Instructional Design

Instructional design is a systematic process of creating effective, engaging, and efficient learning experiences. It combines educational theories, multimedia, and technology to design courses and training programs that facilitate learners’ growth and success.

Instructional designers collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs), educators, and technologists to identify learners’ needs and build learning environments that support engagement and comprehension. Whether in education or business, instructional designers ensure that the training materials and educational content are optimized for learning outcomes.

The Course Design Process at UCLA

Our course design process is collaborative, evidence-based, and iterative to ensure that every course we build is both relevant and effective.

Course Map to Alignment

The foundation of every course starts with a detailed course map that outlines the key learning objectives and aligns all content, activities, and assessments with those goals. Once the course map is established, our team designs the course content and develops the necessary materials. The course is then evaluated through multiple development phases to ensure it meets high-quality standards.

Improvement for Future Iterations

Based on feedback and data collected from the initial course offering, we continuously improve our course designs. This iterative process ensures that courses stay current, relevant, and effective.

Quality Assurance in Course Design

At UCLA, we have a robust quality assurance process that includes multiple review stages to guarantee the highest standards of course design. Here’s how we ensure quality:

Multiple Checkpoints

Throughout the design and development process, we conduct several checkpoints with SMEs, learners, and designers to guarantee that the course aligns with our vision and the learners’ needs.

Pedagogical Review

Our instructional designers review the course structure and content to ensure that it meets sound educational principles and best practices. The pedagogical review includes:

Course mapping
Media plan
Assessment plan
Technology integration plan
Communication plan

Multimedia Review

All multimedia elements undergo a thorough review process to confirm that they enhance learning and meet accessibility standards.

Media content
Copyright and fairuse
Closed captioning
Other accessibility needs

Accessibility Review

We are committed to ensuring that all learners, regardless of their abilities, can fully engage with the content. Our courses adhere to ADA compliance guidelines and are designed with accessibility in mind.

If using Bruin Learn, review the course site design and ensure the navigation meets guidelines
Use Ally
Check for other accessibility considerations

Data-Driven Evaluation & Working with EdTech