How do you align your instructional design portfolio with industry standards?

I think at this point it should be said that you should also research the current industry standards so that you can have a grasp on all of the standards that may pertain to your portfolio content and or your potential customers and employers. That way you know what standards you want to align your ID profile with. Some of the e-learning standards are SCORM (1.2 and 2004), AICC, xAPI, cmi5, and IMS Common Cartridge

One thing I've found helpful is researching current trends and demands in the field, emphasizing the competencies that employers value, such as knowledge of learning theories, multimedia production, and assessment strategies. Display a variety of projects that showcase your versatility and skill with different tools and platforms. Inclusive design and accessibility should be evident throughout your work. Additionally, include reflections and narratives that articulate your design process, decision-making, and alignment with best practices.

Once upon a time, in a world less complicated than a canoe made from a single log, 'portfolio' meant something simple – a case for carrying loose papers. Think of it as a lumberjack's toolbox, but for papers. But some ad folks, probably those who consider a kale salad a meal, turned it into a marketing tool. So, instructional designers, here's the deal: make a portfolio showcasing your craft, or an ad selling your services. In the grand, wild forest that is the internet, there's no ranger stopping you from walking two paths at once. Unlike this article, which seems as constrained as a fish in a whiskey barrel. Just remember, whether you're carrying papers or selling your skills, keep it as straightforward as a well-aimed axe chop.

When crafting or updating your instructional design portfolio with a specific industry in mind, it's essential to align your examples with the common problems and needs prevalent in that industry. If you're actively seeking job opportunities, showcasing projects that directly address challenges and solutions relevant to your desired industry can significantly enhance your portfolio's effectiveness. Tailoring your examples to highlight your expertise in solving industry-specific issues demonstrates your understanding of the sector and positions you as a valuable asset to potential employers within that field.

Start by doing detailed research about the instructional design industry. That way, you'll be able to know how to align your portfolio well. Also, ask experts in the industry for advice.

There's a fine balance to be struck when creating a narrative about your projects. Too little information leaves viewers wondering why you made the design choices you did, without realizing the scope or constraints. Too much detail can be overwhelming and comes across as self-indulgent.

Often, instructional designers focus too much on visual appeal when creating portfolios. As important as it is to showcase your graphic design skills, it matters more that your portfolio reflects your thought process throughout the lifecycle of your project. For every sample project, walk your reviewer through each stage - with just enough words not to overwhelm - and share the 'why' behind your design decisions.

My portfolio weaves a narrative of tackling educational challenges with precise steps. It begins with setting SMART objectives for learners and progresses to storyboarding for engaging content. Prototypes follow, enabling visualization and iterative improvement. Feedback from a pilot study refines the material. Finally, I evaluate each project's impact, comparing outcomes with original goals. Contexts, encountered challenges, applied strategies, and results are detailed, showing my dedication to evidence-based instruction and measurable learner progress.

When presenting your instructional design portfolio, offer a deep dive into your process, showcasing how you tackle learning challenges, design solutions, and measure impact. Instead of merely displaying finished products, provide glimpses into your journey, from initial problem-solving to final evaluation. By including samples at different stages and articulating the context, goals, and challenges of each project, you offer a transparent view of your approach.

Your portfolio should do more than just display final products—it should also showcase your instructional design process. Include case studies or project walk-throughs that illustrate your approach to problem-solving, from needs analysis to final evaluation. For instance, share how you collaborated with SMEs, incorporated learner feedback, or adapted to challenges. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gives potential employers insight into how you think and work, making your portfolio stand out.

Less is more. Keep your portfolio website crisp and simple, while showcasing a variety of skills you have. For example, if you know how to use Vyond, a video animation software, then build a learning scenario using that.

The learning industry is bursting with many technology options, but your portfolio is not the place to show how well you can use them all. Instead, select a few in-demand tools for different modalities that demonstrate your versatility.

In my experience, there’s a slightly different approach that is more effective overall. Rather than removing “outdated” projects, move them to an archive section of your digital portfolio. There are two good reasons for this. First, it showcases your experience and growth as opposed to only your present work. Sometimes more importantly, there are lots of potential clients who don’t want “the latest thing” or the newest trend, and might be looking for someone who can deliver something they find familiar (perhaps an older design or mode). My advice: don’t delete your past, it can still help you!

I feel strongly that it’s useful to have several different examples of instructional design skill set in your portfolio. If you have a range of technical skill with various ID platforms have an example of each. For example, Storyline, Rise, Camtasia, etc. prove your ability to create visually appealing content. This will help you stand out as a versatile candidate.

An up-to-date portfolio reflects your commitment to continuous improvement and industry relevance. Regularly add new projects, skills, and certifications to showcase your ongoing development. Remove outdated content that no longer represents your best work. For example, if you've recently mastered VR training design, highlight this in your portfolio to attract forward-thinking employers. Keeping your portfolio fresh ensures that it accurately represents your current capabilities and aligns with the latest industry standards.

One thing I find helpful is to begin with the end in mind. What is the expected outcome? Upon completion of my program, will the student be prepared to do what is expected? If my offerings will not prepare the participant to confidently execute all the required duties, adjustments are made.

When creating or updating your portfolio, be cautious about sharing works that include proprietary client information. When possible, refer to the client in generic, yet descriptive terms. For example: "This module was developed for a global leader in the healthcare industry with over 10,000 employees and $XX in revenue." It's always good form to seek permission from your former employers before you put your work in a public-facing portfolio. It shows that you understand and respect the value of intellectual property and "work for hire."

Share the kind of work you would like to do. Create a portfolio that showcase the type of field / project / elearning (storytelling, gamification etc) that you would like to do.

Consider adding testimonials from clients or colleagues to provide social proof of your skills. Keep an eye on emerging trends in instructional design, such as microlearning or immersive technologies, and incorporate relevant examples into your portfolio. Finally, ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate, with clear sections that allow viewers to quickly find the information they’re looking for. This makes a strong impression and aligns with the professionalism expected in the industry.

Enhance your instructional design portfolio to maintain neutrality, enabling you to cater to diverse audiences and industries effectively.