8 Essential Instructional Design Best Practices for 2025

It sounds a bit watered-down, but instructional design is really just the art and science of creating effective learning experiences.

And trust me, getting it right can be a total game-changer for your business and your students. When you apply solid design principles, you see higher completion rates, better student outcomes, and a much stronger community.

This is why I put together this list of what I consider the absolute must-know instructional design best practices. We’re going to break down 8 powerful frameworks and strategies that you can start using today, from foundational models like ADDIE to modern approaches like microlearning. Think of this as your roadmap to building courses that don’t just teach, but transform.

Whether you are creating self-paced programs or want to explore different effective course structures, such as building powerful cohort-based courses, these principles will provide the foundation you need. Each practice we’ll cover is packed with actionable advice to help you move from theory to implementation.

Let’s dive in and start building better learning experiences together.

1. ADDIE Model (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate)

As one of the most foundational instructional design best practices, the ADDIE model provides a reliable, systematic framework for creating learning experiences. It’s a five-phase process: Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate.

This approach ensures every decision is intentional, data-driven, and centered on the learner’s needs. This makes it a go-to for major projects like corporate onboarding programs and university curriculum development.

The model’s strength lies in its logical progression. You start by deeply understanding the problem before ever thinking about the solution. This structured, iterative process helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures the final product effectively meets its goals.

How ADDIE Works in Practice

Each phase builds upon the last, creating a comprehensive development cycle:

• Analyze: This is the discovery phase. Here, you identify the instructional problem, define the target audience and their existing knowledge, and clarify the desired learning outcomes. Rushing this step is a common mistake that leads to ineffective training.

• Design: You’ll create the blueprint for your course. This includes writing learning objectives, selecting instructional strategies, and storyboarding the content. This is where you establish the success metrics that will be used later.

• Develop: The blueprint comes to life. You create the actual course materials, whether that’s producing videos, writing content, or building interactive e-learning modules.

• Implement: The course is delivered to learners. This phase involves training facilitators, preparing the learning environment, and getting the materials into the hands of your audience.

• Evaluate: This phase is twofold. Formative evaluation happens throughout the process to make small adjustments, while summative evaluation occurs after implementation to measure the course’s overall effectiveness against the objectives defined in the Design phase.

This visual flow underscores how a thorough needs analysis directly informs the learning objectives, which then dictates the creation of all course materials.

While ADDIE is a classic, many modern instructional design models are built upon its principles. You can learn more about other instructional design models to see how they compare and build upon this foundational framework.

2. Backward Design (Understanding by Design)

As a pivotal instructional design best practice, Backward Design flips the traditional planning process on its head.

Popularized by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe, this framework begins with the end in mind. Instead of starting with activities or content, you first define the desired learning outcomes. Then you determine acceptable evidence of learning.

Finally, you design the instructional experiences. This ensures that all teaching is purposeful and directly serves the learning goals.

The power of this approach, also known as Understanding by Design (UbD), is its crystal-clear focus. It prevents instructors from just “covering content” and forces them to design learning experiences that lead to genuine understanding and skill acquisition. It’s highly effective for complex topics where deep comprehension is more important than rote memorization, such as in AP courses or medical school curricula.

How Backward Design Works in Practice

The process follows three distinct stages, always in a specific order:

• Stage 1: Identify Desired Results: What should learners know, understand, and be able to do by the end of the course? This stage is about setting clear, specific, and measurable goals. You focus on the “big ideas” and essential questions that will guide the entire learning journey.

• Stage 2: Determine Acceptable Evidence: How will you know if learners have achieved the desired results? Here, you design the assessments before you plan any lessons. This could be a project, a performance task, or a traditional test, but it must directly measure the goals from Stage 1.

• Stage 3: Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction: With your goals and assessments in place, you now design the learning activities. Every video, reading, discussion, and activity is intentionally chosen to equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed on the assessments and meet the final objectives.

This deliberate alignment ensures there are no wasted efforts or irrelevant activities. Everything serves the end goal, making the learning process more efficient and effective for everyone involved. For a deeper dive into structuring your content with this method, you can learn more about how to create a curriculum with a goal-oriented approach.

3. Multimedia Learning Principles (Cognitive Load Theory Application)

Leveraging Multimedia Learning Principles is a core instructional design best practice that helps you create materials that work with the brain’s natural processing, not against it.

Based on Richard Mayer’s research and Cognitive Load Theory, these principles acknowledge that our minds have limited capacity to process new information. This evidence-based approach provides clear guidelines for combining text, images, audio, and video to maximize learning while minimizing mental overload.

The strength of this approach is its scientific foundation. It moves beyond just making content “look good” and focuses on what actually helps people learn and retain information.

