Top 5 Skills You Need to Become an Instructional Designer

The Instructional Designer’s Superpower? Versatility.

Instructional design sits at the intersection of education, psychology, design, and technology. 

Whether you’re looking to become an ID in corporate L&D, higher ed, or the ed-tech space, these five skills will shape your success

1. Learning Design Thinking (Not Just Following Templates)

Good IDs don’t just follow models—they think like designers. That means:
– Analyzing the learner’s real problem
– Designing activities that match the learning need
– Iterating based on feedback

2. Visual and Instructional Communication

IDs are storytellers at heart. You need to:
– Break down complex concepts
– Use layout, color, icons, and animations to guide attention
– Create slides that teach, not just present

Learn it hands-on in platforms like ID Mentors, where you get feedback on your design logic.

3. Tech Comfort – Especially with Authoring Tools

Today’s IDs are expected to build:
– Interactive eLearning (Articulate Storyline, Rise)
– Video scripts and edits (Camtasia, Vyond)
– PDFs, templates, quizzes, and micro-courses

Start with free trials or get guided practice in communities like ID Mentors.

4. Stakeholder Collaboration and Feedback Handling

Instructional designers often work with:
– SMEs
– Reviewers and approvers
– Marketing or design teams

So, here are some qualities you need to succeed as an instruction designer:
– Diplomacy
– Clarity
– Flexibility

Practice mock conversations and learn to manage expectations early.

5. A Growth Mindset and Curiosity

ID is an ever-evolving field. Stay curious:
– Read books like “Design for How People Learn” by Julie Dirksen
– Join ID groups and communities

Final Thoughts

These five skills—design thinking, communication, tech comfort, collaboration, and curiosity—form the core toolkit of an instructional designer. You can build them step-by-step—especially with support from a strong community and mentor.

Explore the ID Mentors Subscription Plan. It’s built to make you job-ready, not just course-complete.