Designers aren’t order-takers anymore
In too many organizations, instructional designers are still brought in after the strategy is set. “Make it look nice.” “Turn this into a course.” But the most impactful work I’ve done happened when I was involved early, shaping goals, surfacing risks, and mapping user journeys. Instructional design is strategic work. We aren’t just building courses. We’re building performance systems.
We speak both languages
Designers translate business needs into learner experiences. That means understanding KPIs and adult learning, brand voice and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), AI tools, and team dynamics. When I’ve helped shift a program from slides to systems thinking, it wasn’t about prettier graphics. It was about identifying bottlenecks, shaping behavior, and showing measurable value. And that shift earned a seat at the strategy table.
Takeaway
Instructional designers don’t just execute vision; we need to help define it.
Discussion Prompt
How early are designers invited into strategic conversations where you work?
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