Instructional design is a crucial element in developing effective learning experiences, whether for corporate training or e-learning platforms. However, not all organizations have the in-house expertise to create high-quality instructional materials. This is why instructional design consultants are so invaluable. The right instructional design consultant can make a significant difference in the creation, implementation, and ultimate success of your learning initiatives. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing what skills to look for in an instructional design consultant, and how Simplicity can help you find the right consultant for your business.
Need to hire an instructional design consultant?
Before you begin the instructional design consultant hiring process, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your project's goals and objectives. Ask yourself:
Having a well-defined project scope will help you communicate your requirements effectively to potential instructional design consultants and ensure you choose the right fit.
When hiring an instructional design consultant, it’s essential to look for a combination of technical skills, creative abilities, and communication expertise. Here are some key skills to consider when evaluating instructional design consultants:
Instructional design expertise: An instructional design consultant should have a strong familiarity with common instructional design models such as ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) and SAM (Successive Approximation Model). These instructional design models provide structured approaches to the design and development of educational materials which help in aligning with project goals and client needs.
Content development: Assess the consultant's ability to create engaging and effective learning content. They should be skilled in structuring information, writing clear and concise content, and selecting appropriate media elements (e.g., images, videos, simulations) to support learning objectives.
Needs analysis: Effective instructional design starts with a thorough needs analysis. The consultant should have the ability to assess the learning needs of your target audience, identify gaps in knowledge or skills, and design solutions that address these gaps.
Multimedia and technology proficiency: In today's digital learning landscape, instructional design consultants should be proficient in using e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate) and Learning Management Systems (LMS). They should also be capable of integrating multimedia elements and interactive features into courses.
Project management: Effective project management is crucial to meeting deadlines and delivering quality work. Assess the consultant's project management skills, including their ability to create project timelines, manage resources, and track progress.
Awareness of accessibility requirements: It's essential for instructional design consultants to consider accessibility requirements because it ensures that educational materials are inclusive, providing equal access for all learners, including those with disabilities. Compliance with accessibility standards not only promotes fairness but also can help organizations avoid legal issues.
Communication skills: Strong communication skills are vital for collaborating with clients, subject matter experts (SMEs), and other stakeholders. The consultant should be able to explain complex concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
Problem-solving skills: Instructional designers often encounter challenges during the design and development process. Consultants should demonstrate problem-solving skills and the ability to find creative solutions to overcome obstacles.
Client-focused approach: A client-centric approach is vital for instructional design consultants because it ensures that the learning materials align with the client's specific needs, goals, and expectations. By understanding the client's objectives and tailoring the design to meet them, the consultant can create customized and relevant educational experiences.
E-Learning trends and best practices: The field of instructional design is continually evolving. A strong consultant will stay updated on e-learning trends, emerging technologies such as AI, and best practices to ensure that your learning materials remain current and effective.
When interviewing instructional design consultants, ask a mix of questions to assess their suitability for your project and organization. Here’s a list of potential interview questions to help you evaluate potential consultants:
When executed effectively, instructional design brings life into learning materials, making them engaging, intuitive, and capable of simplifying complex subjects into digestible information. By partnering with a skilled instructional design consultant, your organization will be able to deliver meaningful, effective learning experiences to your employees.
If your organization is ready to amplify its corporate training or e-learning platforms, consider partnering with Simplicity and find the right instructional design consultant for your team. Simplicity is a long-standing leader in the industry, with a highly qualified database of consultants and a passionate internal team ready to help you deliver results.
Our team utilizes a high-touch approach and will work with you through every step, from developing a detailed project outline based on your unique needs to creating a shortlist of consultants. From there, we organize working sessions with the instructional design consultants you’re most interested in and help guide you through the selection process. Once you choose an instructional design consultant, you’ll work with one of our dedicated client success managers to ensure smooth sailing from kickoff to the project’s completion.
Ready to set your instructional design initiatives into motion? Reach out to us today!
