Instructional Design Consultant
Have you ever had to take required compliance training online? Have you learned about new product features and benefits to better sell it to your customer? Have you been through an impactful leadership development course? These were all likely created by instructional design consultant.
These highly skilled professionals can find the best ways to help employees acquire knowledge and skills in the shortest amount of time. Instructional designers play a pivotal role in enhancing learning experiences through a variety of initiatives.
- Content Refresh: They meticulously update existing materials to ensure relevance and accuracy, keeping pace with industry changes and innovations.
- New Program Build: From the ground up, they design comprehensive programs tailored to meet specific organizational goals and learner needs.
- Onboarding Initiatives: By crafting engaging onboarding experiences, they help new employees quickly acclimate and become productive team members.
- Leadership Development Initiatives: They develop targeted training that empowers leaders with essential skills to effectively manage and inspire their teams.
- Technical Training: Instructional designers create specialized courses that equip employees with the technical know-how required for their roles.
- Safety & Compliance Training: Ensuring workplace safety and regulatory compliance through thorough and engaging training modules is another area of expertise.
- Video Development: Leveraging visual media, they create compelling video content that enhances understanding and retention.
- ILT to vILT Conversion: They adeptly transform traditional instructor-led training (ILT) into virtual instructor-led training (vILT), providing flexible and accessible learning options.
- New Product Training: As organizations launch new products, instructional designers develop training that ensures team members can effectively support and sell these innovations.
By integrating these diverse initiatives, instructional designers not only enhance individual skill sets but also contribute significantly to organizational growth and success.
What does an Instructional Design Consultant do?
According to ATD, instructional design is the creation of learning experiences and materials in a manner that results in the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills.
An instructional designer is a highly educated and experienced professional that has specialized in understanding adult learning, learning technologies, and instructional design models. Examples of these models include:
These highly skilled professionals can find the best ways to help employees acquire knowledge and skills in the shortest amount of time.
5 Reasons to Hire an Instructional Design Consultant
What skills does an Instructional Design Consultant need?
Instructional Designers are able to see both the big picture, and the small details. Some things instructional designers regularly do as part of their job include:
- Writing learning objectives.
- Designing and developing materials for the classroom or virtual classroom.
- Designing and developing, eLearning, microlearning, and mobile learning.
- Designing and writing assessments.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of learning programs.
- Managing Learning Projects.
- Curate content.
- Gather knowledge from subject matter experts.
- Perform different analyses such as:
- needs analysis
- task analysis
- audience analysis
- technology analysis.
- Visual design skills.
- Business acumen.
- Strong communication and business skills.
Whether you need classroom training, virtual classroom training (vILT), or an eLearning course, an Instructional Design Consultant can build the best course with most impact on learning.
What software does an Instructional Design Consultant need to know how to use?
- Articulate Storyline
- Articulate RISE
- Adobe Captivate
- Adobe InDesign
- SnagIT
- Vyond
- WalkMe
- iSpring Suite
- Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
Sample Instructional Design Consultant Job Description
Job Description: Instructional Designer
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Instructional Designer with a strong background in instructional design and financial services. The ideal candidate will have expertise in developing engaging and effective eLearning content using Articulate Storyline, Vyond, and in utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) tools for development. This role involves collaborating with stakeholders, subject matter experts (SMEs), and facilitators to create impactful learning solutions that improve performance and drive business results.
Key Responsibilities:
- Instructional Design: Develop and design classroom, online, and eLearning learning programs.
- eLearning Development: Utilize Articulate Storyline to create interactive and engaging eLearning modules.
- Animation: Design and produce animated videos using Vyond to supplement training content, ensuring that complex concepts are communicated effectively and engagingly.
- AI Integration: Leverage artificial intelligence tools for development.
Qualifications:
- Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in instructional design in a corporate environment.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Articulate Storyline, Vyond, Adobe Creative Cloud, and AI tools.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Education, Communication, or a related field. A master’s degree is a plus.
- Knowledge: Strong understanding of adult learning principles, instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM), and eLearning best practices.
- Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear and concise training materials.
- Adaptability: Ability to quickly adapt to changing business needs and learning technologies.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS).
- Knowledge of data analytics and its application in learning and development.
- Previous experience working in a financial services company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: Why Organizations Should Invest in Instructional Designers for Learning and Development:
In today’s fast-paced environment, effective learning and development programs are essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Here’s why integrating instructional designers into your strategy can make a world of difference:
1. Enhance and Scale Your Team: Instructional designers bring a breadth of knowledge and can seamlessly expand your existing team. Whether you need to scale up quickly or introduce new expertise, these professionals are equipped to handle large-scale projects across various learning platforms.
