Embarking on the world of learning experience design is greatly enhanced with a thoughtful selection of books at your side. This collection covers a broad spectrum of topics, each handpicked for its relevance and contribution to various phases of the learning design process.
Learning and Instructional Design Books
One of the bestselling books in the Learning and Development field. Julie Dirksen, an experienced instructional designer, offers a comprehensive guide to creating effective learning materials.
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Design for How People Learn
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By Julie Dirksen
- Publication Year: 2016
- Key Topics:
- Identifying goals for learning design
- Understanding and supporting learners
- Insights into memory and cognition for learning
- Strategies to attract and engage learners’ attention
- Designing for knowledge and skill development
- Supporting learner motivation
- Designing for habit formation
- Social and informal learning strategies
- When to focus on environmental adjustments over individual learning
- Considerations for evaluating learning outcomes
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A guide on using behavioral science to enhance learning designs for effective behavior change, offering strategies and frameworks for addressing learning challenges.
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Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change
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By Julie Dirksen
- Publication Year: 2016
- Key Learning Points:
- Mapping the change journey of learners
- Assessing and communicating the value of change
- Using motivation models for understanding learners’ needs
- Applying the COM-B Model for behavior-change challenges
- Identifying behavior-change techniques for specific challenges
- Utilizing evidence-based models and tools from behavioral science
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A book that empowers L&D professionals with strategies rooted in scientific research and learning science to develop impactful training programs.
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Evidence-Informed Learning Design: Creating Training to Improve Performance
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By Mirjam Neelen & Paul A. Kirschner
- Publication Year: 2020
- Key Learning Points:
- Assessing and applying relevant scientific literature and learning science research
- Using proven learning techniques to design effective training
- Implementing techniques like interleaving, self-directed, and self-regulated learning
- Debunking myths and fallacies in the learning and development field
- Testing, measuring, and reinforcing learning in various scenarios
- Ensuring learning design aligns with organizational goals and adds true value
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A comprehensive guide that explores the underlying psychology of why some products become part of our daily routines while others don’t.
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Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products
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By Nir Eyal
- Publication Year: 2014
- Key Topics:
- The Hook Model: A four-step process encouraging customer behavior
- Practical insights for creating user habits
- Actionable steps for building products people love
- Understanding what makes products engaging on a habitual level
- Strategies for bringing users back without costly advertising
- Insights from successful companies on habit formation in products
- Examples from leading tech products like the iPhone, Twitter, and Pinterest
- Research and experience-based advice for product managers and designers
- Guidance for start-up founders on building better products
- Exploration of how products influence our behavior
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This practical guide not only helps you identify when and where training is truly needed but also walks you through designing activities that are integrated into the workflow, effectively engaging learners, and proving the value of your training solutions.
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Map It: The Hands-On Guide to Strategic Training Design
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By Cathy Moore
- Key Topics:
- Identifying the real causes of performance problems
- Determining the role of training in solving performance issues
- Creating realistic activities for effective practice
- Selecting the best format for training activities
- Timing the delivery of activities for optimal learning
- Encouraging learners to pull information as needed
- Designing engaging and challenging activities
- Demonstrating the impact of training on organizational performance
- Action mapping as a visual approach to needs analysis and training design
- Using humor and examples to explain strategic training design
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A comprehensive introduction to design thinking, a methodology that prioritizes human needs and experiences in the development of solutions.
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Design Thinking for Training and Development: Creating Learning Journeys That Get Results
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By Sharon Boller and Laura Fletcher
- Published Year: 2020
- Key Topics:
- Introduction to design thinking as a human-centered problem-solving methodology
- Enhancing training and development with a focus on learner experience (LX)
- Applying design thinking tools and techniques to talent development
- Steps to implement design thinking in training programs
- Understanding and balancing learner needs, business needs, and constraints
- Engaging stakeholders and obtaining buy-in
- Identifying the real issues behind training requests
- Use of experience maps to understand learner performance
- Case studies on the application of design thinking in training
- Practical job aids and tools for applying design thinking
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A pivotal guide that bridges the gap between the timeless art of storytelling and the practical demands of instructional design.
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Instructional Story Design: Develop Stories That Train
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By Rance Greene
- Publication Year: 2020
- Key Topics:
- Developing stories for training
- Methodology for creating compelling stories
- Relatable characters and strong conflict in storytelling
- Connecting with learners through stories
- Identifying the root of performance problems
- Creating action lists for learners
- Convincing stakeholders of storytelling effectiveness
- Case studies from Pizza Hut, Southwest Airlines, and PepsiCo
- Resources like audience profile questionnaire and storyboard template
- Integrating graphics, audio, and video in stories
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Grounded in over a decade of research and implementation, a book that offersnew research insights, expert learning strategies, and practical examples of UDL application across various educational settings.
