others, at the forefront of designing experiences that make a lasting difference.  

As well this, Danny is the voice - and brains - behind Mindchimp, a pioneering  Learning & Development podcast series and thriving L&D community. 

You can follow and contact Danny via: 

• Twitter: @TheDannySeals 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyseals/ 
• Website: https://mindchimp.co.uk/ 

ABOUT THE HOST 

David James  

David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.  

As well as being the Chief Learning Strategist at Looop, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D as well as an active member of the CIPD L&D Advisory Board.  

CONTACT METHOD  

• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/davidinlearning/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin/
• Website: https://www.looop.co/