Top 3 Learning Designer mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Let's face it—every profession comes with a learning curve. And in the case of Learning Design, that curve can feel pretty steep. Since it's still a relatively new field, many professionals are figuring it out as they go. So, let's talk about the most common Learning Designer mistakes—and more importantly, how to sidestep them.
Hi, I'm Bianca Raby—Learning Designer, author, and serial education entrepreneur. Having worked with dozens of new Learning Designers through Oppida, I've seen patterns emerge. Here are the top three Learning Designer mistakes that come up again and again—and some practical ways to avoid them.
Learning Designer mistakes you'll want to skip
1. Underestimating your role as an educator
One of the most surprising Learning Designer mistakes? Not seeing yourself as an educator.
Whether you've come from a teaching background or not, your role is educational. You'll be reviewing learning outcomes, checking for constructive alignment, and translating complex information into learner-friendly formats. You're often the one ensuring academic rigour behind the scenes—so own it.
For those from non-teaching backgrounds (looking at you, UX pros and graphic designers), it's essential to embrace the theory and overcome imposter syndrome. And for educators transitioning into the field, your classroom experience is your superpower—bring it with you.
2. Making assumptions
Ah, assumptions—the second of our big Learning Designer mistakes. Many LDs assume they'll be welcomed with open arms into project teams because they're there to "make the learning better." But here's the reality: not everyone wants change.
In fact, the learning design process can expose poor content, outdated ideas, or lack of structure. This can trigger resistance. Recently, one of our Oppida LDs had to battle for every line of a storyboard because the client questioned the entire purpose of the course halfway through!
The lesson? Sharpen those interpersonal skills. Be strong but kind. Listen first. Not everyone is ready for innovation—and that's okay.
3. Forgetting the learner
It's easy to fall in love with shiny tech tools or clever new design features. But one of the most critical Learning Designer mistakes is forgetting who this is really for—the learner.
Always ask: Will this feature truly add value? Does it enhance the learner experience, or just look impressive? Recently, a client requested two drag-and-drop activities that required pricey software integration. The return? A five-minute learner task that would be discussed in a live session anyway. Not worth it.
Keep learners front and centre. Be creative—but be realistic too.
Avoiding these Learning Designer mistakes won't just save you time and energy—they'll elevate your design and reputation. If you're starting your LD journey, check out Oppida's Learning Design Practitioner Microcredential.
And if you've made any of these mistakes (like I have!)—welcome to the club. We learn. We grow. We get better.
Until next time—stay awesome!