TL:DR – Before you build your training, build the plan.

This installment of “What IDs Can Learn” almost seems too obvious and easy. Before the cornerstone is laid, the architect creates a plan. A blueprint, if you will.

They don’t guess.

They don’t wing it.

They design with purpose, balancing beauty, usability, and flow.

That’s exactly what great instructional designers do.

Blueprint Before You Build

Concrete is never poured before the architect creates a plan.

And yet, when it comes to training, IDs often jump straight into their favorite authoring tool without any real design strategy or training plan.

But great training starts with “blueprinting” because we need:

• Clear objectives
• A scope and sequence
• Appropriate content mapping

Before you build a Rise module, a slide deck, or a video, build a plan.

Design for Movement, Not Just Content

Architecture isn’t just about static space. Architecture is also about movement.

How do people enter the room? Where do their eyes go? What’s intuitive? What creates friction?

Instructional designers should ask the same:

• What does the learner do first?
• What do they need to understand before they move forward?
• Where are the moments of action, decision, or reflection?

We need to know how the learner will move through the course and Learner’s Journey, where they’ll pause to practice, and what they’ll take away from the experience..

This is how we transform a course from a content dump into a Learning journey.

Blend Beauty with Function

A good building works.

A great building works and is stunning!

Training should be the same.

Utilitarian design may “work.” But if it’s clunky, dry, or ugly, people will disengage.

Aesthetics matter. UX matters. Flow matters.

When content is clear and beautiful, it’s more learnable and also more memorable.

Don’t Just Build, Design

Instructional designers aren’t just content loaders.

We’re architects of learning.

Every course, curriculum, and training program should be:

• Planned and structured (like a blueprint!)
• Designed for flow
• A balance of form (it’s beautiful) and function (it works)

That’s how you create learning that doesn’t just “tick the box,” but transforms performance.

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Ready to Build Training That Works and Wows?

At The ID Department, we bring an architect’s mindset to instructional design.

• Strategic planning before production
• Clear learner flow
• Gorgeous and effective course design
• Unlimited builds + revisions for one flat monthly price

Stop stacking bricks without a plan.

Let’s build training that is beautiful, functional, intentional, and lasts.

Email us today to schedule a consultation and bring structure to your training.