What Does An Instructional Designer Do?

WHAT DOES AN INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER DO?

Published: Sep 17, 2025 - The Instructional Designer develops engaging learning activities and visually compelling content to support knowledge transfer and retention. This role involves collaborating with subject matter experts, analyzing learner needs, applying proven instructional design theories, and integrating multimedia elements. The designer also includes managing LMS training delivery, updating course materials, assessing learner performance, and maintaining detailed project documentation.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Instructional Designer

1. Instructional Designer Duties

Needs Assessment: Conducts needs assessments and develops performance-based learning objectives and strategic learning assessments.
Curriculum Development: Develops the basis for various curricula to meet client training goals.
Course Design: Recommends methods of course design, technology, and instructional delivery options.
Objective Definition: Defines instructional, learning, or performance objectives.
Content Gathering: Collaborates with departments and subject matter experts (SMEs) to gather instruction content or research to be able to create or develop instructional content for course modules.
eLearning Development: Designs and develops eLearning courses, learning paths, training modules, and blended training/learning and instructional materials and products for technology-based design of courses using a variety of multimedia tools.
Multimedia Production: Develops and maintains webinar presentations, job aids, lesson plans and materials, video scripts, screen casts, surveys and assessments.
Product Design: Designs learning products, including web-based teaching aids or electronic performance support systems.
Instructional Aids: Designs instructional aids for various instructor-led classroom or online uses.
Material Development: Develops instructional materials such as lesson plans, handouts, or testing tools.
Training Delivery: Participates in various training activities for employees, partners, and customers.
Content Management: Creates and maintains a library of instructional materials.
Content Review: Periodically reviews and updates all knowledge-based training content to ensure all knowledge is consistent, standardized, accurate and relevant.
Program Evaluation: Analyzes and evaluates the design of training curricula, learning strategies, educational policies and programs, or courseware standards.
Performance Assessment: Assesses the effectiveness and efficiency of instruction delivery according to the application of instructional technology and methods of learning theory and knowledge transfer.

2. Instructional Designer Details

Program Administration: Learn the ins and outs of Everlaw’s Certification program processes and begin to share in program administration.
Product Collaboration: Collaborate with Product team members to improve product documentation.
Content Design: Play an essential role in building out Everlaw’s Certification offerings by designing and building iterative learning content that incorporates multiple rounds of stakeholder and subject matter expert feedback to improve the learning experience.
Metrics Analysis: Build metrics to analyze the effectiveness of learning content to continuously drive improvement in the learning experience.
Certification Delivery: Learn the ins and outs of Everlaw’s Certification Program processes and share responsibility for administration, communications, and delivery of live certification assessments and onboarding sessions.
Candidate Support: Use product expertise to provide support to certification candidates.
Content Maintenance: Continually work to ensure all education content is up-to-date with product offerings and larger certification goals.
Team Collaboration: Collaborate with Enablement and GTM team members to identify the highest-impact content priorities.
Content Innovation: Experiment with innovative content development and distribution strategies to engage learners.
Content Library: Develop a robust, central enablement content library.
eLearning Development: Design high-quality eLearning modules with Articulate Rise.
Virtual Training: Design engaging virtual instructor-led training.
Script Writing: Create scripts and develop video content.
Content Distribution: Work with Enablement to communicate and distribute content to the learners.
Content Improvement: Improve, refine, and maintain existing content.
Content Research: Conduct research with the GTM team to inform content strategy.

3. Instructional Designer Responsibilities

Training Assessment: Partner with Strategy Leads and SMEs to assess training requests as well as define learning goals and objectives, complete a task analysis, and build a course organization map.
Activity Design: Identify learning activities, assessment tools, and net-new content to craft a storyboard for review ahead of development.
Learning Development: Use various learning development tools to build engaging learning experiences in line with the design plan.
Learner Advocacy: Advocate for the learner and effective achievement of learning objectives throughout the instructional design process.
Team Mentoring: Mentor and guide content developers as key contributors to the process.
Project Review: Complete reviews of portfolio development projects from an instructional design perspective, giving feedback to content creators to ensure high-quality results that meet audience needs.
Process Improvement: Assist with the evolution of development processes for the department by applying instructional design theory and standard methodologies.
Training Evaluation: Partner with Strategy Leads to assess the ongoing efficiency of training in driving confidence and adoption of Cisco Meraki solutions.
Professional Development: Actively engage in ongoing professional development to stay abreast of learning theories, pedagogies, and technological developments that can level up capabilities on the team.
Content Execution: Lead and assist in other activities related to training content design, development, management, and execution.

