TAP®: Learning Design (APMG)

Effective learning design starts with understanding what people need to learn, not simply deciding what content to deliver.

The TAP® Learning Design course provides a structured, learner-centred approach to planning, structuring, and creating effective trainer-led learning solutions. You will explore how to define learning requirements, write measurable objectives, align assessments, and design learning experiences that support meaningful practice and workplace performance.

Across three days, you will apply TAP® Learning Design principles to a real or realistic learning project. You will explore learning theories, learner personas, inclusive design, content curation, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). You will also develop practical design outputs, including a learning blueprint, course plan, presentation slides, trainer guidance, and other learning materials.

Following the course, you will complete an evidence portfolio demonstrating how you have applied TAP® Learning Design principles and tools. You must submit your completed portfolio within two months of course attendance. Successful learners will be eligible to complete the TAP® Learning Design accreditation.

Prerequisites

Before attending the course, you should identify a suitable workplace learning project to develop during and after the programme.

Your project should provide an opportunity to plan, structure, and create a trainer-led learning solution. Choose a project that allows you to apply the course principles and produce practical learning design deliverables.

The supplied course material does not specify mandatory prior qualifications or certifications.

The course follows three stages: preparing the learning design, planning the learning experience, and creating the materials needed to support delivery. You will apply each stage to your chosen project and develop practical outputs throughout the programme.

Day 1 – Preparing the learning design

Explore the foundations of effective learning design and establish the requirements for your project. Learn how to put learners at the centre of the design process, define measurable outcomes, and use evidence to guide decisions.

Introduction to learning design

• The purpose of organisational learning.
• Learning versus information.
• Learner-centred design principles.
• The role of the learning designer.
• Learning design within the wider learning lifecycle.

Learning theories and principles

• Modern learning theories and their application.
• Using learning theory to inform design decisions.
• Principles that support effective learning experiences.

Objectives and assessments

• Writing measurable learning objectives.
• Aligning objectives, assessments, and content.
• Applying Bloom’s Taxonomy.
• Understanding assessment design principles.

Learning blueprints

• Using learning blueprints to structure projects.
• Defining learning requirements.
• Translating analysis information into design decisions.
• Establishing the foundations of a learning project.

Designing for people

• Applying learner-centred design.
• Creating learner personas.
• Gathering and using learner data.
• Applying inclusive design principles.

Generative AI in learning design

• Exploring applications of AI within learning design.
• Using AI for content curation and generation.
• Applying responsible and transparent AI practices.

By the end of this stage, you will have explored the key principles and tools needed to establish a clear direction for your learning project.

Day 2 – Planning the learning experience

Learn how to turn your design requirements into a structured learning experience. Explore how to select suitable content, organise sessions, choose learning methods, and build opportunities for learners to practise and apply their skills.

Curating learning content

• Identifying sources of learning content.
• Working effectively with subject matter experts.
• Using existing materials and external resources.
• Evaluating content quality, relevance, and suitability.
• Considering ethical and legal requirements.

Structuring a training session

• Applying the TAP® course structure.
• Prioritising, chunking, and sequencing content.
• Selecting learning methods that support the objectives.
• Designing meaningful practice opportunities.
• Using memory aids to support retention and recall.
• Identifying post-course support requirements.

Course planning workshop

Apply the planning principles to your chosen learning project. You will:

• Develop a course plan for your project.
• Apply relevant planning tools and templates.
• Receive feedback and refine your plan.

This stage helps you move from learning requirements to a practical plan, with a clear connection between objectives, content, learning activities, and assessments.

Day 3 – Creating learning materials

Turn your learning plan into the materials required to support effective training delivery. Explore how to create consistent, accessible, and engaging resources for learners and trainers, while applying quality control throughout the process.

Learning deliverables

• Understanding deliverables used before, during, and after training.
• Maintaining consistency across learning materials.
• Managing storage, version control, and project organisation.
• Applying quality control processes.

Visual design

• Applying principles of effective visual design.
• Using style guides and organisational branding.
• Creating accessible visual materials.

Written learning materials

• Designing manuals and handouts.
• Applying appropriate language and tone of voice.
• Improving readability and accessibility.
• Using images and diagrams effectively.

Presentation slides

• Designing effective training slide decks.
• Avoiding common presentation design mistakes.

Trainer guides

• Creating materials that support trainer preparation and delivery.
• Applying the SAY | ASK | DO framework.

Interactive digital whiteboards

• Designing online learning boards.
• Structuring activities to support learner participation.

Course outlines and quality control

• Understanding the purpose and structure of course outlines.
• Applying quality assurance principles to learning design.
• Using peer review and pilot testing.
• Applying proofreading and quality checking techniques.

You will apply these principles to produce learning design deliverables for your project, helping ensure that your materials are coherent, accessible, and ready to support training delivery.

Exams and assessments

Assessment focuses on the practical application of TAP® Learning Design principles and tools through a workplace learning project.

You will be required to:

• Complete an evidence portfolio based on your project.
• Produce a design rationale explaining your design decisions.
• Create a learning blueprint.
• Produce a sample course plan.
• Submit two learning design deliverables.
• Demonstrate how you have applied TAP® Learning Design principles and tools.

You must submit your completed portfolio within two months of course attendance. Successful learners will be eligible to complete the TAP® Learning Design accreditation.

The supplied course material does not specify a separate written examination or detailed portfolio marking criteria.

Hands-on learning

This is a practical course built around applying learning design methods to a real or realistic workplace project.

You will develop a learning blueprint, plan a training course, and create learning materials such as written resources, presentation slides, and trainer guidance. Workshops, templates, feedback, and quality control activities will help you refine your work and build a portfolio demonstrating your applied skills.

The post-course portfolio provides an opportunity to evidence how you have used the learning design principles and tools in practice.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the role of learning design within a learning project and the wider learning lifecycle.
• Apply learning theories and principles to inform design decisions.
• Define measurable learning objectives and align assessments, content, and activities with intended outcomes.
• Analyse learner information, develop learner personas, and apply inclusive design principles.
• Use AI appropriately and responsibly to support learning design and content development.
• Source, curate, and evaluate learning content for relevance, quality, and suitability.
• Apply the TAP® course structure to organise trainer-led learning experiences.
• Select appropriate learning methods and design meaningful opportunities for practice and retention.
• Produce learning blueprints, course plans, and supporting design documentation.
• Create effective learning materials, presentation slides, and trainer guidance using appropriate visual design principles.
• Apply quality control processes to review, refine, and improve learning design deliverables.

These objectives combine planning, design, and production skills, enabling you to develop learning solutions with a clear purpose, coherent structure, and practical application.