What Does an Instructional Designer ACTUALLY Do?

Summary

The speaker explains that instructional designers turn complex topics into clear, useful learning experiences. The work is not limited to creating courses: it involves understanding learners’ needs, choosing suitable formats, working with subject-matter experts (SMEs), and revising content as a project develops.

One example from the speaker’s past work is an academy for technology users, designed to bridge the gap between those users and the company. Its materials included e-learning courses, job aids, infographics, and instructor-led courses. The speaker emphasizes that good instructional design makes learning meaningful for the intended audience and offers formats that suit different preferences.

Typical Project Workflow

Using a request for SMART goals training as an example, the speaker describes a process that may include:

• Clarify the request and source material. A team may provide existing content to improve, or the project may need to be built from scratch.
• Meet with stakeholders and the SME. Establish the desired outcomes, audience, requirements, and what the SME considers accurate.
• Agree on a communication cadence. Set regular check-ins, such as weekly meetings, and share work before those meetings.
• Work iteratively. Show drafts and gather feedback throughout the project instead of waiting until everything is finished. This helps catch mismatched expectations early.
• Select appropriate deliverables. Depending on the request, a package might include:
  • An e-learning course built with tools such as Articulate Rise or Storyline. The speaker says Rise was often used when a quicker turnaround was needed.
  • A job aid.
  • An infographic highlighting key points.
  • Other resources, such as content for an internal wiki or an instructor-led course.
• Account for time and budget. Consider how long learners will need to complete a course, since that can affect project budgeting.
• Maintain a visible project plan. Track deadlines, drafts, and feedback using the organization’s tools, such as Jira, Excel, or Microsoft Teams. Visibility helps keep the work moving and makes responsibilities and dates clear.
• Revise based on feedback and changing constraints. For instance, if stakeholders initially plan a 45-minute course but later need it shortened, the designer may need to remove or prioritize content.

What the Work Can Involve Week to Week

The speaker’s work on a sales initiative included developing an e-learning course and creating supporting graphics and infographics. They shared materials with SMEs for feedback throughout the process, particularly because the project had tight deadlines. Changes in business needs could mean revising the course’s length or content.

Key Lessons

• Keep the learner and the learning outcomes in mind when choosing how to present information.
• Collaboration and ongoing feedback are central parts of the role.
• Build strong working relationships with SMEs, especially on projects that last for weeks or months.
• Be proud of your work, but don’t take revisions personally: the materials are being created to meet another team’s needs and goals.
• Responsibilities, tools, and processes vary by organization and project.

Speaker and Source

The video’s host is an instructional designer who draws on examples from previous roles and a current work project.