4. Instructional Designer Job Summary

Program Design: Design, develop, and facilitate creative, learner-centered, performance-based training programs, modules, and supporting materials in multiple modalities, including instructor-led, virtual instructor-led, blended learning, e-learning modules, videos, job aids, and facilitator guides.
Visual Creation: Create graphics, visual aids, and learning marketing materials to support the development of content for AMN team members and leaders.
Assessment Development: Develop course assessments and evaluation metrics that assess business impact and regularly report on findings.
Process Improvement: Actively seek opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of learning.
Stakeholder Partnership: Develop a partnership with internal stakeholders and learning team members.
Technology Utilization: Partner with Learning Team to develop templates, maximize utilization of tools and learning technologies in deploying eLearning content, testing, learning content management, training effectiveness evaluation, coaching and performance support, and LMS administration.
Project Documentation: Maintain project documentation and course folders.
Website Management: Regularly update and improve the L&TD marketing websites to showcase learning programs, tools, and resources.
Resource Curation: Curate internal and external resources.
Team Collaboration: Collaborate with members of LTD, subject matter.

5. Instructional Designer Accountabilities

LMS Management: Maintains the Learning Management System.
Material Development: Develops desk instructions and other training materials and/or resources based on training needs analysis.
Training Design: Designs, develops, and maintains instructor-led or e-Module training to meet employee development needs, utilizing sound instructional design, adult learning theories and technology.
Learning Support: Provides individual consultation with TECU team members to support facilitating, learning, and assessments for courses.
Technology Research: Researches and evaluates new and emerging technologies and approaches for potential applications.
Program Assistance: Responsible for assisting trainers and subject matter experts in the design, development and modification of instructional programs and materials to produce a final layout compatible with agency policies and standards.
Content Updates: Maintains, modifies, and updates instructor, participant guides and eLearning in accordance with departmental standards.
Multimedia Production: Uses knowledge of current instructional design software to generate and manipulate graphic images, animations, sound, text and video for informative and instructional material through a variety of multimedia outlets such as the DOR website and online training modules.
Problem Solving: Solving interesting education and training problems with SMEs and engineers.
Project Coordination: Coordinating with the project SME and other team members to develop and deliver a coherent project vision from concept through to execution.
Training Analytics: Conducting training research and analytics activities to outline present conditions and gain insights into future areas of development from a learning efficacy perspective.
Experience Design: Helping to design engaging, immersive, and effective learning experiences to instruct trainees and provide them with virtual hands-on experience to master skills.
Storyboard Creation: Creating learning flow, scripts, and visual storyboards.
Experience Testing: Testing and refining the virtual learning experience to improve real-world outcomes.

6. Instructional Designer Functions

Course Design: Designs course plans and programs including instructor and end-user training materials (e.g., facilitator and participant materials, e-learning, job aides, etc.) that emphasize problem/case-based learning and interactive educational methodologies.
Objective Alignment: Ensures learning and performance objectives are appropriate to the audience and that the training materials meet the learning and performance objectives.
Strategy Development: Develops recommendations for instructional and/or performance strategies based on training needs analysis.
Interactive Creation: Creates custom, interactive online learning activities using scripting, animation and authoring tools and strategies.
Project Coordination: Assists with the coordination and implementation of company initiatives.
Content Ownership: Takes ownership of and periodically reviews (library) content to ensure that it maintains relevance and accuracy/quality of content (make sure library is current and accurate) and initiates corrective actions.
Peer Review: Reviews and tests new and revised curriculum offerings from other team members, providing feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Idea Contribution: Contributes to new curriculum or program ideas.
Industry Research: Stays current with the latest industry tools and trends in instructional design.
Module Authoring: Authors e-learning modules using tools such as Articulate, Captivate, Flash, and Lectora.
Stakeholder Liaison: Liaises with LPMs, CBPs, and other stakeholders to review and agree on solutions and add value.
Vendor Review: Reviews offerings from vendors to ensure they meet the standards set out by the PLS Training Design and Delivery.
Content Optimization: Drives the review and repurposing of existing content to optimize the effectiveness and productivity of existing learning offerings.
Relationship Building: Build and develop strong, sustainable relationships with all internal and external stakeholders, working collaboratively with them to achieve common goals and share knowledge and best practices.

