Instructional design (ID) is a systematic process of creating a learning experience to engage students and improve outcomes (Molenda, 2015). Developing education that meets the needs of learners is conducted by instructional designers (IDs) who have training and experience in the theories, models, and instructional methods that produce quality training and courses.

What is an Instructional Designer?

An instructional designer applies this systematic methodology (rooted in instructional theories and models) to design and develop content, experiences, and other solutions to support acquiring new knowledge or skills. Instructional designers ought to begin by conducting a needs assessment to determine the needs of the learning event, including what the learner should know and be able to do as a result of the training or learning solution and what the learners already know and can do.

Instructional designers are then responsible for creating the course design and developing all instructional materials, including presentation materials, participant guides, handouts, and job aids or other materials. Instructional designers are commonly also responsible for evaluating training, including assessing what was learned and whether the learning solution led to measurable behavior change.