2. Comprehensive Design and Development: With a full range of design skills, instructional designers are adept at creating content in all standard learning modalities, from e-learning modules to in-person classroom workshops. Their versatility ensures that your organization’s specific needs and preferences are met, regardless of the medium.
3. Expertise Across the ADDIE Model: Leverage the comprehensive ADDIE framework—Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate—which instructional designers are skilled at navigating. Whether you require support at a particular stage or throughout the entire process, their involvement ensures a thorough and effective learning experience.
4. Strategic Learning Solutions: Instructional designers help develop robust strategies and curriculum structures tailored to your organization’s goals. They craft comprehensive learning plans and competencies that align with your vision, providing a cohesive roadmap for success.
5. Mastery in UI/UX Design: With expertise in user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, instructional designers ensure that learning materials are both engaging and user-friendly. They design for all platforms—mobile, tablets, websites, desktops, and embedded systems—so learners have a seamless experience, no matter how they access the content.
Integrating instructional designers into your learning and development initiatives ensures access to cutting-edge strategies and polished, effective educational materials. This approach not only meets today’s learning demands but also positions your organization for continued success.
Schedule a consultation today.
Answer: How Instructional Designers Enhance Learner-Centered Design in Digital Environments
Instructional designers play a crucial role in the modern educational landscape, effectively combining technology and creativity. Their unique set of skills ensures that digital courses are not only informative but also engaging and tailored to individual learners’ needs. Here’s how they contribute:
Understanding the Learner: Instructional designers begin by analyzing the target audience. Through surveys, interviews, and feedback, designers can identify the preferences and challenges of learners, allowing them to tailor the content accordingly.
Leveraging Technology: By utilizing cutting-edge software and tools, instructional designers craft interactive and immersive experiences. Platforms like Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate help create simulations and scenarios that resonate with students.
Crafting Engaging Content: They design courses that are visually appealing and interactive, ensuring learners remain engaged. This often includes videos, quizzes, and gamified elements that make learning enjoyable.
Adapting to Various Learning Environments: Whether it’s a fully online, hybrid, or face-to-face setting, instructional designers are adept at customizing the content to suit various delivery modes, ensuring flexibility and accessibility.
Continuous Improvement and Assessment: Instructional designers routinely gather learner feedback and analyze course performance data. This iterative process allows them to refine and enhance the learning experience continually.
In essence, instructional designers are the architects of modern education, ensuring that digital learning is effective, personalized, and learner-focused.
Schedule a consultation today.
Answer: How Instructional Designers Enhance Learner-Centered Design in Digital Environments
Instructional designers play a crucial role in the modern educational landscape, effectively combining technology and creativity. Their unique set of skills ensures that digital courses are not only informative but also engaging and tailored to individual learners’ needs. Here’s how they contribute:
Understanding the Learner: Instructional designers begin by analyzing the target audience. Through surveys, interviews, and feedback, designers can identify the preferences and challenges of learners, allowing them to tailor the content accordingly.
Leveraging Technology: By utilizing cutting-edge software and tools, instructional designers craft interactive and immersive experiences. Platforms like Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate help create simulations and scenarios that resonate with students.
Crafting Engaging Content: They design courses that are visually appealing and interactive, ensuring learners remain engaged. This often includes videos, quizzes, and gamified elements that make learning enjoyable.
Adapting to Various Learning Environments: Whether it’s a fully online, hybrid, or face-to-face setting, instructional designers are adept at customizing the content to suit various delivery modes, ensuring flexibility and accessibility.
Continuous Improvement and Assessment: Instructional designers routinely gather learner feedback and analyze course performance data. This iterative process allows them to refine and enhance the learning experience continually.
In essence, instructional designers are the architects of modern education, ensuring that digital learning is effective, personalized, and learner-focused.
Schedule a consultation today.
Answer: How Does the ADDIE Model Benefit Instructional Design Projects?
The ADDIE Model is one of the most widely used frameworks in instructional design, and for good reason—it brings structure, clarity, and efficiency to learning projects. Whether you’re creating an eLearning course, a leadership development program, or an onboarding experience, ADDIE helps instructional designers stay on track and aligned with business goals.
The model breaks the design process into five key phases: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. Each phase builds on the previous one, allowing instructional design professionals to move from big-picture planning to detailed execution in a logical and manageable way.
