In this post, I’m going to give you 7 things you need to be a successful instructional designer. I’ve been working in the instructional design field for over 10 years and have seen people who do it well and those who don’t.
I also have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of people on their learning programs, from creating an LMS and web content, through implementing that content into courses. The one thing that all successful instructional designers have in common is that they are good at what they do.
Here are 7 things you need to be a successful instructional designer:
1. Ability to write well
The first thing you need is the ability to write well. Writing is a very important part of the instructional design process, so this is an important skill to have. You will write project proposals, training manuals, presentations, blogs and other types of documents.
2. Ability to create visuals
In the instructional design field, we’re always trying to show how something works. We create visuals that explain the learning process. This includes creating visual presentations, whiteboard animations, infographics and other types of visual communication.
3. Ability to think like a learner
Instructional designers need to be able to think like a learner in order to create effective learning experiences. They need to understand how people learn best and how they will interact with the course material.
4. Ability to think like an expert
It’s also important for instructional designers to understand how experts learn best and what they expect from training material. They need this insight in order to create effective eLearning courses that help people retain knowledge and skills.
5. Problem-solving skills
The best instructional designers are good at solving problems, not just creating visuals or writing content but figuring out solutions that are unique and creative while still being simple enough for learners of all skill levels.
6. Knowledge of technology
Instructional designers must know their way around technology so they can produce content that looks good on all types of devices and screens, including mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones, as well as computers.
7. Knowledge of the learning process
Instructional designers must know how people learn and how to structure a course in a way that is logical and easy to follow. They need to understand the difference between adult learners and traditional students, including the learning styles of both groups.
As you can see, there are many things that instructional designers need to be successful at their jobs. But most importantly, they need a passion for what they do and an ability to create fun, interactive learning experiences that help people retain knowledge and skills for years to come.
