Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer is a professional who specializes in creating effective and engaging learning experiences for learners across various industries and educational settings. Their main goal is to design and develop instructional materials that facilitate knowledge acquisition and skill development. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Instructional Designers.

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Main Responsibilities of an Instructional Designer

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Instructional Designer:

Analyze

Analyze and interpret learning data and performance metrics.
Analyze business issues and needs.
Analyze learning needs and objectives to design appropriate instructional solutions.
Analyze user data to improve user onboarding experience, learning, and enjoyment.

Apply

Apply and modify various instructional design models and learning theories.
Apply business skills to managing instructional design.
Apply instructional design, adult learning theories and practice.

Assess

Assess training effectiveness and go-live readiness.

Assist in

Assist in developing and updating training materials.
Assist in the development of strategic plans.
Assist with certification programs and learning tracks for customers.
Assist with deal desk exceptions and approvals.
Assist with Program Development for ESTO with supervision and on-the-job training.

Balance

Balance humility with a drive to get things done.

Build

Build and deploy eLearning and instructor-led courses within the LMS.
Build effective relationships with internal / external stakeholders.
Build interactive eLearning modules and courses.
Build or integrate web-based learning resources – LMS and LMS-integrated tools.

Collaborate with

Collaborate closely with project team (business process owners, technical writer, IT).
Collaborate with engineers to develop and organize technical training materials.
Collaborate with graphic designers and multimedia developers.
Collaborate with instructional design and creative teams to product proof-of-concept materials.
Collaborate with key stakeholders to define and develop effective and measurable learning objectives.
Collaborate with project managers to meet project timelines and deliverables.
Collaborate with SMEs and education team members.
Collaborate with SMEs to develop and maintain all content and documentation.
Collaborate with SMEs, video producers, and others to develop research-based lessons.
Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to gather learning content.
Collaborate with subject matter experts to develop scalable training content.
Collaborate with subject matter experts to obtain course content.
Collaborate with subject matter experts to validate content accuracy.

Collect

Collect and analyze data that facilitates the assessment of student learning.

Communicate

Communicate and gain support for the evaluation plan.
Communicate effectively in visual, oral, and written form and deliver engaging presentations.
Communicate within project teams, faculty and external clients effectively.

Conduct

Conduct a needs assessment.
Conduct design analysis, scopes project objectives and analyzes target audience expectations.
Conduct independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic issues.
Conduct needs assessments and training gap analysis.
Conduct training and workshops for instructors or facilitators.
Conduct train the trainers (TTT).
Conduct usability testing and gather feedback on instructional materials.

Consult

Consult on the selection and implementation of technology, teaching tools and resources.

Coordinate

Coordinate compliance reviews and oversight of content.

Create

Create a concept draft of all learning content within the program or project.
Create and implement innovative learning solutions using rapid dev techniques.
Create and maintain CORIS® learning materials and tools / / Develop and maintain interactive help.
Create and maintain design schedules.
Create and present compelling ideas, prototypes and storyboards.
Create assessments and quizzes to measure learning outcomes.
Create course accompanying documents (syllabi, rubrics, & handouts).
Create effective mobile interactions, activities, and assessments.
Create exercise guides and user guides using Adobe FrameMaker and Acrobat Pro.
Create learning objectives and outcomes for each instructional module.
Create material / media to support learning (audio, video, simulations, role plays, games etc.).
Create online education roadmap and course curricula using rigorous Instructional Design methodology.
Create, revise and rewrite content to shape it for targeted audience's learning needs.
Create supporting material / media (audio, video, simulations, role plays, games, etc.).
Create the course in our LMS system, test, and then publish.
Create visually engaging eLearning courses using Vubiz proprietary web-based development tool.

Define

Define and document learning objectives.
Define and embed technical security principles and standards through code.
Define assessment criteria to meet each CLO.
Define core topics and sequencing for each course.
Define learning and / or performance objectives aligned with desired business goals.

Design

Design and deliver e-Learning content with Adobe Captivate.
Design and develop course, module and lesson storyboards in collaboration with SME's.
Design and develop engaging and interactive learning materials.
Design and develop exercises and activities that enhance the evidence-based learning process.
Design and develop informal and formal learning solutions using a variety of methods.
Design and develop materials that use gamification methods to sustain the attention of the learner.
Design and develop mobile-friendly and responsive learning materials.
Design and develop scenario-based learning experiences.
Design and Develop Training Solutions.
Design a variety of instructional materials for ILT, vILT, and other programs as needed.
Design Expertise and Execution.
Design learning assessments and ensure objective alignment has been maintained.
Design learning solutions in multiple modalities to promote active learning and learner engagement.
Design training solutions that meet the needs of the adult learner, writing and editing content.

