Instructional design: Create engaging and effective learning experiences
Instructional design is the systematic process of analysing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating the effectiveness of learning experiences. It's about creating engaging and effective training materials, whether for employees, customers, or students.
A skilled instructional designer takes complex information and transforms it into easily digestible content that meets specific learning objectives.
What to look for in a freelance instructional designer
When searching for a freelance instructional designer, look for individuals with a strong understanding of learning theories and instructional design models. They should be proficient in using various authoring tools and learning management systems (LMS).
Excellent communication, project management, and problem-solving skills are also crucial.
Main expertise areas to inquire about
Instructional designers can specialise in various areas. When hiring, consider your specific needs and inquire about the freelancer's expertise in:
- eLearning development (Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, etc.)
- Instructor-led training (ILT) design
- Blended learning solutions
- Microlearning and mobile learning
- Gamification and interactive learning
- Accessibility and inclusive design
Relevant interview questions
Here are some key questions to ask potential freelance instructional designers:
- Can you describe your instructional design process?
- What authoring tools are you proficient in?
- Do you have experience with [specific learning management systems]?
- Can you share examples of successful projects you've completed?
- How do you ensure your designs are accessible to all learners?
- How do you measure the effectiveness of your training materials?
Tips for shortlisting candidates
- Review portfolios and case studies to assess the quality of their work.
- Look for examples that align with your target audience and learning objectives.
- Check their references and testimonials to gauge their reliability and professionalism.
- A successful shortlist should include candidates who demonstrate a clear understanding of your project requirements and possess the necessary skills and experience.
Potential red flags
Be wary of instructional designers who:
- Lack a clear understanding of learning theories and instructional design principles.
- Rely solely on one authoring tool or approach.
- Fail to provide concrete examples of their work or measurable results.
- Are unresponsive or difficult to communicate with.
Typical complementary skills
Many instructional designers also possess skills in:
- Graphic design
- Video editing
- Web development
- Content writing
- Project management
These complementary skills can be beneficial depending on the scope of your project.
Benefits of hiring a freelance instructional designer
Hiring a freelance instructional designer offers several advantages:
- Expertise and specialisation: Access a wide pool of talent with specific expertise in various areas of instructional design.
- Flexibility and scalability: Scale your learning and development efforts up or down based on your needs.
- Cost-effectiveness: Engage freelancers for specific projects without the overhead costs associated with full-time employees.
- A fresh perspective: Bring in new ideas and innovative approaches to your training programmes.
What problems can a freelance instructional designer solve?
A skilled instructional designer can help you:
- Improve employee performance: Develop targeted training programmes that address specific skill gaps and improve employee productivity.
- Enhance customer onboarding: Create engaging onboarding experiences that help customers quickly understand and use your products or services.
- Boost student engagement: Design interactive and engaging learning materials that improve student comprehension and retention.
- Streamline training processes: Develop efficient and effective training programmes that save time and resources.
For example, a company launching a new software product could hire a freelance instructional designer to create a series of interactive tutorials and online help resources. A university might engage a freelancer to develop engaging online modules for a distance learning course. A non-profit organisation could hire an instructional designer to create training materials for volunteers.