7. Instructional Designer Job Description

Needs Analysis: Conduct training needs analysis.
Expert Identification: Identify subject matter experts with an appropriate level of experience and expertise.
Tool Selection: Select/design appropriate tools/instruments to collect data on training needs.
Data Analysis: Analyze data and prepare written reports.
Solution Justification: Determine and document rationale for training and/or non-training solutions.
Resource Research: Find available, relevant resource materials that provide information about job/tasks/competencies.
Requirement Documentation: Document training requirements.
Plan Development: Develop personal development plans and make recommendations to address training requirements.
Meeting Coordination: Facilitate and coordinate meetings.
Group Facilitation: Facilitate individual and group meetings and interactions.
Logistics Planning: Coordinate logistics and prepare contingency plans.

8. Instructional Designer Overview

Agenda Preparation: Prepare meeting agenda and facilitate meeting flow.
Question Framing: Ask appropriate questions to drive the conversation forward.
Meeting Documentation: Document and share meeting minutes, outputs, and action items.
Curriculum Design: Design training curricula and materials.
Concept Drafting: Prepare a “concept draft” of the training design.
Evaluation Design: Design the learning evaluation.
Material Design: Design the learning materials and media.
Pilot Testing: Design and participate in a “pilot” of new training programs.
Material Production: Finalize and produce learning materials and media.
Facilitator Support: Support facilitators/instructors and obtain feedback on the effectiveness of training design.
Process Maintenance: Develop and implement a maintenance and update process.

9. Instructional Designer Details and Accountabilities

Team Oversight: Review, coach, mentor, and provide oversight to the team of the Instructional Designers and Learning Developers.
Design Support: Act as a point of contact for design innovation, best practices and technology support to the whole learning team.
Problem Solving: Autonomously handle challenges that arise during projects, devising solutions and communicating with project team members.
Status Reporting: Keep the team updated on the status of projects to facilitate coordination of department resources, capacity, lessons learned and best practices.
Stakeholder Consultation: Consult with HR Business Partners and SMEs at various levels across the organization to provide learning needs analysis, project management, design, development and implementation.
Learning Support: Support the various channels of adult learning to assist with the acquisition of new knowledge, skills and/or behaviors.
Design Recommendation: Recommend the appropriate design coordination that best meets the overall needs of the client group.
Delivery Selection: Determine the appropriate method of delivery including in-class, e-Learning, job aids, etc., to ensure learning objectives are met.
Solution Development: Plan, design and develop learning solutions related to the business and developmental needs of client groups.
Project Management: Manage complex large-scale projects, including leadership development programming.
Content Sourcing: Source relevant content to ensure an all-encompassing learning experience is attained.
Framework Application: Leverage ADDIE and/or Bloom’s Taxonomy framework to best deliver the appropriate learning experience.
Content Innovation: Bring innovative and creative approaches to eLearning, workshops, portals, as well as job aids and video content.
Trainer Support: Create Facilitator Guides and facilitate Train the Trainer sessions to support the transfer of knowledge to the business partners.
Project Tracking: Keep track of project plans and ensure all expectations are being met by all parties involved.
Content Deployment: Oversee the distribution methods for learning and how to best leverage VIP/HRIS My Learning platform to effectively deploy and manage content.
Assessment Design: Design assessment and evaluation tools that focus on delivering effective and engaging learning experiences and developmental opportunities.
Tool Analysis: Analyze measurement tools and make recommendations for improvement.
Translation Coordination: Coordinate French translation and SME reviews.

