Imagine a world in which the complexities of instructional design are as commonplace as the trials faced by entrepreneurs, trial attorneys, and world leaders. In this world, instructional designers are just as essential as the air we breathe or the food we eat. But, alas, this is not the world we live in today. In reality, instructional designers are engaged in a constant struggle to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of learning and development. This struggle has its ups and downs, but the key to survival is understanding and overcoming the top three hassles of being an instructional designer.

The Ever-Changing Scope of Work

One of the most significant challenges faced by instructional designers is the never-ending task of keeping up with the ever-changing scope of work. As an instructional designer, you must be prepared to adjust your plans at a moment’s notice, whether it’s because of a new software update, a change in company policy, or a shift in employee training needs.

A seasoned L&D professional once said, “The only constant in instructional design is change.” To survive this challenge, it’s essential to become adaptable and flexible in your approach to instructional design. Stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices to ensure your content remains relevant and engaging.

Managing Stakeholder Expectations

Instructional designers often find themselves caught in the middle of various stakeholders, each with their own set of expectations and desired outcomes. This balancing act can be a significant source of stress and frustration, especially when it comes to managing tight deadlines and limited resources.

To overcome this hassle, it’s critical to establish clear lines of communication and maintain a strong level of trust with all stakeholders. An experienced instructional designer once said, “Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful project.” By understanding the goals, objectives, and expectations of all parties involved, you can create a shared vision and work together to achieve success.

Time and Resource Constraints

More often than not, instructional designers are faced with tight deadlines and limited resources. With so much to accomplish in such a short amount of time, it’s no wonder that this is one of the top challenges faced by instructional designers.

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” said an L&D professional when discussing time and resource constraints. To tackle this challenge, it’s essential to prioritize tasks, streamline processes, and optimize the use of available resources. Additionally, it’s crucial to be proactive in identifying potential roadblocks and developing contingency plans accordingly.

Surviving the Hassles with Learnexus

At Learnexus, we understand the challenges faced by instructional designers in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world. That’s why we’ve created a marketplace for learning and development professionals to connect with Fortune 500 employees and provide the support needed to overcome these challenges.

With a focus on matching instructional designers with clients based on their specific skills and experiences, Learnexus offers a 47% cost saving and eliminates procurement issues through a single master services agreement. So, when the going gets rough, Learnexus is here to help you survive the top three hassles of being an instructional designer and thrive in your career.