Instructional Design Is Art, Personified

A few years ago, I came across a thought-provoking blog post by Dr. Luke Hobson, a knowledgeable figure in the field of instructional design (ID). In his insightful piece, Dr. Hobson likened ID to an art form—a comparison that has resonated with me ever since and serves as the inspiration for this article. It's seldom been said, but easily understood by those of us in this profession, that instructional design is not just the design of learning experiences following best pedagogical practices. No, that may be a good, stuffy, textbook definition, but that definition lacks so much... essence. Instructional designers are artists, the work we create is art. 

As an instructional designer, I have to map out goals and outcomes and then create learning experiences to reach those goals. But those learning experiences I create, those activities I design, that presentation I put together on my digital canvas, that is my art. Every instructional designer creates learning experiences that are distinctly their own. The essence of our craft is kindled from the depths of our beings, breathing vitality and authenticity into our work. This spark, this soulful infusion, sets our art apart from the sterile precision of AI-generated content. Our creations emerge from a profound place within us, a part of our essence that we pour onto our digital canvases with care and intention. As someone deeply enamored with the true essence of art, this aspect of instructional design captivates my heart. It offers not just a job, but a canvas for expression, fulfilling a deep-seated need to create and share parts of myself. This, among many reasons, is why I cherish what I do—it serves as a conduit for my creativity, allowing me to craft experiences that resonate with both mind and soul.

In the realm of education and training, instructional designers stand out not merely as architects of learning but as artists painting on the vast digital canvas of human experience. It's a perspective that transforms the traditional view of educational design into a celebration of creativity, individuality, and passion. At its core, instructional design involves crafting educational experiences that facilitate learning in an effective and engaging manner. However, to view instructional designers simply as pedagogical engineers is to overlook the depth of creativity and artistry inherent in to our work. 

Imagine two painters given the same set of paints, brushes, and canvas, tasked with capturing the essence of the same landscape. The resulting artworks, while derived from the same inspiration, will invariably reflect the artists' distinct styles, emotions, and interpretations. Similarly, instructional designers, equipped with the same tools and objectives, will craft learning experiences that are inherently unique. This is art.

The artform of instructional design lies in the ability to weave together educational goals with creative execution. It's about transcending the conventional boundaries of teaching and venturing into the realm of storytelling, visual design, and interactive experiences. Instructional designers use their knowledge of learning theories not as strict rules, but as a palette of colors with which to paint diverse educational landscapes. The goal is not just to convey information but to create a learning journey that is engaging, emotive, and transformative.

The work of an instructional designer is a reflection of the soul. With every course, module, or learning activity created, a piece of the designer's essence is embedded within. This personal investment is what breathes life into the learning experience, making it vibrant and alive. The passion and drive of the designer act as the brushstrokes that give color and texture to the educational journey, transforming it into something that not only educates but also inspires.

Instructional design, when viewed through the lens of artistry, elevates the profession to a form of creative expression that goes beyond the mere transmission of knowledge. It is about creating something alive, something that resonates with learners on a deeply personal level. Each learning experience crafted by an instructional designer is a testament to the unique blend of art and science, emotion and intellect, creativity, and pedagogy that defines the field. Just as no two paintings are ever the same, no two learning experiences will ever mirror each other perfectly. And it is in this uniqueness that the true artistry of instructional design lies, painting the future of education with the vibrant colors of knowledge, engagement, and inspiration.