By managing cognitive load, you ensure learners can dedicate their mental energy to understanding complex topics rather than struggling to decipher a confusing layout or redundant information.

How Multimedia Principles Work in Practice

Applying these principles means making deliberate choices about every element you include in your course. The goal is to reduce anything that doesn’t directly support the learning objective.

• Coherence Principle: Eliminate extraneous words, sounds, and visuals. This means no background music in an instructional video or decorative images that don’t add instructional value.

• Modality Principle: Present words as audio narration rather than on-screen text when a corresponding graphic is shown. Learners process information better through both visual and auditory channels simultaneously.

• Segmenting Principle: Break a complex lesson into smaller, self-paced segments. This gives learners control and prevents them from becoming overwhelmed, a technique used effectively in Duolingo’s bite-sized lessons.

• Redundancy Principle: Avoid presenting the same information in multiple formats at once, like showing text on screen and narrating the exact same text. It creates cognitive interference. Instead, use narration to explain the visual.

These principles are crucial for creating clear, effective, and engaging learning materials. Beyond theoretical understanding, implementing them often involves practical skills like knowing how to create effective instructional videos that align with these cognitive guidelines.

Medical training simulations and Khan Academy videos are prime examples of these principles in action, where clarity directly impacts comprehension and skill acquisition.

4. Microlearning and Chunking

One of the most effective instructional design best practices today is microlearning, which involves delivering content in small, focused bursts.

This approach breaks down complex topics into digestible, bite-sized modules, often lasting just 3 to 7 minutes. The core idea is “chunking” information to align with how our brains naturally process and retain it, preventing cognitive overload and boosting long-term memory.

This method is perfect for the modern learner who needs information on the go. Instead of sitting through a lengthy course, learners can complete a module while commuting or on a coffee break. Think of the quick language lessons in Duolingo or the targeted skill-building videos on LinkedIn Learning. They provide just-in-time knowledge that is immediately applicable.

How Microlearning Works in Practice

The goal is to deliver one core idea or skill per module. This makes the learning process highly efficient and targeted.

• Focus on a single objective: Each micro-lesson should answer one question or teach one specific skill. For example, a module on project management software might focus solely on “How to create a new task.”

• Design for mobile-first: Since learners often access these modules on their phones, the content must be responsive and easy to navigate on a small screen. Videos with clear captions and simple interactive elements work well.

• Provide immediate application: Good microlearning includes a quick activity or question that allows learners to apply what they just learned. This could be a short quiz, a reflection prompt, or a simple drag-and-drop exercise.

• Create clear pathways: While modules are standalone, they should connect logically to form a larger learning journey. You can create a “playlist” of micro-lessons that learners can follow to build a more comprehensive skill set over time.

This approach respects the learner’s time and attention span, making it a powerful tool for everything from corporate compliance training to customer education.

By focusing on brevity and clarity, you can create learning experiences that are not only more engaging but also more effective at driving real-world performance. You can read more about how to design microlearning experiences here.

5. Active Learning and Engagement Strategies

Moving beyond passive information delivery is one of the most impactful instructional design best practices you can adopt. Active learning strategies transform learners from spectators into participants.

This approach involves methods that require learners to engage directly with the material through activities, problem-solving, and discussion, rather than just listening or reading. It’s rooted in the idea that people learn best by doing.

This shift is crucial because active participation deepens understanding and significantly boosts long-term retention. When learners have to apply concepts, collaborate with peers, or reflect on their own thinking, the learning becomes more meaningful and memorable. Practicing a skill yourself is much different than just watching a video about it.

How Active Learning Works in Practice

Implementing active learning doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about intentionally building opportunities for engagement into your course design.

• Problem-Based Learning (PBL): Present learners with a real-world problem and have them work together to find a solution. Medical schools use this method extensively. They task students with diagnosing a patient based on a set of symptoms, which requires them to research and apply their knowledge collaboratively.

• Interactive Simulations: Allow learners to practice skills in a safe, controlled environment. Pilot training simulators are a classic example, letting trainees experience and react to various flight scenarios without real-world risk.

• Peer Instruction: Pose a conceptual question and have learners discuss their answers with a partner before a group discussion. This method, popularized in physics education, encourages learners to articulate their reasoning and learn from each other’s perspectives.

• Think-Pair-Share: This is a simple yet powerful technique. You pose a question, give learners a moment to think individually, have them discuss their thoughts with a partner, and then open the floor for a wider group share. It’s a fantastic way to kickstart engagement on any topic.

The core principle here is to make learners think critically and apply what they are learning in real time. For a deeper dive into creating these types of engaging experiences, you might find it useful to explore various active learning techniques and see which ones best fit your content and audience.

6. Scaffolding and Progressive Complexity

One of the most powerful instructional design best practices is scaffolding. This technique provides learners with temporary support structures to help them achieve goals they couldn’t reach on their own.