Determine

Determine learning and material requirements for L&D projects.

Develop

Develop all assets for blended learning programs including both eLearning and presentation materials.
Develop and validate formative and summative assessments for designed learning resources.
Develop and validate quantitative and qualitative assessments for learning programs.
Develop and writes new sections for materials where expertise is appropriate.
Develop appropriate Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) for three courses.
Develop a schedule to assess training needs.
Develop assessments that measure learner outcomes including productivity and understanding.
Develop conclusions, reports and make recommendations to management.
Develop content including technology announcements, surveys, and more.
Develop course content and reviews with CL&D leaders, BU Leadership, and Leadership Development.
Develop effective and appropriate learning strategies for learning solutions and programs.
Develop innovative ideas for e-Learning resources.
Develop instructional material.
Develop product messaging certifications.
Develop reference materials such as work instructions, quick reference cards and job aids.
Develop SCORM content using Adobe Captivate.
Develop solutions, which drive business goals and priorities.
Develop specific and measurable learning objectives.
Develop storyboards and prototypes for e-learning courses.
Develop training and media strategy for individual projects.
Develop training course outlines to support the implementation of upgraded systems and processes.

Devise

Devise modes of assessment to measure the effectiveness of course content.

Document

Document what instructional designers are working on and show what has been completed.

Drive

Drive results even under tough circumstances.
Drive the way we conduct business every day and define our company culture.

Edit

Edit existing written documentation to create unified and consistent support documents.
Edit or standardize material prepared by other Training Team members.
Edit, updates, and revises modules according to feedback provided by GELI.

Engage with

Engage with customers to define and scope custom training needs.

Ensure

Ensure consistency and alignment with instructional design standards.
Ensure instructional materials align with accessibility standards.

Establish

Establish and build strong relationships with key partners in the division.

Evaluate

Evaluate existing training development processes, content, and tools looking for ways to streamline.
Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional materials and make improvements.

Facilitate

Facilitate or deliver training programs as required.

Focus on

Focus on innovation and improvement.

Help

Help to foster a positive experience for new WhatsApp employees.

Host

Host information meetings and documentation for resources leveraging Catalog / University page.

Identify

Identify appropriate learning approach.
Identify measurement approaches and mechanisms to evaluate success of the educational solution.
Identify project resource requirements based on project tasks and project complexity.
Identify solutions to non-standard requests and problems.

Implement

Implement gamification and interactive elements for increased learner engagement.
Implement microlearning strategies for bite-sized learning experiences.
Implement qualitative assurance processes for ongoing distributed educational artifacts.
Implement Training Solutions.

Incorporate

Incorporate business process information into the training tasks.
Incorporate real-life examples and case studies into instructional materials.
Incorporate translated content to produce localized versions as required.

Inform

Inform and educate faculty and staff on the importance of consistently following the practices.

Keep

Keep any documentation up to date when we make adjustments or encounter something new.

Lead

Lead complex training development projects independently and with minimal guidance.
Lead design reviews and drive decisions.
Lead process improvement efforts.
Lead projects from concept, to testing and final delivery.

Leverage

Leverage design skills & expertise in content & graphics to deliver engaging training materials.

Main

Main focus will be on eLearning course development along with some in person training too.

Maintain

Maintain accuracy of content by conducting content reviews and completing any changes or.
Maintain detailed and consistent project documentation and course folders.
Maintain up to date courseware for delivery.

Make

Make recommendations to increase training efficiency and effectiveness.
Make tough and timely decisions and takes personal accountability for results.

Manage

Manage a workflow incorporating new content and revisions automatically into a cloud-based LMS.
Manage constant change and effectively handles unexpected events.
Manage course development to ensure timely development and delivery of produced content.
Manage multiple complex projects and meets deadlines.
Manage multiple projects with potentially shifting priorities and timelines.
Manage our SOP documents and ensure our knowledge library is current and effective.
Manage strategy, development and deployment risks and resolve any issues.
Manage the LMS and produce standard reports.
Manage the relationship and development of content with key SME (Subject Matter experts).

Map

Map course content and learning activities to appropriate learning objectives.

Maximize

Maximize customer retention and revenue.

Mentor

Mentor newly hired Instructional Designers.

Modify

Modify and improve instructional materials based on feedback and evaluation.

Monitor

Monitor all training programs and modifies course content as needed.

Organize

Organize and schedules resources according to the project plan.

Own

Own the quality of all deliverables to stakeholders.

Participate in

Participate in and lead special projects as required.
Participate in course authentication and approves final versions for readiness to "go live”.
Participate in multiple internal learning projects varying in size and complexity.
Participate in needs analysis.

Perform

Perform quality assurance on all finished work.

Plan

Plan, create, and implement effective CX training curriculum based on company needs.

