When embarking on a digital transformation, savvy workplace learning and development (L&D) teams often deploy a practice called instructional design to ensure employees receive the knowledge and tools they need to use the new technology proficiently. Part of a broader change management strategy designed to promote digital literacy, instructional design plays a central role in helping companies realize the full value of their technology investment.

In this article, we’ll answer the following questions about instructional design to help you get to know this L&D discipline better:

• What is instructional design?
• What are the components of instructional design?
• What are the benefits of outsourcing instructional design?

Continue reading to discover more about the practice of instructional design.

What Is Instructional Design?

Instructional design is a practical and systematic process for creating instructional experiences that facilitate learning the most effectively. It includes creating engaging and appealing learning experiences rooted in cognitive scientific principles of how the brain works. In the context of new technology deployments, instructional design is key to helping teams acquire and apply the knowledge and skills required to use it with confidence and proficiency.

What are the components of instructional design?

While there are many instructional design models and processes, they often share similar components, including:

• Needs assessment – Identifies why training is needed, the learners and departments affected, and the learning objectives.
• Stakeholder collaboration – Aligns leadership, managers, learners, and support teams to promote buy-in across the organization.
• Design & development of instructional materials and methods – Includes identifying the best learning channels, drafting curriculum and lesson plans, and developing instructional materials, such as presentations, eLearning, custom training videos, and quick reference job aides for easy recall.
• Effectiveness evaluation – Examines the learning solution’s success through assessments and other benchmarks, including user adoption and proficiency rates.

What are the benefits of outsourcing instructional design?

Experienced instructional designers, like our chief learning officer, have specialized training and skills that combine psychology, education, and communication to ensure instruction is meaningful and effective. They understand concepts related to adult learning theory, cognitive science, behavioral change, curriculum design, course development, instructional practices, and the latest learning technologies.

If your company doesn’t have an instructional designer on staff, consider outsourcing to a seasoned L&D consultant to enjoy the following benefits:

1. Receive expert skilled guidance -- Leverage a specialized skill set and the latest best practices without having to invest in a full-time employee
2. Unburden your internal team -- Unburden the technology subject matter expert and other volunteer staff who may not be skilled in adult learning or course design
3. Stay on course -- Avoid common pitfalls that can delay progress with a professional who knows how to keep you on track to meet your goals
4. Elevate the training quality -- Help learners receive a better value for their time, saving costs on missed milestones and ineffective training
5. Maximize ROI -- Increase the technology ROI with proficient users equipped with the right skills and knowledge to maximize digital literacy

There are many other benefits of outsourcing instructional design for your digital transformation. Reach out to our change management and learning and development experts to learn more.

Is your organization planning a large-scale technology rollout or software upgrade? Our results-focused instructional design capabilities are tested, validated, engaging, informative, and adaptable to your specific needs. By blending learning and development services with proven change management strategies, we’ll help your company maximize the value of your technology investment. Contact our Prosci® certified consultants today to get started.