What they don't tell you about being a Learning Designer
Working as a Learning Designer is one of the most rewarding, flexible, and creatively fulfilling jobs out there. But let's be honest—there are some aspects of the role that don't always make it into the job description.
Don't worry—none of them are deal breakers. In fact, these are often the very things that draw people to the profession in the first place. I'm Bianca Raby—former teacher, now CEO of Oppida and full-time Learning Designer advocate. Since 2016, I've managed, scoped, and built close to 100 online courses. And I've learned a thing or two along the way.
Here are the three truths about being a Learning Designer that no one really tells you.
1. Your laptop is your new best friend
Learning Designers spend a lot of time on their computers. While it's incredibly satisfying to create meaningful learning experiences, it can also be isolating—especially if, like me, you're a people person.
To stay balanced, I break my day into two-hour chunks, get outside regularly, and start each morning with something physical—whether it's a beach walk or a sauna session. Working from cafés and co-working spaces helps too. The trick? Be intentional with your tech time, because as a Learning Designer, your laptop is both your superpower and your kryptonite.
2. SaaS overload is real (but also awesome)
Do you know what SaaS is? Neither did I before diving into edtech. It stands for "Software as a Service"—and as a Learning Designer, you'll be swimming in it. Think Slack, Trello, Canva, H5P, Calendly, Google Drive… and that's just Monday.
Add in learning management systems (LMSs), cloud platforms, and countless plugins, and it's clear: being a Learning Designer means becoming a digital native. But here's the upside—your digital literacy skyrockets. And in the 2025 workplace? That's a massive win.
3. A Learning Designer wears all the hats
Learning Design is still a relatively young field, which means your role may include... everything. One day you're writing learning outcomes and assessments. The next? Recording voice overs, designing graphics, or managing an entire course build.
In fact, project management often falls under the Learning Designer umbrella too. I still remember being handed five spreadsheets with 60+ units to manage. It was chaos—until a friend introduced me to Agile project management. Game-changer.
Bottom line? You'll wear many hats. And that's what makes it fun.
So, does this sound like your kind of challenge? If these insights into being a Learning Designer resonated, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment or check out my book Online Learning: So You Want to Be a Learning Designer and Oppida's Learning Design Practitioner Micro Credential.
Until next time—stay curious, stay creative, and stay awesome!