The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 12% growth in the need for training and development learning specialists in upcoming years.1 These skilled professionals develop curricula used for education and corporate training. Much of their work is used in a learning design capacity, particularly for online and app-based learning tools.
This post explores the skills and tools successful learning designers deploy in their careers.
Essential skills for learning designers
Gone are the days of chalkboards and stiff textbooks. Today's learning curricula deploy technology and visual storytelling to engage students and instill knowledge. As a learning designer, you'll use a combination of technical and creative skills to develop an impactful learning experience.
Employers look for learning designers who are comfortable using multiple media, including video and infographics, to connect with students. Other tools, such as digital flashcards and gamification, are also commonly used in online educational settings.
Experience with software, such as Articulate 360 and Adobe Suite, is essential for instructional designers. Understanding how to track student performance and engagement with data is also beneficial, as learning programs frequently use the data to improve outcomes for their students.
Top tools for learning designers
Today's learning designer's skill set must include fluency in creative and educational software.
Articulate 360
Articulate 360's software is used in many eLearning programs. Its user interface has a website-based look and comes standard with interactive elements, including quizzes, knowledge checks, and audio.2
Adobe Suite
Adobe Suite sets the standard for graphic design. Knowing your way around the many tools, including Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro, allows you to create custom graphics and multimedia for educational courses.3
Emerging tools
New AI-driven platforms, such as ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude, inspire the creative process. These tools can summarize course material, create suggested course outlines, and even generate graphics.
Career trends for learning designers
The eLearning market is flourishing. By 2026, it's expected to reach $400 billion—twice as much as its value in 2019.4 Adults and youth want options outside the traditional classroom, and eLearning provides precisely that.
What's the learning designer skills set look like for 2025 and beyond? Storybuilding, graphic design skills, and familiarity with learning objectives will be highly attractive to educational institutions, businesses, and others seeking qualified learning designers.
Becoming a learning designer also presents an opportunity for remote work. In a remote role, employers may expect you to be comfortable using video call platforms and project management tools.
Power up your career as a learning designer
SMU's online Master of Science in the Learning Sciences (MSLS) provides the tools you need to become a skilled learning designer. The MSLS curriculum includes advanced technology, design, and data-oriented courses well-suited for aspiring learning design professionals. Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor to learn more about program admissions and financing your education.
- Retrieved on May 9, 2025, from bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/training-and-development-specialists.htm
- Retrieved on May 9, 2025, from articulate.com/360/
- Retrieved on May 9, 2025, from adobe.com/creativecloud/features.html
- Retrieved on May 9, 2025, from statista.com/statistics/1130331/e-learning-market-size-segment-worldwide/