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Universal Design for Learning: Theory and Practice
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By Anne Meyer, David H. Rose, and David Gordon
- Year of publication: 2014
- Key Topics:
- New research on learner variability and its impact on learning environments
- Insights into becoming an expert learner
- Practical guidance on applying UDL principles using the UDL Guidelines
- “Dig Deeper” segments for further exploration
- Implementing UDL across educational settings
- Role of technology in supporting UDL principles
- Interactive multimedia presentation with videos, illustrations, and tools
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A timely update to Don Kirkpatrick’s groundbreaking model, addressing misconceptions and introducing new methodologies for a comprehensive approach to training evaluation.
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Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Training Evaluation
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By James D. Kirkpatrick and Wendy Kayser Kirkpatrick
- Publication Year: 2016
- Key Topics:
- Overview of the original Four Levels of Training Evaluation model
- Common misassumptions and faulty practices in training evaluation
- Introduction to the New World Kirkpatrick Model
- Integration of people with metrics for effective training evaluation
- Blueprint for implementing the model to maximize business results
- Innovative concepts, principles, and techniques for training evaluation
- Case studies demonstrating the model’s application in various organizations
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A concise exploration into blending scientific rigor with creative expression to craft effective and engaging training programs.
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The Art and Science of Training
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By Elaine Biech
- Blends content mastery with audience insight for training success.
- Draws parallels between artists’ and scientists’ approaches to problem-solving.
- Emphasizes adaptability and learner-first strategies in training.
- Covers handling challenges like reluctant learners and unsuitable mediums.
- Combines scientific research and creative expression for impactful learning.
- Highlights the importance of understanding human behavior in training.
- Provides a comprehensive guide to creating engaging learning experiences.
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An accessible and engaging guide to the effective use of game-based methods in education and training, highlighting the importance of matching instructional content with the right game mechanics to create impactful learning experiences.
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The Gamification of Learning and Instruction: Game-based Methods and Strategies for Training and Education
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By Karl M. Kapp
- Publication Year: 2012
- Key Topics:
- Definitive guide to gamification in learning, highlighted by Kevin Kruse in the foreword.
- Illustrates gamification principles with real-world game examples.
- Explains the value of game mechanics in creating meaningful learning experiences.
- Based on solid research, including peer-reviewed studies on game-based learning.
- Details the elements that make games effective for learning.
- Guides on matching instructional content with appropriate game mechanics.
- Provides a comprehensive view on designing and developing gamification efforts.
- Includes advice on creating successful game design documents and managing design processes.
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A comprehensive guide to microlearning, addressing common questions and misconceptions while offering a clear and universal definition.
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Microlearning: Short and Sweet
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By Karl M. Kapp and Robyn A. Defelice
- Publication Year: 2019
- Key Topics:
- Detailed exploration of microlearning’s definition and applications
- Strategies for effectively designing, developing, and implementing microlearning
- Guidance on how to evaluate the impact of microlearning initiatives
- Insights into the practical aspects of microlearning, including format, style, and content considerations
- Case studies highlighting successful microlearning examples and common pitfalls
- Advice on integrating microlearning into broader educational strategies and programs
- User-friendly and accessible writing style, making it a valuable resource for instructional designers and educators
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An exploration of how the ‘seeking system’ of our brains drives us towards exploration, experimentation, and learning, and how modern work environments often stifle these innate impulses.
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Alive at Work: The Neuroscience of Helping Your People Love What They Do
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By Daniel M. Cable
- Publication Year: 2018
- Key Topics:
- Insights into the neuroscience of engagement and motivation at work
- Strategies for creating environments that foster creativity and learning
- Practical tips for enhancing employee connection to their work and customers
- Guidance on personalizing work experiences to fuel a sense of purpose
- Inspirational stories from extensive research on organizational change
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How to make the most of your book reading
To get the most from learning design books, it’s crucial to approach them with a strategy that fosters comprehension, retention, and practical application.
- Here are some recommendations:
- Define your goals before starting. Knowing what you want to achieve helps focus your reading.
- Engage with the material by taking notes and asking questions to deepen understanding.
- Apply what you learn to real-world projects and in your portfolio work, to solidify knowledge and understand its practical implications.
- Complement your learning by engaging in other types of learning, such formal learning opportunities, attending free webinars and events of related topics and completing free online learning courses.
- Reflect on your learnings and how you’ve applied them to identify areas for improvement.
How to select a learning design book that suits your needs
To pick the right book, consider your current knowledge level, interests, and professional needs. If you are just starting out it may be a good idea to look for comprehensive overviews, while those more experienced might seek out books on specific topics like gamification or learning impact evaluation. Reviews, table of contents, and book previews are good indicators of a book’s relevance to your goals. Peer and mentor recommendations are also valuable.
Applying insights from your readings
Start by integrating one or two new concepts into your projects. Documenting the process and gathering feedback helps refine your approach. A structured plan, like a timeline or checklist, can ensure systematic application and evaluation of new strategies. Collaborating with colleagues can also enhance learning and implementation across your team.
