The Role of Behavioral Science in Learning

Julie also delves into the importance of incorporating behavioral science into learning design. Drawing from her latest book, Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change, she emphasizes that knowing what to do is not the same as doing it. This is where behavioral science comes into play. Julie highlights the need to use strategies that address the psychological and social factors that influence behavior, especially when learners know the right thing to do but struggle to implement it.

“The challenge is, even though you know the right thing to do, people aren’t always doing it. That’s where behavioral science comes in—it’s about bridging the gap between knowing and doing.”

– Julie Dirksen

“When there’s bad UI or UX, a lot of times it lands on the person who’s designing the learning experience to try to teach people how to navigate a system. Investing in better UX can reduce the need for training by making systems easier to use in the first place.”

-Julie Dirksen

The Intersection of Learning and User Experience

Julie’s background in both learning design and user experience (UX) gives her a unique perspective on how these fields intersect. She advocates for greater collaboration between learning designers and UX professionals, particularly in designing systems that minimize the need for extensive training by making them more intuitive and user-friendly. This approach not only reduces the cognitive load on learners but also aligns with the broader goal of creating seamless user experiences.

The Importance of Context and Tacit Knowledge

In the episode, Julie discusses the concept of tacit knowledge—those skills and understandings that are often difficult to articulate but are crucial for expert performance. She highlights the challenge of designing learning experiences that effectively transfer this tacit knowledge, particularly in complex or high-stakes environments. Julie suggests using strategies such as exposure to a wide range of case examples to help learners build the necessary intuition and judgment over time.

Embracing Uncertainty and Adaptability

Julie also touches on the importance of developing adaptability and resilience in learners, especially in today’s volatile environment. As organizations face continuous change, the ability to learn and adapt quickly becomes a critical skill. Julie encourages organizations to foster a culture of self-directed learning and to equip learners with the tools and strategies they need to navigate uncertainty effectively.

Conclusion

Designing effective learning experiences is a complex and nuanced process that goes beyond simply conveying information. As Julie Dirksen highlights, it requires a deep understanding of the learners, the contexts in which they operate, and the behavioral factors that influence their actions. By integrating principles from behavioral science and UX design, organizations can create learning experiences that not only educate but also inspire meaningful change.