What are the most effective uses/tips to become an Instructional Designer?

I discovered Instructional Design by accident in 2000. I was intrigued by the possibilities it offered and how it could be used to create effective online learning.

In my journey over last 15 years (first as an Instructional Designer and now as Learning Strategist for EI Design) I have used the following guiding principles:

1. Define and align solutions to organizational focus areas: Remember this; it is the reason why the training budget was approved, and the proposed solution must establish a clear gain for the organization.
2. Use “Creative Instructional Design”: I have extensively used techniques of Gamification, Storytelling, Simple to complex Branching scenarios and simulations, Guided exploration, etc, to name a few.
3. Follow a learner-centric design approach.
4. Understand learner expectations and mental models.
5. Use innovative approaches to convert user experience to “learnability”.
6. Leverage on creativity backed by strong technology.

There are a couple of tips I would like to share:

• Go beyond formal learning: Look at options to “knowledge acquisition” to “knowledge application”. I have used Performance Support Tools intervention very effectively to support formal learning.
• Work with a “bigger picture”: Craft the learning solution by looking at “Learning and Performance Ecosystem” level. Plan learning as continuum rather than just isolated training programs. Look at other anchors to leverage on, notably Social learning.
• Constantly invest in innovation and exploration of new ideas and you will succeed in your journey as Instructional Designer.