What Do The Instructional Designers Actually Do? - An Instructional Designer's Guide

Having worked in instructional design for decades, we often get asked what we do. It's a question that fascinates us because it reveals how our work influences education and training behind the scenes.?

So, what exactly do instructional designers do??

Instructional Designers are the architects of learning experiences, meticulously crafting educational materials that resonate with learners. With a blend of creativity and strategy, instructional designers analyze learning needs, design curriculum frameworks, and develop engaging content. They are fluent in a variety of tools—from learning management systems to multimedia software—that help them bring learning to life.        

But again, no professional responsibility comes without challenges. Balancing the art of effective communication with the science of pedagogy is a constant tightrope walk.?

As instructional designers, we navigate evolving technologies and learner expectations while ensuring our designs are inclusive and accessible to all. Looking ahead, the future of instructional design is bright and dynamic.?

As technology advances, so does our ability to create immersive learning experiences that transcend traditional boundaries. Augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and adaptive learning platforms are reshaping how we engage learners, promising more personalized and impactful educational journeys.?

Our Role As An ID?

Being an instructional designer is both complex and fulfilling. Our main task is to create effective learning experiences. This involves understanding how people learn, what keeps them engaged, and how to gauge their progress accurately.

As the OG creators of the educational content, we craft the content from scratch, gather all the essential information to prepare the materials, and ensure that the content modules are engaging and easy to use and understand. Throughout our career, we have collaborated with diverse organizations, spanning academia and the corporate sectors.?

However, in each setting, our role as instructional designers remains intact—bridging the gaps between the content and the learner, ensuring that they get the best and most effective learning experience.

Let us give you a brief overview of how our day planning goes by.

The Daily Grind: A Glimpse Into Our Day As An Instructional Designer

Morning:

- Planning and Research: Start the day by reviewing project timelines and objectives. Conduct research on the topic or subject matter to gather necessary information.

- Design Meetings: Attend meetings with subject matter experts, stakeholders, or clients to discuss project requirements, learning goals, and content strategies.

- Storyboarding: Begin outlining the structure of the course or module using storyboarding techniques. This includes organizing content, defining learning objectives, and planning assessments.

Afternoon:?

- Content Development: Dive into content creation using various tools and software. This may involve writing scripts, developing visuals, or editing multimedia elements.

- Review and Feedback: Collaborate with team members or clients to review drafts of the instructional materials. Incorporate feedback and make revisions as needed to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

Evening:?

- Quality Assurance: Conduct quality checks to ensure instructional materials meet standards for accuracy, usability, and accessibility.

- Project Management: Update project documentation, track progress, and communicate with stakeholders about milestones and deliverables.

Throughout the day:?

- Professional Development: Stay updated on industry trends, instructional design methodologies, and technological advancements through reading, webinars, or attending conferences.

- Problem Solving: Address any challenges that arise during the design process, such as technical issues, content gaps, or learner engagement concerns.

Wrap-Up:?

- Reflection: Reflect on the day's accomplishments and plan for the next steps in the project. Document lessons learned and insights gained for future reference.

Overall, our role as instructional designers blends creativity, organization, and analytical thinking to create engaging and impactful learning experiences. Each new day brings new opportunities for us to innovate and contribute to the field of education and training.

If you are someone on the verge of becoming an instructional designer or considering a fruitful career in this domain, read our detailed blog on Calibr.ai to learn How To Become An Instructional Designer in 2024.?

Understand The Essential Role Of A Corporate Instructional Designer and create impactful learning experiences for your learners.