Data, Design Thinking and the Changing Role of the Instructional Designer
The instructional design and learning experience design (LXD) landscape is shifting—again. As organizations adjust to hybrid work models, rising upskilling demands and an ever-expanding ecosystem of digital tools, learning and development professionals are entering a new era. It’s no longer enough to build content—today’s instructional designers must architect learning experiences that are measurable, adaptive and learner-centered.
The adoption rate of LMS and eLearning tools is rising, with relying on eLearning for professional development and 63% of high school students using digital learning platforms. Globally, the eLearning market is projected to surpass $375 billion by 2026. Yet despite widespread adoption, many learners still report low engagement and limited knowledge transfer. The culprit? Content saturation without intentional design strategy. The solution? A fundamental transformation in how instructional design is practiced—and perceived.Ìý
The Expanding Skillset of the Modern Instructional DesignerÌýÌý
In years past, instructional designers were primarily focused on creating eLearning modules, training guides and onboarding materials. While those tools remain foundational, the role has expanded well beyond asset development.ÌýÌý
Today’s learning design professionals must:ÌýÌý
- Integrate learning science with user experience (UX) design principlesÌýÌý
- Collaborate with subject matter experts, technologists and business stakeholdersÌýÌý
- Use learning analytics to refine and improve learner experiencesÌýÌý
- Design for accessibility and equitable learner supportÌýÌý
- Apply agile methodologies to manage iterative learning projectsÌýÌý
Instructional designers are now strategists, facilitators and systems thinkers. The rise of artificial intelligence has only accelerated this shift. A recent from the Digital Education Council found that 86% of students use AI in their studies, with more than half using it weekly or daily. As technology takes on more content-generation tasks, designers must focus on delivering human-centered, high-impact learning experiences that go beyond templates and automation.ÌýÌý
“ Understanding how AI can enhance elements of learning design—such as improving assessments, refining assessment mechanics for instructors, or generating more interactive content—is essential. It’s a powerful tool for sparking content ideas, but it still requires the human and expert touch to apply the right framework and ensure high-quality results. ”
- Ankit Desai, Adjunct Faculty, 91̽»¨University
From Delivery to Experience: A Shift in Design MindsetÌýÌý
The field is undergoing a mindset shift—from delivering training to designing holistic learning . This learner-first approach is rooted in empathy, relevance and real-time feedback.ÌýÌý
Design thinking in instructional design is at the hear of this evolution. By understanding learner needs, defining clear goals and rapidly prototyping solutions, designers can deliver just-in-time, purpose-driven learning. It’s no longer about building a one-hour course—it’s about solving real workplace challenges through microlearning, simulations and embedded performance support.ÌýÌý
Harnessing Data to Drive Instructional DecisionsÌý
While creativity remains a vital part of instructional design, data fluency is quickly becoming a core competency. Learning and development teams are under growing pressure to demonstrate return on investment—and that means moving beyond completion rates and smile sheets. Modern learning experience designers must be able to:ÌýÌý
- Analyze learner behavior and completion trendsÌýÌý
- Use learning management system (LMS) dashboards and data tools like xAPI and LRSÌýÌý
- Correlate learning outcomes with performance and productivity metricsÌýÌý
- A/B test learning formats and sequences to optimize engagementÌýÌý
Designers who can connect data to measurable learning effectiveness are better equipped to influence strategic decision-making. In fact, a of adaptive learning platforms found that 86% of studies reported positive impacts on learner outcomes. Meanwhile, helped one Alabama school district improve its state math ranking from 35th to 12th over five years.ÌýÌý
Building for Accessibility and Equitable LearningÌý
As teams become more remote and globally distributed, designing for broad learner access is no longer optional. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides a framework to reduce barriers and support diverse learning needs.ÌýÌý
Best practices include:ÌýÌý
- Addressing varied learning preferences and neurodiverse stylesÌýÌý
- Incorporating alt text, captions and screen reader–friendly navigationÌýÌý
- Offering content in multiple formats—such as video, transcripts and interactive PDFsÌýÌý
- Ensuring mobile-responsive design for learners on the goÌýÌý
Instructional designers play a vital role in expanding access. When accessibility is built into the process—not bolted on later—it improves engagement, retention and learner satisfaction across the board.ÌýÌý
Collaborating Across the EnterpriseÌýÌý
Just as contract managers must navigate multi-stakeholder environments, instructional designers must collaborate across teams. Whether developing a compliance course, enabling a product launch or supporting internal communications, designers must align learning goals with organizational priorities.ÌýÌý
Effective design doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It requires strong communication, stakeholder alignment, and a deep understanding of project scope and constraints. Increasingly, instructional designers are stepping into strategic conversations—not just delivering slide decks.ÌýÌý
Upskilling for the Future of LearningÌýÌý
As the field continues to evolve, so too must its practitioners. Designers who once relied solely on PowerPoint and legacy LMS tools are now embracing a broader skill set that includes:ÌýÌýÌý
- Authoring tools like Articulate Rise, Storyline and Adobe CaptivateÌýÌý
- Learning analytics and data dashboardsÌýÌý
- Experience design and learner journey mappingÌýÌý
- AI-enhanced course development and content automationÌýÌý
³Õ¾±±ô±ô²¹²Ô´Ç±¹²¹â€™s Learning Design & Technology Certificate curriculum reflects these emerging needs. The program combines real-world application with academic insight, offering coursework in instructional strategy, educational technology and learning science. Designed for working professionals, it empowers educators, career changers and corporate trainers to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital learning environment.Ìý
“ I see my role as a professor in this program as one of deep engagement—meeting students where they are and connecting with what they’re experiencing in real life. My goal is to equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to successfully problem-solve in the real world. ”
- Ankit Desai, Adjunct Faculty, 91̽»¨University
Advance Your Skills in Instructional Design at 91̽»¨University
Instructional design is no longer a back-office function—it’s a strategic driver of growth, engagement and organizational change. Whether you're building onboarding programs, leading enterprise-wide training initiatives or transforming classroom learning, the choices you make as a designer shape how people grow.ÌýÌý
³Õ¾±±ô±ô²¹²Ô´Ç±¹²¹â€™s College of Professional Studies offers flexible, career-focused programs designed to help professionals lead the future of learning. Explore our Learning Design & Technology Certificate and develop the skills that matter most in today’s learning economy.
About 91̽»¨University’s College of Professional Studies: Founded in 2014, the College of Professional Studies (CPS) provides academically rigorous yet flexible educational pathways to high-achieving adult learners who are balancing professional and educational aspirations with life’s commitments. The CPS experience embodies ³Õ¾±±ô±ô²¹²Ô´Ç±¹²¹â€™s century-long commitment to making academic excellence accessible to students at all stages of life. Students in CPS programs engage with world-class 91̽»¨faculty including scholars and practitioners, explore innovative educational technologies and experiences, and join an influential network of passionate alumni. In addition to its industry-leading programs at the nexus of theory and practice, CPS has built a reputation for its personal approach and supportive community that empowers adult students to enrich their lives, enhance their value in the workplace, and embark on new careers.
PURSUE THE NEXT YOUâ„¢ and visitÌýcps.villanova.eduÌýfor more information about the college, including a full list of education and program offerings.