Prepare

Prepare course outlines aligned to program and course outcomes.

Provide

Provide consultative expertise to the design and dev.
Provide final sign off and approval of all assets created by the Online Education team.
Provide guidance and specialized knowledge to other members of the team.
Provide insights and reporting on the efficacy of training across the support organization.
Provide regular status reports to stakeholders on progress of projects.
Provide solution-based input and make logical recommendations.
Provide specialized consulting, analytical and technical support.
Provide support and guidance to learners throughout the learning process.
Provide support to faculty on the integration of technology into instruction.
Provide technical and job-specific training.
Provide train-the-trainer sessions for internal subject matter experts (SMEs).

Purchase

Purchase efficient, secure and cost-effective solutions.

Record

Record screencasts of software features and functions.

Research

Research programs and talk to SME within the company as needed.

Review

Review existing content for relevance and conversion to learning resources.
Review materials translated into multiple languages for design accuracy.
Review work with UX managers, keep them updated on project status and escalate items appropriately.

Select

Select and implement appropriate instructional strategies and methods.
Select and use a variety of techniques for determining instructional content and strategies.
Select appropriate strategies, research design, and measures.

Serve

Serve on appropriate institutional, regional, and national committees or groups, as needed.

Share industry best-practice knowledge of mobile learning to inform the long-term solution.

Show

Show recognition and appreciation for the contributions of others.

Solve

Solve moderately complex problems and / or conduct moderately complex analyses.

Stay updated on

Stay updated with emerging trends in instructional design and e-learning.

Support

Support facilitation as needed.
Support other special projects as needed.
Support presenter-led virtual events, with instructional expertise and engaging learning experiences.
Support the development team with the design of lessons, activities, and assessments.
Support the integration of mobile learning applications.

Test

Test eLearning SCORM packages to ensure AODA and WCAG 2.0 compliance.

Track

Track and compile collected data.

Train

Train others on how to deliver instructor led training.

Translate

Translate technical concepts into non-technical training for various types of audiences.

Understand

Understand business strategy and translate into learning solutions to support the client population.
Understand great designs are achieved iteratively.
Understand instructional design and adult learning principles.
Understand modern engineering practices (even if you aren't a software / hardware engineer).
Understand user needs, walking in their shoes when possible.

Undertake

Undertake and facilitate curriculum mapping and assessing student learning.

Use

Use appropriate writing styles to make content easy to understand for the target audience.
Use learning theories and instructional design models to guide content development.
Use rapid authoring tools for efficient content development.

Utilize

Utilize multimedia elements, such as graphics, videos, and animations.

Work

Work collaboratively with Evolv partners and share content in developing partner training programs.
Work effectively with OER staff to develop a deep understanding of issues.
Work under general program or departmental guidelines.
Work well with all partners to deliver work.
Work within Articulate Storyline 360.
Work within HP brand identity.
Work with key stakeholders to determine course needs and priorities.
Work with Learning Management Systems (LMS) to deliver content.
Work with minimal instruction - go getters and be proactive with asking questions.
Work with subject matter experts and develop process workflows.

Write

Write effective copy, instructional text, audio scripts / video scripts.
Write, revise and coordinate the regulatory content for CPA's regional meetings.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Instructional Designer:

Proficiency in instructional design theories and models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM).
Knowledge of e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate).
Competence in learning management systems (LMS) administration.
Understanding of multimedia and graphic design principles.
Familiarity with rapid e-learning development tools and software.
Competence in video and audio editing for multimedia content.
Knowledge of SCORM and other e-learning standards.
Understanding of learning analytics and data analysis.
Competence in user experience (UX) design for e-learning.
Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) for e-learning.
Understanding of mobile learning and responsive design.
Competence in creating and using interactive assessments.
Knowledge of gamification and game-based learning strategies.
Understanding of learning management system (LMS) integrations.
Competence in using authoring tools for simulation-based training.
Knowledge of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies in learning.
Understanding of content authoring for microlearning modules.
Competence in using data visualization tools for learning analytics.
Knowledge of learning content management systems (LCMS).
Understanding of content curation and instructional resource selection.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Instructional Designer:

Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Strong creative and innovative thinking abilities.
Effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Adaptability and openness to feedback and change.
Active listening and empathy for learner needs.
Collaboration and teamwork for working with diverse stakeholders.
Time management and organizational skills for meeting deadlines.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in content development.
Positive attitude and motivation to create impactful learning experiences.
Effective presentation and facilitation skills for training sessions.

Conclusion

Instructional Designers play a vital role in shaping the way learners acquire knowledge and skills in various educational and training settings. By possessing a combination of technical expertise, practical skills, and personal qualities, these professionals can create effective and engaging learning experiences that empower learners to reach their full potential.