10. Instructional Designer Tasks

Faculty Collaboration: Collaborates with faculty to establish a clear vision and expectation for the course development process.
Course Consultation: Consults with instructors or course developers on course development.
Material Evaluation: Assesses course materials and provides feedback for improvement based on a rubric.
Instructional Application: Applies instructional design principles and suggests instructional technologies appropriate for content.
Project Management: Manages small projects related to course development or improvement.
Activity Reporting: Generates regular reports on all course development activities.
Content Formatting: Organizes and formats online course materials to align with the functionality and features of the LMS or LCMS.
Asset Integration: Builds course assets into the LMS.
Compliance Review: Reviews online course materials for copyright and WCAG 2.0 compliance.
Course Improvement: Proactively improves courses during the feedback process.

11. Instructional Designer Roles

Guide Development: Develop on-the-job learning aids and quick guides that enhance participant learning for Production Team functions and other topics.
Curriculum Design: Develop curriculum using a performance-based instructional design and training model (e.g., ADDIE/ISD) to design, develop, and implement training programs.
Solution Development: Design and develop learning solutions by partnering with subject matter experts within the company or by collaborating with outside vendors.
Curriculum Management: Manage logistics, or co-training, and/or be the resident expert on the curriculum and trainer guidance for facilitating curriculum.
Trend Research: Research current trends in curriculum development and implement innovative and effective solutions to improve trainee outcomes.
Effective Communication: Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with internal and external partners.
Instructional Methodology: Utilize a systematic instructional design methodology to analyze, design, develop, and evaluate quality training materials and courses.
Needs Analysis: Conduct detailed needs analysis, task analysis, learner analysis, and performance gap analysis to determine appropriate instructional design strategies.
Assessment Creation: Create training evaluations and/or knowledge and performance assessments for all training deliverables.
Process Execution: Perform the entire instructional design process following the ADDIE and/or ISD model.
Multimedia Design: Design, develop, and implement innovative multimedia learning solutions using instructional design methodology.

12. Instructional Designer Additional Details

Training Leadership: Take a lead role in the development of VS Quality Support materials and training modules.
Training Facilitation: Facilitate electronic, virtual and in-person training for practitioners in the VBA provider network.
Content Creation: Create and update reference materials and provider communications.
Process Evaluation: Evaluate training processes, tools and activities for effectiveness.
Needs Analysis: Perform needs analysis and present improvement initiatives to the Training Supervisor.
Operational Collaboration: Work closely with other operational areas to develop the required training.
Technique Research: Research and recommend new training techniques and training resources.
SME Collaboration: Work with subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop content for training modules and reference materials.
Resource Development: Update/create electronic training resources utilizing e-learning software and best practices for adult learning.
Brand Alignment: Collaborate with teams within the organization to ensure resources developed conform to the brand standard.
Process Improvement: Evaluate training processes, tools and activities for effectiveness and implement modifications.

13. Instructional Designer Essential Functions

Project Execution: Work on defined projects across multiple teams, projects, and curricula.
Course Collaboration: Collaborate with subject matter experts, stakeholders, and other Instructional Designers to design and develop training courses for online, hybrid and ILT learning experiences.
Learning Design: Design and develop training courses that align with learning outcomes, apply research-based learning principles, and inform learner progress and success in online learning environments.
eLearning Development: Use eLearning authoring tools to build online learning experiences that include assessments, interactive activities, animated videos, graphics and images, and text-based content.
Technology Awareness: Maintain knowledge of new developments in learning science, learning design, and learning technologies.
LMS Administration: Provide LMS Administration and record control of training information to ensure accurate learning plans/histories and availability of current training materials.
Content Management: Oversee the creation, editing and/or retirement of training items and curricula in the LMS training materials.
Report Generation: Generate LMS reports and/or retrieve training records to support inspections/audits or data analysis.
Technical Support: Apply LMS knowledge to provide technical support (or escalation) for users.
Team Collaboration: Share information, answer questions, solve problems, and raise issues to promote an environment of teamwork and collaboration.

