/in•struc•tion•al de•sign/(n)

The process by which instruction is improved through the analysis of learning needs and systematic development of learning materials. Instructional designers often use technology and multimedia as tools to enhance instruction.

A proficient instructional designer can develop an effective course on any subject matter.

A key concept is that instructional design is more than just putting information in front of the learners.

A skilled instructional designer has:

• the talent to communicate effectively with the content experts;
• the ability to systematically break down content so that it is applicable to learners and their learning styles; and
• facilitates the understanding and retention of the new information they receive.

Instructional design:

• has clear goals and gets your learners focused on the right things.
• provides context and perspective
• compresses the learning process and saves time
• engages learners with clear and meaningful content.

The successful instructional designer should:

• Conceptually and intuitively understand how people learn.
• Know how to connect with an audience on an emotional level.
• Be capable of imagining oneself as the learner/audience member.
• Be obsessed with learning everything.
• Brainstorm creative treatments and innovative instructional strategies.
• Visualize instructional graphics, the user interface, interactions and the finished product.
• Recognize/write effective copy, instructional text, audio scripts and video scripts.
• Meld minds with Subject Matter Experts and team members.
• Know the capabilities of eLearning development tools and software.
• Understand related fields—usability and experience design, information design, communications and new technologies.