Learning Experience Platform (LXP)

What is a Learning Experience Platform (LXP)?

A Learning Experience Platform (LXP) is a learner-centered training distribution platform that tailors content to a learner’s role, interests, and skill gaps. In an LXP, learners choose from a wide variety of curated content recommendations, often including social or peer-to-peer learning, multimedia, user-generated content, and third-party resources. 

The difference between an LXP and a Learning Management System (LMS) is that in an LXP, the learner controls the experience. Put simply, an organization uses an LMS to push training to learners; with an LXP, learners pull content that matches their interests. An LXP prioritizes discovery and continual, self-directed learning, while an LMS prioritizes course administration and compliance tracking. 

Example: I found a persuasive sales lesson in our organization’s LXP, presented by one of our company’s top salespeople. I used the techniques to pitch a new product idea to my boss. She loved it and has submitted the idea to our incubator program!

Why choose a Learning Experience Platform?

An LXP platform offers employees more control over their upskilling path. Self-directed learning gives employees the opportunity to take ownership of their careers and personal growth by choosing topics that align with their goals. A variety of content types, including microlearning, podcasts, articles, and peer-generated videos, can make the content feel relatable and engaging. Plus, an LXP’s flexible, learner-driven structure may help employees balance learning in the flow of work with their daily tasks.

LXP vs LMS: Which is better?

The LXP vs LMS debate is less about the ‘best’ tool and more about aligning your learning and development team’s goals with the tool you choose. Both tools support learning experiences and can even complement each other. An LMS is a more structured platform best suited for tracking and reporting on training. The learner-driven LXP expands the learning ecosystem, fostering a culture of continuous learning, greater employee engagement, and improved business performance.