Instructional Designer Responsibilities

An instructional designer is like a symphony orchestra conductor, the one who knows all the parts and how they fit together. How else can one person be expected to combine knowledge and skills in learning theories, learning models, web programs, authoring tools, basics of web and graphic design, section 508 compliance, impact of disabilities on multimedia selection, and learning management systems?

So what are the tasks an instructional designer is expected to perform? The job description template for instructional designers on the Workable website lists the following responsibilities:

• Create engaging learning activities and compelling course content that enhances retention and transfer
• Work with subject-matter experts (SMEs) and identify the target audience’s training needs
• State instructional end goals and create content that matches them
• Visualize instructional graphics, the user interface, and the finished product
• Conduct instructional research and analysis on learners and contexts
• Apply tested instructional design theories, practice, and methods
• Provide exercises and activities that enhance the learning process
• Decide on the criteria used to judge learner’s performance and develop assessment instruments
• Create supporting materials and media (such as audio, video, simulations, role plays, and games)
• Maintain project documentation and course folders

The list above is not comprehensive, yet a good illustration of what an instructional designer is expected to master.