The core idea, rooted in the work of educational psychologists like Lev Vygotsky and Jerome Bruner, is to guide learners through progressively complex tasks. You gradually remove support as their competence and confidence grow.

This method prevents learners from feeling overwhelmed by sequencing content from simple to complex. You provide just enough help at each stage to ensure they can succeed, building a solid foundation of knowledge and skills before moving on to more advanced concepts.

This is a key strategy for fostering deep understanding and true mastery.

How Scaffolding Works in Practice

Implementing scaffolding requires a thoughtful, strategic approach to sequencing content and support:

• Start with foundational concepts: Begin with the simplest, most concrete ideas. A coding bootcamp, for example, starts with basic syntax and “Hello, World!” exercises before ever introducing complex application development. This builds initial confidence and provides the necessary building blocks for what comes next.

• Provide structured support: Offer learners clear examples, checklists, templates, or step-by-step guides. In a medical residency program, this looks like close supervision during initial procedures, with attending physicians providing direct guidance.

• Introduce complexity incrementally: Once learners master a step, introduce the next level of difficulty. Language learning apps do this brilliantly by moving from single vocabulary words to simple sentence construction, and then to complex conversational exercises.

• Gradually remove support: This is the critical final step. As learners demonstrate proficiency, you systematically fade the scaffolds. The medical resident takes on more responsibility, the coding student works on more independent projects, and the language learner relies less on translation prompts. This “gradual release of responsibility” ensures learners become self-sufficient.

By carefully planning this progression, you create a learning environment where challenge is always present but never insurmountable. This builds resilience and empowers learners to tackle complex problems independently in the real world.

7. Assessment for Learning (Formative Assessment Integration)

Assessment for Learning is a pivotal instructional design best practice that reframes evaluation from a final judgment to an ongoing dialogue. It integrates low-stakes, continuous assessment directly into the learning process.

Unlike summative assessments that measure what was learned at the end, this approach uses formative assessment as a tool to improve learning while it is actively happening. It provides real-time insights for both the learner and the instructor.

The power of this method comes from its focus on feedback and adaptation. It creates a dynamic learning environment where instruction can be adjusted on the fly based on student understanding.

This approach transforms assessment from a point of anxiety into a constructive and supportive part of the educational journey. This makes it ideal for skill development and complex problem-solving.

How Assessment for Learning Works in Practice

This approach uses frequent check-ins to guide the learning path rather than just grading the final destination. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

• Introduce Low-Stakes Quizzes: Use short, ungraded or lightly graded quizzes to help learners check their own understanding without the pressure of a major test. This helps identify knowledge gaps early.

• Facilitate Peer Feedback: Structure activities where learners review each other’s work against clear criteria. This not only provides diverse perspectives but also deepens the reviewer’s own understanding of the material.

• Use Real-Time Polling: In live sessions, whether virtual or in-person, use polling tools to gauge comprehension instantly. This allows you to immediately address common misconceptions.

• Provide Actionable Feedback: The core of this practice is feedback that is specific, timely, and forward-looking. Tell learners exactly what they did well and what they can do to improve, rather than just giving them a score. For example, a medical simulation with an immediate debrief helps residents connect theory to practice right away.

This method emphasizes that mistakes are valuable opportunities for growth, not failures. By creating a safe environment for learners to try, fail, and get feedback, you foster a much deeper and more resilient understanding of the subject matter. You can discover how to make your online course quizzes more interactive to better support this formative assessment strategy.

8. Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Universal Design for Learning is an instructional design best practice that focuses on creating flexible learning environments from the very beginning.

Instead of retrofitting accommodations for different learners, UDL provides a framework to build inclusivity and accessibility into the core of your course. Developed by CAST, this approach is based on neuroscience and recognizes that everyone learns differently.

UDL’s core idea is to provide multiple ways for learners to engage with content, understand information, and demonstrate their knowledge. This proactive approach not only helps learners with disabilities but also enhances the experience for everyone.

It accommodates different learning preferences, backgrounds, and abilities. It shifts the focus from a one-size-fits-all model to a more personalized, effective, and equitable learning journey.

How UDL Works in Practice

UDL is structured around three main principles, each corresponding to a different neural network in the brain:

• Multiple Means of Engagement (the “Why” of Learning): This principle focuses on motivating learners and sustaining their interest. You can do this by offering choices in activities, making content relevant to their lives, and creating a supportive, low-threat learning environment.

• Multiple Means of Representation (the “What” of Learning): Learners perceive and comprehend information in different ways. This principle encourages you to present content in various formats, like text, audio, video, and hands-on activities. For instance, a video lecture should include both captions and a downloadable transcript.

