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The Rise of Learning in the Flow of Work: What It Means for Designers

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For years, instructional designers have focused on creating structured courses, modules, and learning paths. But today’s workplace moves faster than any formal course can keep up. Employees don’t have time to step away from their work to “go learn.” Instead, they expect learning to happen This shift has a name: Learning in the Flow of Work (LIFOW) . And as an instructional designer, understanding this concept will redefine how you design, deliver, and measure learning experiences. 🧭 What Is Learning in the Flow of Work? Coined by Josh Bersin , Learning in the Flow of Work means delivering knowledge, guidance, or support at the exact moment of need — within the natural workflow of an employee. Instead of asking learners to pause their tasks to attend a course or read a manual, learning opportunities are embedded directly into the tools, systems, or processes they already use every day. Learners don’t go to learning. Learning comes to them. Example: A salesperson recei...
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AI in Instructional Design: Opportunities and Ethical Considerations

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming nearly every industry — and instructional design is no exception. From automating content creation to personalizing learning experiences, AI is rapidly changing how instructional designers design, develop, and deliver learning. But with these opportunities come new ethical questions : How do we use AI responsibly? What happens to the human touch in learning design? This article explores both sides — the opportunities and ethical considerations — to help you understand how to harness AI effectively and thoughtfully as an instructional designer.   🤖 What Does AI Mean for Instructional Design? AI in instructional design refers to the use of machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and data analytics to enhance learning design processes and personalize the learner experience . Put simply: AI helps designers work smarter , not just faster. Instead of spending hours writing quiz questions or analyzing data m...
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How to Use Visual Design Principles in Instructional Design

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Instructional design is more than organizing content and assessments—it’s about creating a learning experience that is clear, engaging, and memorable. One of the most underutilized tools in a designer’s toolkit is visual design . Good visuals don’t just make courses “pretty”; they guide attention, improve comprehension, and enhance retention. In this article, we’ll explore how to use visual design principles effectively in instructional design , with actionable tips for new course creators.   Why Visual Design Matters in Instructional Design Enhances comprehension – Well-structured visuals help learners process information faster. Guides attention – Strategic use of color, spacing, and contrast highlights key content. Improves retention – Visual cues and imagery make content more memorable. Builds credibility – Professionally designed courses appear trustworthy and polished. Tip: Even minimal changes in typography, alignment, and spacing can significantly improve l...
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Designing Inclusive Courses: Accessibility, Diversity & Universal Design

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In the modern world of eLearning, creating a course that everyone can access, understand, and benefit from is not just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential. As instructional designers, we have the power (and responsibility) to make learning inclusive for all learners, regardless of their background, abilities, or learning preferences. This article will guide you through how to design inclusive courses using accessibility principles , diversity awareness , and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworks—so that every learner feels seen, supported, and successful.   🎯 Why Inclusion in Learning Matters Imagine a learner who uses a screen reader trying to navigate a course filled with unlabeled buttons. Or a non-native English speaker struggling with dense text and idioms. Or a learner with ADHD facing a long, unstructured video without any visual cues. Inclusion means anticipating and eliminating these barriers before they happen. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about ...
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Accessibility in eLearning: WCAG Guidelines Every Designer Should Know

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As instructional designers, our job isn’t just to create engaging content—it’s to make sure every learner can access it. Accessibility in eLearning ensures that no learner is excluded, whether they have a visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disability. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide the global standard for creating accessible digital content. If you’re designing online courses, these guidelines aren’t just a “nice-to-have”—they’re essential for legal compliance, inclusivity, and better learning outcomes. In this article, we’ll explore what WCAG is, why it matters in eLearning, and the key principles every instructional designer should know.   ✅ What Is WCAG? WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is developed by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) to ensure web content is usable for all people, regardless of disability. The guidelines are structured around four core principles, often remembered by the acronym POUR : Perc...
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Using xAPI to Track Learning Beyond the LMS

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Most new instructional designers start by thinking of learning in terms of the Learning Management System (LMS)—courses, quizzes, and completion certificates. But here’s the truth: not all learning happens inside an LMS. People learn from YouTube videos, simulations, mobile apps, podcasts, social interactions, and even on-the-job tasks. So how do we capture all of this rich, informal, and experiential learning? That’s where xAPI (Experience API) comes in. In this article, we’ll explore what xAPI is, how it extends learning tracking beyond the LMS, and why it matters for you as an instructional designer or course creator.   ✅ What is xAPI? xAPI (Experience API) —sometimes called Tin Can API —is a learning technology standard that allows you to track, record, and share learning experiences across different platforms and environments. Unlike SCORM, which only tracks what happens inside the LMS, xAPI tracks learning wherever it happens and stores it in a Learni...
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How to Collect and Use Feedback to Improve Online Courses

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As instructional designers, we sometimes assume our courses are effective just because the content is thorough and well-structured. But here’s the truth: the learner decides whether a course is effective. Their experience, challenges, and perceptions matter just as much as the design itself. That’s why collecting and using feedback is one of the most valuable skills you can develop as a new instructional designer or course creator. It helps you identify what’s working, what’s confusing, and how to make your courses more engaging and impactful. In this guide, you’ll learn practical strategies to collect feedback and how to turn that feedback into actionable improvements   🎯 Why Feedback Matters in Online Learning Feedback isn’t just about fixing mistakes—it’s about continuous improvement. Here’s why it’s essential: Improves learner satisfaction – When learners feel heard, they engage more. Identifies knowledge gaps – Feedback shows where learners are struggling. Stre...
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