This term fits / Making change workMethodologies
Instructional Design
Definition
The systematic process of designing, developing, and delivering instructional materials and experiences. Instructional designers apply learning theory, pedagogical principles, and multimedia design to create effective training solutions that facilitate knowledge acquisition and skill development.
Where it fits in the SDI system
Turn a new process, system, role, or expectation into relevant practice, communication, job support, and evidence people can use in the work.
SDI practitioner lens
From definition to decision
Instructional design connects a performance need to evidence, practice, feedback, content, delivery, and application. The craft is broader than organizing information; it decides what experience will help a person act differently in a real context.
01 / Decision it should inform
Use instructional design to determine whether learning is appropriate, define credible evidence of capability, and align every activity with the required performance.
02 / What to watch for
Starting from a topic list or source document turns the designer into a content arranger and leaves the underlying performance problem untested.
Related ideas, client examples, and next steps
Carry the change from intent into day-to-day performance.
Continue with the ideas, evidence, and SDI support that are directly relevant to this page. When a link does not add useful context, it is intentionally left out.
Read practical guidance
Why Instructional Design is Important in 2021You either got it or you don't. The best eLearning courses in the world are nothing without the right presentation.Effective Change Management Strategies Are Not One Size Fits AllOrganizations managing major change initiatives must develop a deep understanding of employees to ensure successful adoption. Change outcomes depend on employees' "skill and will" to change.Designing Effective Onboarding ProgramsOnboarding shapes new hire success and retention. Strategic program design accelerates productivity and integration.
See a client example
Explore relevant help
See how SDI chooses and produces the right performance medium, from job aids and toolkits to interactive learning, video, and facilitated experiences.
Explore training materials
Turn the term into a decision
What would “Instructional Design” change in your organization?
Clara can translate the definition into ownership, evidence, and the next question worth asking without treating the term as a solution.