Know your role

Instructional Designer

Amidst rapid technological advancements in the eLearning landscape, how is this pivotal role of the Instructional Designer evolving? By delving into job market trends and analysing current demands, we unveil valuable insights and provide a roadmap for instructional designers to thrive in this ever-changing terrain.

Adapting Skill Sets for the Digital Age

A striking revelation emerges in our comprehensive review of over a hundred job postings. While the eLearning landscape is constantly evolving, the core competencies sought after by employers have remained relatively consistent over the past decade.

Surprisingly, amidst the buzz surrounding emerging technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is proficiency in authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline and Adobe Captivate that remains paramount in the majority of job specifications, with the recent addition of Rise 360.

Why does the focus remain on traditional skills?

While the absence of cutting-edge technologies may seem counterintuitive (hey, we write about this cool tech stuff all the time in Dirtyword), it underscores a crucial point: the enduring importance of foundational skills in instructional design. Despite the allure of innovations, the ability to interpret client needs, collaborate with subject matter experts, and craft engaging learning experiences remains timeless. In essence, while technology evolves, the nature of effective instructional design remains firmly rooted in sound teaching principles and creativity. “Working with SMEs, turning scripts into storyboards, producing engaging interactive content and exporting as SCORM” still resonates in a large proportion of job descriptions. It seems that many organisations continue to create content the way we did ten years ago. This isn’t surprising, considering that AI has thrown many roles into disarray, so it might be a while before companies wrap their head around the tech and ascertain what sort of people resources they need to take advantage of it.

Redefining Qualifications and Experience

One notable shift in the hiring criteria is the diminishing emphasis on formal education qualifications. While a degree-level qualification was once deemed essential, many employers prioritise practical experience over academic credentials. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the value of hands-on expertise over spending three years eating takeaways and playing Call of Duty. However, it’s essential to note that some specialised fields may still require specific educational backgrounds, such as psychology or adult learning.

What about salaries?

Despite the transformative changes in eLearning and the expectations of the Instructional Designer being the Swiss army knife of all things learning, salary trends for instructional designers paint a surprisingly static picture. With average salaries ranging from £30k to £45k, geographical location remains a key determinant, with disparities between regions such as London and the “rest” of England. However, beyond inflationary adjustments, there appears to be little upward momentum in salary scales, highlighting the potential challenges in asking for money amidst increasing job demands.

Embracing Data-driven Learning Experiences

In a world dominated by data collection, the ability to harness analytics for learning is emerging as a job competency. Some employers expect candidates to leverage data insights to “tailor learning interventions, measure learner engagement, and refine course effectiveness”. All this, but without a pay rise? It doesn’t seem fair.

The rise of Learning Experience Design (LXD) underscores this paradigm shift, emphasising the fusion of data analytics with “teaching expertise” to deliver impactful learning outcomes.

Navigating the Hybrid Work Model

In a post-pandemic landscape (yep, we’re still talking about COVID-19), hybrid working has become increasingly prevalent. However, our analysis reveals a surprising trend: many instructional design roles now prioritise on-site work, with remote opportunities remaining scarce. While some companies do offer hybrid solutions, the prevalence of being “on-site” underscores the value of in-person collaboration in the creative process. Either that or most employers simply want everyone back in the office.

So what is the future of the job market for course creators, instructional Designers, and experience developers?

Whatever the role will be called, it will essentially be the same thing, at least for the next several years, maybe with a few additions such as, “The candidate must be proficient in using AI to write courses”. The traditional Instructional Designer will most likely morph into that of a Learning Experience Designer, interrogating data to build better courses.

As instructional design technology continues to evolve, navigating the ever-changing job market will require a blend of adaptability, creativity, and strategic foresight. While technological advancements shape the tools of the trade, the timeless principles of effective learning design remain immutable. So don’t be hanging up your Articulate Boots or swapping your Photoshop skills for Firefly prompts.

As for salaries, don’t expect to punch above the £45k mark while working for someone else. Consider freelancing and showcasing your worth to those who value your creativity, your insights and your ability to fulfil the role of every part of the course creation journey.