14. Instructional Designer Role Purpose

Learning Design: Collaborate with the leadership team and business subject matter experts to design engaging learning that enhances business performance.
Objective Creation: Partner with the business to create clear learning objectives in support of business goals.
Content Development: Design and develop high-quality learning content to meet the needs of the supported audience.
Material Review: Conduct reviews of training materials to ensure learning objectives are met.
Content Revision: Provide enhancements and revisions to existing materials based on SME/Stakeholder feedback.
Industry Awareness: Maintain current knowledge of the latest industry tools and processes.
Team Collaboration: Collaborate with assigned L&D Staff, Manager(s) and/or Director(s) to create quality training deliverables.
Meeting Facilitation: Actively participate and/or facilitate in in-person or virtual meetings to support learning projects.
Project Tracking: Maintain accurate status of projects, milestones, and tasks in the team's project tracking tool.
Trainer Facilitation: Facilitate in-person or virtual “train the trainer” sessions.
Risk Escalation: Diagnose and escalate risks to the appropriate L&D leaders and stakeholders.

15. Instructional Designer General Responsibilities

Instructional Application: Use up-to-date knowledge and skills associated with analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation.
Resource Utilization: Access and use other expert resources to design and develop training.
Audience Analysis: Determine audience needs and flex program design to apply to the particular audience.
Training Design: Design and develop Technology-Based Training (TBT) and instructor-led training (ILT) packages based on data collection and analysis.
Schedule Flexibility: Work flexible hours to support the development and delivery of workshops, which may exceed the typical workday.
Team Collaboration: Consistently exhibit a positive outlook and collaborate in a highly engaged fashion with other team members.
Deadline Management: Maintain focus to achieve results and meet deadlines for multiple projects.
Process Mastery: Develops expertise in instructional design process methodology including analysis of the audience, job tasks, the development of curriculum maps, storyboards, flowcharts, performance objectives, testing strategies, and learning activities.
Stakeholder Communication: Maintain regular and frequent communications with development stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of projects.
Feedback Integration: Regularly solicits feedback from peers, staff, and managers, and applies the learning to enhance their own performance and capabilities.
Metrics Learning: Learning how to utilize metrics to manage and assess deliverables.
Process Adherence: Utilizes internal processes, tools, and systems for on-time delivery.
Priority Guidance: Seeks guidance for prioritization and review of deliverables.
Training Advocacy: Confidently articulate the value of training and make training recommendations to Sales Leaders that solve their specific business needs.
KPI Presentation: Present training KPIs and training impacts to the sales organization.

16. Instructional Designer Key Accountabilities

Learning Strategy: Develop a learning strategy and create instructional materials using a range of development modalities.
Team Collaboration: Actively participate in internal processes and collaborate with teams to ensure adequate translation of subject matter to learning material.
Gap Identification: Competent in identifying gaps in skills and knowledge, and crafts learning experiences to strengthen capabilities.
Content Development: Design and develop highly-effective learning content, with a focus on eLearning and blended learning, as well as job aids, quick reference guides, and user guides.
Creative Design: Apply creativity to design new and redesign historic training modules and programs.
Assessment Creation: Develop knowledge and behavioral assessments to assure the adoption of learning.
Activity Planning: Plan, organize, and implement a range of learning activities that create effective, experiential learning experiences (e.g., gamification, self-directed activities, and problem-solving scenarios).
Feedback Integration: Incorporate feedback from SME and Manager Reviews into the development of learning assets.
Inclusive Design: Develop instructional content to reflect an understanding of the diversity of learners or groups of learners.
Product Knowledge: Maintain an expert knowledge of product features and functions with a focus on sales solutions products.
Stakeholder Engagement: Partner and build meaningful relationships with key stakeholders across sales solutions, marketing and product teams to stay up-to-date with current messaging.
Global Scaling: Scale learning to accommodate global audiences and learning styles.
Script Writing: Create scripts and storyboards to present a vision consistent with instructional theories and company philosophy.
Media Production: Develop various forms of media such as eLearning presentations, print collateral, rich media, animation, simulation, interactive web modules and informational/instructional videos.
Strategy Execution: Work with SMEs and instructional designers to finalize strategy and create products based on the agreed methodology and approval from business partners.