In the Analysis phase, you identify the learning need and define clear goals. This prevents wasted time and effort on training that doesn’t actually solve a problem. Design and Development allow you to create engaging, learner-centered content that supports those goals. During Implementation, the training is delivered—whether that’s through a virtual classroom, LMS, or in-person (classroom) workshop. Finally, Evaluation ensures the training is effective and gives you data to improve future efforts.
One of the biggest benefits of ADDIE is its flexibility. While it’s often presented as a linear process, many instructional design consultants use it in a more iterative or agile way—looping back as needed based on feedback.
For instructional design contractors working with different clients and industries, ADDIE also provides a common language to explain their approach and set expectations. It’s a professional standard that helps build trust, manage scope, and deliver results that truly impact learning and performance.
Schedule a consultation today.
Answer: Advantages of Using a Full Solution Team for Instructional Design
When it comes to crafting effective educational experiences, employing a full solution team for instructional design offers several distinct advantages:
Consistent Quality Control: A dedicated team ensures uniformity in the quality of learning materials, as all members work closely together. This consistency enhances the cohesiveness of educational content across the board.
Rapid Development: When faced with tight deadlines, a cohesive team can create learning assets swiftly. Their streamlined processes and established workflows facilitate quicker turnaround times without compromising quality.
Simultaneous Project Execution: A full team has the capacity to tackle multiple deliverables at once, allowing for parallel processing of tasks. This capability means they can manage various aspects of a project concurrently, leading to more efficient project completion.
Strategic Alignment: At each milestone, the team ensures alignment with project goals. Regular check-ins and collaboration guarantee that the project stays on track and meets its intended outcomes at every stage.
Predictable Budgeting: Often, a full solution team can provide a fixed cost before the project begins. This transparency assists in budget planning, reducing financial uncertainties and ensuring efficient use of resources.
Scheduled Deliverables: Projects are usually handled according to a set timeline. The team follows a predetermined schedule, ensuring that deliverables are completed on time and milestones are met promptly.
Integrating a full solution team not only enhances the efficacy and efficiency of instructional design projects but also provides clients with peace of mind through reliable deliveries and predictable costs.
TrainingPros regularly assembles full teams for training rollouts or large eLearning initiatives for our clients. Schedule a consultation today.
Answer: The Process for Converting ILT to vILT
Transitioning from Instructor-Led Training (ILT) to Virtual Instructor-Led Training (vILT) can streamline operations and broaden your audience. Here’s how you can transform your traditional training methods into an engaging virtual experience:
1. Assess the Current Training Program
Begin with an in-depth analysis of the existing ILT materials:
- Content Relevance: Evaluate the applicability of current content for an online format.
- Learning Objectives: Ensure that the objectives align with your desired training outcomes in a virtual environment.
2. Select Appropriate Technology
Choosing the right technology is crucial:
Platforms: Opt for user-friendly platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or WebEx.
Tools: Incorporate tools such as polling software, virtual whiteboards, and screen sharing capabilities to enhance interaction.
3. Adapt Content for Virtual Delivery
Revamping content involves thoughtful redesign:
- Interactivity: Introduce elements like quizzes, breakout sessions, and interactive discussions.
- Content Segmentation: Break down material into shorter modules and use visuals to maintain attention.
4. Prepare Instructors for Virtual Engagement
Training facilitators must adjust to the online environment:
- Technical Training: Provide guidance on using virtual tools and managing technical issues.
- Engagement Techniques: Train instructors on maintaining participant engagement through frequent interactions and feedback.
- Consider engaging Virtual Classroom Producers to ensure a smooth transition.
5. Pilot the Program
Before a full rollout, conduct a pilot session:
- Gather Feedback: Collect participant feedback to identify areas for improvement.
- Make Adjustments: Fine-tune content and delivery methods based on feedback.
6. Implement and Review
Launch the revised vILT program across your organization:
- Monitor Performance: Use surveys and assessments to measure the effectiveness and impact of the training.
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly review the program to incorporate improvements and updates.
By following these steps, you can successfully convert your ILT sessions into dynamic and flexible vILT experiences that engage learners and meet educational goals.
Schedule a consultation today.
How do I find an Instructional Design Consultant?
Are you looking to augment your staff with an Instructional Design Consultant? Let our practitioner Relationship Managers find the best consultant for your upcoming project.
Are you an Instructional Designer? View our list of available contract positions.
10 Interview Questions to Ask an Instructional Design Consultant
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