Benefits of Instructional Design

Focused/Customized Training

In designing learning programs, it is worthy to keep in mind what the famous French writer Alexandre Dumas once said: “All generalizations are dangerous, including this one.” In other words, never assume similar performance problems occurring in different environments will require the same learning intervention.

Instructional design does away with cookie-cutter modules. It focuses instead on designing a “blueprint” that is unique and customized for the problem at hand. For instructional designers, each gap is specific. Thus, you need a unique “bridge” that would fill each of them perfectly.

Participation/Interaction

Instructional design uses interactive strategies to encourage the participation of learners. Unlike other training programs that rely solely on the knowledge of the instructor (trainer-centric), instructional design involves the different stakeholders (i.e. the subject matter experts, the trainer, etc) throughout the process. The design of the program uses a combination of various methodologies and materials that would optimize the learning experience, based on the assessment of what the trainees need to learn.

Results Driven (Instructional Integrity)

Instructional design sets clear deliverables and accountabilities by identifying concrete and measurable objectives. The entire design of a program—and each of its components—is based on these objectives. Instructional designers review the design to trim down unnecessary components and create a stronger link between the learning program and the actual performance.

Consistency

In instructional design, being “consistent” does not mean using the same material over and over again. Consistency means the capability to replicate the process and ensure the instructional integrity of the program at all times. Hence, instructional design can adapt to your particular needs by offering to customize instuctions, yet remains consistent at the same time.

Cost-effectiveness

Instructional design simplifies learning for the learners. Through careful planning, it identifies the easiest and most effective way through which learners can get the information and training they need. As a result, the learning process is shortened, objectives are met more easily, and resources are maximized.