-Life as a Learning Experience Designer-
Dr. Sonia Tiwari is a Learning Experience (LX) Designer who helps create children’s educational products based on qualitative research as a consultant and educator.
Respected Voice
She has a PhD in Learning, Design, and Technology and has been invited as a speaker, guest lecturer, and adjunct professor at universities such as Penn State, California College of the Arts, and Carnegie Mellon University.
Current Endeavors
She teaches design & research at California College of the Arts in San Francisco (Interaction Design MDes, Game Design BFA programs) and Penn State World Campus (Learning, Design and Technology MA/PhD programs). Dr. Tiwari also volunteers as a Play Ambassador for the Genius of Play (American Toy Association).
Specialization and Interests
Dr. Tiwari consults with education companies on how to design research-informed products for children including toys, games, DIY kits, AR/VR experiences, and other emerging formats.
Her current research explores the future of virtual influencers in children’s educational media.
Reasons to Listen
This will be a talk worth listening to for:
- those interested in learning more about the nuts and bolts of this profession
- those curious about the rewards and challenges associated with a life as a Learning Experience Designer
- those who are looking for insights on how this profession may be evolving moving forward
Listeners will come away with insights on:
- a breakdown on what a learning experience (LX) designer does
- the various job responsibilities she holds
- the similarities and differences between UX (user experience) work versus LX
- a day in the life of a LX designer
- direct examples of project work a LX designer may find themselves engaged within
- which defining elements of Dr. Tiwari’s personality and interests from a young age aligned with the world of LX and ostensibly set her up for a career within that space
- how her squiggly career pathway took shape and how some distinct self reflection along the way ultimately directed her towards the life as a learning experience designer
- why she chose to focus on children’s media as a speciality
- the degree to which technology is involved in the work and life as a learning experience designer
- how she keeps current with all of the latest technological offerings
- how she navigates her relationship with AI as far as integrating it into her work processes, as well as in what capacity she recommends her clients utilize it within projects
- real world insights of conversations she is having with clients relating to the use of AI in educational projects and or platform offerings
- much more!
A Memorable Quote from the Episode:
On how AI is changing the scope of learning experience design work:
“In the era of AI things are moving so fast. Being too engrossed in one really long term project that no one is going to see for several years doesn’t make sense anymore.”
-Dr. Sonia Tiwari
Check out the Video Conversation:
For those who desire to view video highlights of the conversation, you can do so via Youtube.
Discover More
For those interested in learning more about Dr. Tiwari and her work, be sure to check her out at her website. You can also find and follow her on the following platform:
Keep Listening!
I hope you enjoyed the episode. For more, check out additional episodes here!