17. Instructional Designer Roles and Details

Needs Analysis: Conduct instructional design needs analysis.
Courseware Development: Analyze learner needs and develop courseware solutions.
Specification Alignment: Work with the project manager or product owner to meet specification needs.
Asset Creation: Work with Adobe or other design programs to create compelling assets.
Experience Design: Collaborate with other developers to design and optimize learner experiences.
Guide Creation: Create flowcharts and user guides for new and existing programs.
Process Documentation: Document all process or job tasks and procedures.
Global Collaboration: Collaborate with partners to understand global and regional learning needs, determine instructional outcomes, and create compelling course content to achieve educational goals.
Material Production: Create supporting materials, such as eLearning (traditional and Rise courses), assessments, presentations, instructor guides, videos, audio, simulations, role plays, games.
Standards Compliance: Align with established project and management processes, instructional design standards and processes.
Brand Compliance: Corporate brand style and standards, including compliance requirements.
Trend Monitoring: Monitor industry technology and trends.
Tool Recommendation: Recommend new tools and methods to enhance the educational value of course materials and improve departmental efficiency.

18. Instructional Designer Responsibilities and Key Tasks

Content Development: Responsible for end-to-end development of eLearning and Instructor-led training materials.
Needs Diagnosis: Facilitate learning needs diagnosis discussion to gather business needs and translate those needs into learning objectives.
Design Alignment: Analyze the learning objectives and propose learning design solutions that align with the same.
Asset Creation: Create supporting instructional assets/media (audio, video, simulations, role plays, games, etc.).
Topic Research: Research and leverage the latest developments on a given topic and incorporate them into the course content.
Project Planning: Create project plans and manage timelines for the projects.
Material Design: Design a variety of instructional materials for online courses.
Objective Writing: Create engaging learning objectives and assessments, structure the course appropriately, and bring about creativity in e-learning.
Content Review: Reviews all e-Learning deliverables for content flow, accuracy, language, standards, etc.
Strategy Execution: Conceptualize and put into practice effective training strategies.
Objective Matching: Ensuring content matches with established learning objectives.
Content Reshaping: Reshaping content for changing needs.
Document Creation: Develop design and other documents related to course creation.
Goal Setting: Set instructional end goals and create content that matches them.
SME Collaboration: Work with subject matter experts (SMEs) to translate their knowledge and experience into instructionally sound online content.

19. Instructional Designer Duties and Roles

Faculty Collaboration: Collaborate with university faculty and staff on the design of digital learning experiences.
Design Guidance: Guide university faculty and staff on best practices of instructional design.
Course Structuring: Define and design key course elements, including student learning outcomes, performance competencies, interactive elements, case studies, assessments, activities and multimedia assets.
Schedule Adherence: Adhere to course design schedules and quality standards.
Effective Communication: Communicate effectively with faculty and representatives from partner institutions.
Client Relations: Contribute to positive faculty and school relationships with a high-touch, client-focused approach.
Deadline Management: Deliver against deadlines in a fast-paced, global environment with multiple stakeholders.
Team Collaboration: Liaise and collaborate with global team members.
Cross-Functionality: Contribute effectively and meaningfully to a cross-functional team to ensure that the course launch and daily operations run smoothly.
Learner Advocacy: Advocate for the learner and ensure that courses create value for them.
Trend Awareness: Remain current with research and emerging trends in instructional design and learning technology.
Quality Control: Conduct quality control checks on new and existing online courses.
Team Coordination: Work in coordination with the remainder of the Design team, as well as the Delivery team, to ensure that course launch and daily operations run smoothly.

20. Instructional Designer Roles and Responsibilities

Content Creation: Create engaging learning activities and compelling course content that enhances knowledge transfer and retention.
SME Collaboration: Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) and identify the target audience’s training needs.
Goal Definition: State instructional end goals and create visually stimulating content that matches them.
Graphic Visualization: Visualize instructional graphics, the user interface and the finished product.
Learner Research: Conduct instructional research and analysis on learners and context.
Theory Application: Apply tested instructional design theories, best practices and methods.
Exercise Building: Build exercises and activities that enhance the overall learning process.
Media Development: Create supporting material/media (audio, video, simulations, etc.).
LMS Delivery: Learning Management System training delivery.
Content Updating: Updating training modules as content changes.
Performance Assessment: Develop methods for assessing learners’ performance and understanding of course materials such as quizzes and tests.
Project Documentation: Maintain project documentation and course folders.

Relevant Information

What Does An Instructional Design Specialist Do?