Beyond Course Creation: Inside the Role of an Instructional Designer in Learning and Development
Most people don’t really know what an Instructional Designer in learning and development does, so I simplify it by saying, ‘I create online courses.’ While that’s part of it, Instructional Design is much more than just course creation. It’s about blending strategy, creativity, and collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs) to craft impactful eLearning experiences. Here’s a closer look at what the role truly involves.
It starts with listening—not just to what subject matter experts (SMEs) are saying, but also to what they aren’t. It’s about capturing their expertise and aligning it with clear learning objectives. I love finding that perfect balance between tone, creativity, and the goals of the online learning experience. And yes, sometimes I say “yes” to a challenge before I know exactly how I’ll build it—that’s where the magic happens.
Working with SMEs means asking the right questions and giving them space to share their knowledge fully. That first meeting often feels like organized chaos—information flying so fast my notes can’t keep up. But buried in the “word vomit” is everything I need to start shaping a purposeful and engaging eLearning course.
As an Instructional Designer, I transform that raw information into meaningful, goal-oriented online training content. I organize ideas, craft learning pathways, and look for contextual clues that help me build analogies and stories. Whether I start with learning objectives or dive straight into rapid eLearning development, the next step is always intentional.
Tone plays a big role in every project I take on. It influences how I design learner interactions, build course flow, and determine the right kind of knowledge checks to include. The right tone helps deliver content effectively and keeps learners engaged.
One of my favorite parts of online course development is saying “yes” more than “no.” That mindset has helped me grow as an Instructional Designer and a course developer. Whether I’m learning to code, animate, or do voice-overs, every challenge is a chance to expand my skillset and bring more value to the eLearning experience.
This role is full of variety—some days I wear a dozen hats, others I’m laser-focused on a single task. But every day as an Instructional Designer is rewarding. I get to collaborate with SMEs, create impactful online courses, and constantly evolve in learning and development.