Today’s Instructional Designer: Part Renaissance Thinker/ Part Curious George
The Changing Landscape of Instructional Design
In the world of instructional design, change is the only constant. Gone are the days when simply understanding and following a reputable model like ADDIE was enough to ensure a successful career. Today’s instructional designers need to be adaptable, curious, and above all, passionate about learning itself.
The learning and development industry is experiencing what can only be described as a Perfect Storm. This confluence of factors is reshaping the field in ways that demand new skills, new perspectives, and a willingness to embrace constant change.
The Perfect Storm: Factors Driving Change
Several key elements are contributing to this transformative period in instructional design:
- Rapid technological advancements
- New insights into the neuroscience of learning
- An increased focus on “workplace lean” methodologies
- The emergence of a new generation of workers with different learning preferences
These factors combined are creating unprecedented opportunities for those in the instructional design profession who are willing to adapt and grow.
Expanding Beyond Traditional Models
Where once ADDIE reigned supreme, today’s instructional designers need to be well-versed in a variety of methodologies:
- SAM (Successive Approximation Model)
- Rapid Prototyping (Spiral)
- Gradual Release Model
But it’s not just about knowing these models—it’s about understanding when and how to apply them effectively in different learning contexts.
The Multi-Modality Imperative
Perhaps the most significant shift in the field is the need for instructional designers to become multi-modality proficient. Specialization, while still valuable, is no longer enough. Today’s professionals must be able to:
- Design effective in-person training
- Create engaging virtual learning experiences
- Develop self-paced eLearning modules
- Craft microlearning content for just-in-time support
- Integrate emerging technologies like AR and VR into learning experiences
This requirement for versatility is where a genuine love of learning becomes crucial.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
Ironically, instructional designers—the very professionals tasked with facilitating learning and change—can be as resistant to change as anyone else. We’ve all encountered:
- Facilitators who refuse to adapt to virtual training, citing a lack of “energy” compared to live classrooms
- Designers who avoid learning new theories or tools essential for modern eLearning development
Those who have resisted change may now find themselves struggling to keep up with industry demands and expectations.
Client Expectations in the New Era
Today’s clients expect instructional design teams to possess a broad base of experience that allows for seamless transitions between learning modalities. This expectation extends to everyone involved in the learning development process:
- Instructional designers
- Project managers
- Trainers and facilitators
The ability to conduct a thorough needs analysis and recommend a design that may incorporate several modalities is now a standard expectation, not a differentiator.
Balancing Creativity and Detail-Orientation
Successful instructional designers in this new landscape must possess a seemingly contradictory set of skills:
- A creative mind capable of generating innovative learning solutions
- A detail-oriented approach that ensures nothing falls through the cracks
This rare combination of strengths is what sets exceptional instructional designers apart in today’s market.
Defining “Exciting Creative” in Instructional Design
Creativity in instructional design can take many forms:
- Developing big ideas that push the boundaries of traditional learning
- Crafting well-written, engaging scripts that captivate learners
- Finding innovative ways to create effective learning experiences on tight budgets
- Knowing how to leverage resources to create “blockbuster” learning when budgets allow
Mastering a Diverse Toolkit
The modern instructional designer must be proficient in a wide array of tools and platforms:
- Various storyboarding platforms (beyond just Word)
- eLearning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate)
- Learning Management Systems (LMS)
- Video editing software
- Graphic design tools
- Collaboration and project management platforms
This versatility allows designers to adapt to client preferences and industry trends seamlessly.
The Insatiably Curious Instructional Designer
At the core of a successful instructional designer in today’s market is an unquenchable curiosity about the world. The ideal professional is:
- Constantly reading industry publications and research
- Listening to relevant podcasts and webinars
- Actively searching for new tools and technologies
- Sharing insights and best practices with peers
- Connecting dots between seemingly unrelated fields to innovate in learning design
Striking the Balance: Structure and Innovation
The instructional designer of today and tomorrow must be able to:
- Follow structured processes that ensure quality and consistency
- Think creatively to envision new possibilities in learning design
- It’s this balance between grounded methodology and blue-sky thinking that will drive the field forward.
Conclusion: Embracing the Perfect Storm
The Perfect Storm in instructional design presents both challenges and opportunities. Those who embrace change, continuously expand their skills, and maintain a passion for learning will not just survive but thrive in this dynamic environment.
For instructional designers who see themselves reflected in this description—those with a foot in structured processes and a head in the clouds of possibility—the future is bright. The field of instructional design is evolving, and it needs professionals who are ready to evolve with it.