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A Beginner’s Guide to Instructional Design Tools
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Instructional design blends creativity with pedagogy and technology, making it an exciting and varied career choice. And thanks to the post-pandemic explosion in eLearning, it’s also an in-demand job. According to the online recruitment platform Jobicy, instructional design jobs are experiencing an 18% annual growth rate. There’s never been a better time to get into instructional design.
However, understanding and using the right design tools is critical to success. Whether you’re a complete novice or have already started your career, this guide tells you everything you need to know. We introduce you to all the essential tools and discuss their pros and cons. We end with some tips on how to choose the right tool for your needs.
Instructional Design Tool Categories
There’s a ton of instructional design tools out there. To make things easier, we've developed the following five main categories, each covering a specific aspect of instructional design.
Let’s get started.
1. Authoring Tools
Authoring tools for eLearning are fundamental to every instructional designer’s toolkit and help you to create interactive courses and modules. The following are two of the most popular options:
Articulate 360
Key Features:
o User-friendly interface, making it ideal for beginners
o Includes Storyline 360 for advanced interactivity
o Extensive content library with useful templates and assets
Ideal for
o Designers seeking versatility in course interactivity
Pros:
o Flexible features suitable for both simple and complex designs
o Strong community of users, offering support and tutorials
Cons:
o Can be expensive for smaller budgets
o Steep learning curve for Storyline
Adobe Captivate
Key Features:
o Excellent for creating responsive designs
o Integrates with Adobe’s Creative Suite
Ideal For:
o More experienced designers focusing on immersive content
Pros:
o Perfect for developing mobile-friendly digital learning
o Supports VR and interactive video
Cons:
o High price point
o Requires time to master
2. Collaboration Tools
Teamwork is critical to effective instructional design processes. Whether you’re working with subject matter experts, clients, learners or L&D professionals, the following collaboration tools streamline project management:
Miro
Key Features:
o Digital whiteboard for brainstorming ideas
o Templates for workflows and mind maps
Ideal For:
o Project brainstorming and visual planning
Pros:
o Encourages idea-sharing and creativity
o Easy integration with other tools
Cons:
o Free version is limited
o Can feel overwhelming for new users
Trello
Key Features:
o Kanban-style boards for task tracking
o Labels, due dates and automation
Ideal For:
o Organising and tracking digital learning programs
Pros:
o Simple and easy to learn
o Scalable and integrates with other platforms like Slack
Cons:
o Free version is limited, especially on customisation
o May not be suitable for complex workflows
3. Learning Management Systems (LMS)
LMS platforms host and deliver courses and can track learners’ progress and performance. Here are two of the best LMS examples:
Moodle
Key Features:
o Open-source platform with extensive customisation options
o Wide range of plugins and integrations
Ideal For:
o Educational institutions and tech-savvy beginners
Pros:
o Free to use with basic hosting costs
o Flexible, so suitable for various educational settings
Cons:
o Steep learning curve, especially at set-up
o Requires ongoing technical expertise to maintain
Canvas
Key Features:
o Modern user-friendly interface
o Strong analytics and reporting capabilities
Ideal For:
o Universities and schools seeking user-friendly solutions
Pros:
o Easy for instructors and learners to navigate
o Rich multimedia support
Cons:
o Premium pricing for institutions
o Limited customisation options compared to Moodle
4. Assessment Tools
Assessment tools help instructional designers engage with learners to measure and evaluate learning outcomes. Examples of assessment tools for educators include quizzes, polls, flashcards and study games.
Kahoot
Key Features:
o Gamified quizzes and interactive activities
o Real-time engagement
Ideal For:
o Adding a fun element and energising learners
Pros:
o Easy to use, fun and interactive
o Encourages participation
Cons:
o Premium features are locked behind a paywall
o Limited reporting and options for advanced assessments in free version
Quizlet
Key Features:
o Interactive flashcards, quizzes and study games
o Mobile friendly
Ideal For:
o Quick knowledge checks and revision activities
Pros:
o Simple to use for learners and educators
o Extensive library of existing materials
Cons:
o Limited reporting and analytics in the free version
o Free version includes ads
5. Visual Design Tools
Visuals are critical to effective digital learning. The following selection of visual design tools for learning will help you create eye-catching graphics and layouts.
Canva
Key Features:
o Drag-and-drop, beginner-friendly design tool
o Customisable templates for presentations, infographics, and more
Ideal For:
o Producing quick, professional-quality graphics
Pros:
o Easy to use, so perfect for beginners
o Extensive free library of templates
Cons:
o Limited customisation in the free plan
o Not ideal for advanced visuals
Visme
Key Features:
o Advanced infographics, charts and presentation templates
o Built-in interactive features
Ideal For:
o Professional grade infographics and visual storytelling
Pros:
o Great for visualising data
o Interactive elements enhance presentations
Cons:
o Learning curve for new users
o Higher cost compared to Canva
Comparing Instructional Tools
We’ve covered a lot of ground, so here’s a handy table summarising all the key points.
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eLearning Tool Selection Tips
We’ve highlighted just a few of the available tools. It's no surprise if you feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start. Use the following tips to guide your decision-making:
Consider the Project Scope: The first step is understanding the requirements. What are you trying to achieve and what are the desired learning outcomes? For example, if you want to create quick assessments or interactive elements, then Kahoot or Quizlet are your go-to platforms. However, for complex eLearning modules, you’ll need more robust authoring tools like Adobe Captivate or Articulate 360.
Assess the Budget: Free tools are great for starting out and often will do a fantastic job. However, investing in premium versions unlocks advanced features.
Evaluate Your Skill Level: If you’re a novice, then you may prefer to select beginner-friendly design tools like Canva or Trello. Experienced designers can explore more advanced platforms like Adobe Creative or Moodle.
Experiment and Practice: There’s no substitute for getting your hands dirty, so take advantage of any free trials offered. Hands-on practice will build your confidence and skills.
Or consider signing up for the Digital Learning Institute’s Professional Diploma in Digital Learning Design. Our practice-based program includes lots of opportunities to explore the latest tools and technologies.
Start experimenting today and set yourself up for success as an instructional designer.
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