LXPs (Learning Experience Platforms) have a reputation for being a slick, user-friendly solution in contrast to the traditional LMS (Learning Management Platform), which is often painted as complex and corporate.
However, this thinking needs to be updated.
The reputations of these two types of platforms from ten years ago have stuck around despite dramatic evolutions. In the past decade, LXPs and LMSs have stepped up their feature sets to be competitive with one another. LMSs can be extremely user-friendly, and LXPs can have complex reporting.
Craig Weiss, a learning systems consultant, says that in 2024, “An LMS can do everything an LXP can do (depending on the vendor).”
It’s now much more difficult to distinguish between the two, and at times, the label is more of a marketing term than a true differentiator. Some companies even claim to be both.
That being said, an LMS generally delivers learning programs that meet complex business needs such as compliance, security, or e-commerce, while LXPs create learner-centric solutions for content delivery.
The Differences between LMSs and LXPs
LMSs and LXPs are hard to distinguish between, but they are driven by different core goals and prioritize different core feature sets. LXPs tend to invest in features that drive learner engagement. LMSs tend to prioritize the needs of administrators and making it easy to meet and measure important company business needs.
1. Platform Goals
LXPs are experience-focused, while LMSs are solution-focused.
LXPs were developed to make learning easy and fun for learners. They provide a place for learners to self-direct in skilling up. They focus on building engaging, Netflix-like user interfaces, highlight innovative types of learning like microlearning, and often gamify learning progress. They aim to attract learners by offering a nice experience, not because they’re required to complete training.
LMSs focus on solving business problems. For example, they may make it easy for businesses to implement and track compliance training, meet high security standards, or integrate e-commerce. They also make administrators’ lives easier by automating and simplifying behind-the-scenes tasks. LMSs often have fun features like gamification, too, but they prioritize features necessary for administrators to succeed.
2. Measurement
While both LXPs and LMSs may offer metrics, LMSs are more likely to have complex analytics. LMSs often have full interactive dashboards with automated reporting. They help you answer questions like, “What are the company’s rates of training compliance?” or “What are completion rates for courses?”
LMSs aim to help you connect your metrics to business goals. You can report back to higher-ups on the success and value of your training program.
Meanwhile, LXPs can have more limited analytics. They are mostly interested in showing overall learning engagement, rather than measuring complex business goals.
3. Content Delivery
All learning platforms can deliver a variety of content types. LXPs and LMSs offer traditional long-form modules, microlearning, gamification, and more. However, the method by which learners access content can vary.
LXPs offer more self-directed learning. Learners can choose what courses they complete based on personal goals, and there may not be a focus on assigned learning. LXPs often show learners related training opportunities — similar to how Netflix shows users similar TV shows. They sometimes even use machine learning to develop highly personalized recommendations, or use playlist features to group content.
LMSs often offer self-directed learning too, but are more focused on assigned learning. They allow you to assign training and learning paths to learners based on various factors, such as position, location, role, or level within the company. They also let you create customized learning paths for individual learners. Learners may have access to a checklist of required training with deadlines. LMSs sometimes even offer automated reminders to help learners stay in compliance.
Like LXPs, LMSs can also show recommended content based on learner interests — but they can also tailor the content to the learner’s role and career path.
4. Integrations
How a platform integrates with other platforms in your ecosystem can significantly impact its function and the value it delivers. LXPs tend to integrate with learner-centered platforms, while LMSs integrate with business tools.
LXPs often have social media integrations. For example, LXPs may allow learners to share their learning accomplishments directly from the platform to a personal social media page. Or, they could enable learners to add a certificate directly on LinkedIn and show off their new skills.
Meanwhile, LMSs integrate with business tools like e-commerce, HRIS, or Salesforce. They may also integrate with software designed to meet accessibility needs, such as live captioning tools. It’s also common for LMSs to partner with third-party software providers to directly deliver curated content to learners.
How to Choose Between an LMS and an LXP
In most cases, an LMS may be the best choice for those looking to solve their business problems, while LXPs are best for simple content delivery. However, the right choice can be more complex than that. It’s crucial to consider your specific business needs to make an informed decision.
Every provider is unique. Consider looking beyond LMS vs. LXP and look at the specifics of provider offerings. Many platforms now specialize in solving problems for specific industries or needs.
Ask yourself questions like:
- What problems do I wish to solve?
- What features are most important?
- How will this platform move forward my business goals?
- How will I engage learners with the platform
- What resources do we have internally to maintain the platform?
- Who will use this platform?
Choose the right platform by consulting your company’s stakeholders, prioritizing your business needs, and seeking a solution tailored to your problems.
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