• Multiple Means of Action & Expression (the “How” of Learning): This gives learners different ways to show what they know. Instead of just a written exam, you could offer options like a multimedia presentation, an oral report, or a project-based assessment.

This framework ensures that you are designing for the widest possible range of learners from the outset. To successfully implement UDL, it is helpful to consult a comprehensive guide to accessibility standards to ensure your materials meet technical and practical requirements. By embracing UDL, you create a richer, more accessible course that empowers every student to succeed on their own terms.

Instructional Design Best Practices Comparison

Instructional Model	Complexity	Expected Outcomes	Ideal Use Cases	Key Advantages
ADDIE Model (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate)	High – detailed, stepwise process	Systematic, data-driven, learner-centered design	Large-scale training, formal curriculum design	Clear structure, thorough analysis, iterative improvement
Backward Design (Understanding by Design)	Moderate – requires mindset shift	Coherent curriculum aligned to learning outcomes	Curriculum development focused on assessments	Ensures alignment, meaningful goals, reduces irrelevant content
Multimedia Learning Principles	Moderate – needs cognitive science knowledge	Optimized multimedia learning, reduced overload	E-learning, instructional videos, simulations	Research-based guidelines, improves retention, reduces cognitive load
Microlearning and Chunking	Low to Moderate – modular content creation	Improved retention, just-in-time learning	Mobile learning, quick skill refreshers	Fits busy schedules, cost-effective, reduces overload
Active Learning and Engagement Strategies	Moderate to High – requires facilitation skills	Increased motivation, engagement, critical skills	Interactive classrooms, training requiring high engagement	Enhances retention, critical thinking, learner motivation
Scaffolding and Progressive Complexity	Moderate to High – requires continuous monitoring	Builds independence and confidence	Skill-building programs, progressive learning paths	Supports learners step-by-step, adaptable to skill levels
Assessment for Learning (Formative Assessment Integration)	Moderate to High – ongoing assessment design	Improved learning through feedback and adjustments	Formative-rich environments, skill mastery courses	Continuous feedback, reduces anxiety, promotes self-directed learning
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)	High – proactive inclusive design	Accessible and effective learning for all	Diverse learner populations, inclusive education	Benefits all learners, reduces need for accommodations

So, What’s Your Next Move?

We’ve covered a lot of ground together, diving deep into eight foundational instructional design best practices. From the systematic approach of ADDIE to the learner-centric framework of Universal Design for Learning, each principle offers a powerful lens through which to view and improve your educational content.

But information without action is just trivia. The real goal is to weave them into the very fabric of your course creation process.

From Theory to Tangible Results

Let’s quickly recap the core ideas we explored. We saw how Backward Design forces you to start with the destination in mind, ensuring every piece of content serves a clear purpose. We unpacked Mayer’s Multimedia Principles to understand how the human brain processes information. This helps you avoid cognitive overload and create more effective visuals.

We also talked about the power of breaking things down. Microlearning and chunking aren’t just trends. They’re essential strategies for making complex topics digestible and accessible in our fast-paced world. Similarly, scaffolding provides the support learners need to climb to new heights, building their confidence and competence one step at a time.

And what’s learning without participation? Active learning strategies are your toolkit for transforming passive learners into engaged participants. When you pair this with thoughtful formative assessment, you create a dynamic feedback loop that guides both you and your learners toward success.

Your Actionable Next Steps

Feeling a little overwhelmed by all the possibilities? That’s completely normal. The key is to avoid trying to implement everything at once. True mastery of instructional design best practices comes from incremental, intentional application.

Here’s a simple plan to get you started:

• Pick Just One: Review the eight practices we discussed. Which one resonated the most with a current challenge you’re facing? Maybe you’ve struggled with learner engagement, making active learning a perfect starting point. Or perhaps you feel your courses lack a clear focus, pointing you toward Backward Design.

• Start Small: You don’t need to overhaul an entire curriculum. Apply your chosen principle to a single module, a single lesson, or even a single activity. For example, try chunking one long video into three smaller micro-lessons. See how it feels and, more importantly, how your learners respond.

• Gather Feedback: The “E” in ADDIE stands for Evaluate, and it’s a crucial step. After you implement your small change, ask your learners for their thoughts. Did they find the new format helpful? Was the activity engaging? Use their feedback to refine your approach.

• Iterate and Expand: Once you feel comfortable with one practice, you can begin to layer in another. Your skills will compound over time. What starts as a conscious, deliberate effort will eventually become an intuitive part of how you build amazing learning experiences.

The journey to becoming a more effective educator is a marathon, not a sprint. Every small improvement you make contributes to a better experience for your learners. This leads to higher completion rates, more powerful testimonials, and a stronger community around your content.

You have the blueprint. Now go build something incredible!