A Journey Begins With a Single Step

A learner journey map is a visual that helps orient and guide L&D professionals in creating targeted learning solutions. Such maps outline where a lesson begins and ends as well as how learners feel and behave at each stage. They include components such as learning outcomes, role, magical and miserable moments, duration, and opportunities.

An effective map assists L&D practitioners with identifying relationships between learning stages and potential obstacles. The tool serves as a visual to share with stakeholders, such as leaders and subject matter experts.

In her issue of TD at Work, "Models to Map the Learner's Journey," Iuliia Algasova provides tips to avoid common mistakes, such as:

Overloading the elements. This misstep can make it difficult to establish which data to gather for each stage.

Choosing too broad a scope. Project efforts will be less effective in addressing a specific learning challenge.

Overdocumenting. There is a difference between being thorough and committing to excess work. When designing a map, include only pertinent material that directly relates to the learning experience.

Idealizing the learner. L&D professionals may anticipate that learners will be excited at each stage and enthusiastic about every resource. That is not a realistic expectation.

Providing insufficient persona insights. Avoid filling the map with resources and other elements without fully understanding the audience.

These tips were adapted from the March 2025 issue of TD at Work. Learn more at td.org/TDatWork.