Instructional Design Defined
Instructional design is a systematic process for developing instructional programs and materials. The diagram below shows some of the key stages which are often part of the instructional design process.

The instructional design process can be applied to the development of almost any type of instruction. This process is iterative and one can go through multiple cycles depending on the results of the evaluation as to whether it meets the expressed instructional needs. Examples might include: the development of an entire curriculum; the creation of a computer-based simulation; or, the design of a course web-site. Professionals, called instructional designers, serve as learning architects. They are trained in applying the instructional design process and can assist academic staff in developing all kinds of teaching and learning materials.

Benefits of the Instructional Design Process
Some potential benefits of incorporating good instructional design into the teaching and learning process include:

• Instructional quality often improves because the selection of content, use of specific instructional strategies and methods of assessment are tightly integrated.
• Learner success often increases with instruction that is effective and clear with measurable goals and outcomes.
• Research-based principles guide the selection of media and instructional methodologies which address diverse learning styles.
• Collaboration occurs throughout the development process by involving experts in media production, visual and graphic design, information design, software development and learner evaluation.

Instructional Design Services
To help meet this challenge, ITS@Wisconsin offers a variety of instructional design services. These are available at various campus locations and include some of the following offerings.

• Consultations with individual instructors, instructional designers and
  support professionals as well as referrals to other departments and
  programs.
• Informational sessions and hands-on workshops. Examples include:
  training in instructional software; use of online discussions and chats;
  assessment strategies for online learning; quick start strategies for
  getting online; and, universal accessibility design.
• Phone consultations.
• E-mail support.

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