The Key to Effective Training: The Importance of Instructional Design

Have you ever attended a training session, only to forget most of it by the next day? You’re not alone—studies show that over 70% of training content is forgotten within 24 hours. So, how can organizations ensure their training actually sticks? The answer lies in instructional design.

Instructional designers study learning science to maximize training effectiveness. In this post, we will explain why instructional design is crucial to effective training. 

What is instructional design?

Instructional design (ID) is a systematic approach to designing learning. Instructional designers have special training in learning theory, allowing them to take the content that must be learned and arrange it in a way that facilitates and maximizes student learning. This is more than just curriculum; instructional designers find the simplest ways to explain complex ideas, making learning easier and more fun without sacrificing the outcomes.  

Instructional design grew out of a need during World War II to communicate a lot of information quickly so that workers could complete tasks efficiently and correctly. In the last 80 years, this field has grown into a large number of researchers, trainers, and educators who use the science of learning to help students and employees learn necessary skills. 

Understanding what instructional design is only gets us halfway there—the real magic happens in how it's applied. Instructional designers use structured frameworks to ensure training is clear, engaging, and effective. One of the most widely used approaches is the ADDIE model, a step-by-step process that takes training from concept to implementation.

How it works: The ADDIE model

At ABA Technologies, our instructional designers follow the ADDIE model of instructional design. This comprehensive process includes each phase of creating and delivering training, from analysis to evaluation.

Analysis

The first step of the ADDIE model is analysis. In this stage, the instructional designer analyzes the training audience. This step asks questions such as: Who is the product for? What should they know after the training is over?

Design

This step of the ADDIE model starts with an initial outline, which undergoes several rounds of edits. The focus here is on the objectives. How will the objectives lead to the desired outcome of the training? 

Development

This is where the course is actually built. The designer and subject matter expert (SME) work together to ensure all the content is present and that it flows together in a logical way. The development phase also includes review, quality control, and testing the course before it goes live.

Implementation

In this phase, the course is completed and offered to learners. The process is not over, but the course is coming to fruition.

Evaluate

The final phase of the ADDIE model is evaluation. In this phase, the instructional designer examines learner feedback to identify what worked in the course and what may need to be adjusted. 

By following the ADDIE model, instructional designers create structured, effective training. But does that mean they need to be experts in every subject they design for? Not at all! In fact, not being a content expert can actually be an advantage. Here’s why.

Why instructional designers don’t need to be experts

Instructional designers are experts in learning and instruction. In fact, Sebastian Jimenez, an Instructional Design Specialist at ABA Technologies, claims that it is better when instructional designers are NOT experts in the content they deliver. Instead, they want to work with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to deliver the right information. Working as a team, an expert in learning and an expert in the content can create a cohesive training that covers all the bases. When an instructional designer is also acting as the SME, they may possess biases about the content that affect a learner’s experience. For example, they may feel that DRA is the most important form of differential reinforcement and fail to teach the other types. When an SME is involved in the process, their job is to ensure all these steps are accounted for. 

Just as instructional designers can’t create training without SMEs, an SME needs an instructional designer. The instructional designer works to ensure all component skills are fully and clearly taught in the training. For example, an SME driver may be so proficient that they forget to teach students the importance of wearing a seatbelt. In this case, the instructional designer would observe, interview, and work with the driver to ensure that basic skills are included in the training.

By collaborating with subject matter experts, instructional designers ensure that training is both accurate and engaging. But what impact does this have on organizations? Let’s explore the key benefits of instructional design.

Benefits of instructional design

Instructional designers don’t just create training—they ensure it is engaging, effective, and aligned with the needs of both learners and organizations. Here’s how well-designed training benefits everyone involved:

Improved Learning Outcomes

Instructional design is grounded in learning science, which means training is structured to maximize retention and skill development. When learners engage with well-designed training, they are more likely to remember and apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings.

Consistency Across Training Programs

A common challenge in many organizations is ensuring that every employee receives the same high-quality training experience. Instructional design ensures that learning materials are structured in a standardized way, so all learners—regardless of location or instructor—receive the same level of instruction and leave with the same competencies.

Increased Engagement and Motivation

Traditional training methods, like long lectures or text-heavy slides, can lose learners' attention quickly. Instructional designers incorporate interactive elements, real-world applications, and scenario-based learning to make training more engaging. This increases motivation and helps learners stay actively involved in the process.

Cost-Effective and Scalable Solutions

Poorly designed training can lead to wasted resources—retraining employees, fixing errors, or addressing misunderstandings. Instructional design helps organizations create scalable training programs that reduce the need for constant revisions, saving time and money in the long run.

Better Alignment with Organizational Goals

Effective training isn’t just about delivering information—it’s about achieving specific outcomes. Instructional designers work closely with organizations to ensure training aligns with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry standards. This means learners aren’t just gaining knowledge; they’re developing skills that contribute directly to the organization’s success.

Enhanced Employee Performance and Confidence

When employees receive well-structured training, they feel more prepared to perform their job duties. This leads to higher confidence, better job performance, and ultimately, improved workplace efficiency. Employees who feel competent in their roles are also more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and remain with the organization longer.

Data-Driven Continuous Improvement

Instructional designers don’t just build training and walk away—they analyze feedback, assess learner performance, and make improvements over time. This continuous improvement cycle ensures that training remains relevant, effective, and responsive to evolving needs.

Conclusion 

Effective training doesn’t happen by chance—it’s built through intentional instructional design. By leveraging research-backed strategies, instructional designers ensure that learning is engaging, efficient, and aligned with organizational goals. Whether you’re looking to improve employee performance, create consistent training experiences, or reduce costs, investing in instructional design can make all the difference.At ABA Technologies, our team of instructional designers, led by Adam Hockman, specializes in creating high-quality training solutions tailored to your organization’s needs. Want to learn more about how instructional design can enhance your team’s learning experience? Contact us today to explore customized training solutions that drive real results.