Instructional Designer Interview Questions

1.1Learning theory - behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism, and how they inform design

1.2Instructional design models - ADDIE, SAM, Bloom's Taxonomy, and applying them in practice

1.3The instructional designer role - analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation

1.4Learner-centred design - understanding the audience and designing for their needs, not just the content

2.1Performance gap analysis - identifying the root cause and determining whether learning is the solution

2.2Audience analysis - understanding who the learners are, what they already know, and how they learn

2.3Task analysis - breaking down what people need to be able to do and identifying the learning required

2.4Learning objectives - writing clear, measurable, action-verb-based objectives that guide design

3.1Curriculum architecture - sequencing content logically, building from foundational to complex

3.2Chunking content - breaking information into manageable pieces that support retention

3.3Storyboarding - the design blueprint that specifies content, interactions, and media before development

3.4Script writing - writing clear, engaging narration and on-screen text for e-learning and video

4.1Authoring tools - Articulate Storyline, Rise, Adobe Captivate, and choosing the right tool

4.2Interactive e-learning design - scenarios, branching, drag and drop, and interactions that engage learners

4.3Visual design for e-learning - layout, typography, colour, and creating professional-looking courses

4.4SCORM and xAPI - the standards for delivering and tracking e-learning in an LMS

5.1ILT design - participant guides, facilitator guides, and designing effective classroom learning

5.2Blended learning design - combining face-to-face, digital, and on-the-job learning effectively

5.3Virtual classroom facilitation design - designing for Zoom, Teams, or webinar platforms

5.4Microlearning in blended programmes - short, targeted resources that support the broader learning journey

6.1Assessment design - knowledge checks, scenario assessments, and performance assessments

6.2Kirkpatrick evaluation model - measuring reaction, learning, behaviour, and results

6.3Learning analytics - using LMS data to understand completion, performance, and engagement

6.4Iterative design - using evaluation data to improve learning content continuously

7.1WCAG accessibility standards - making e-learning accessible to learners with disabilities

7.2Universal design for learning - designing content that works for all learners regardless of learning style

7.3Culturally inclusive content - avoiding assumptions, stereotypes, and cultural bias in learning materials

7.4Localisation and translation - adapting learning content for different languages and cultural contexts

8.1ID project management - scope, timeline, resource, and the development lifecycle

8.2Stakeholder management - working with SMEs, sponsors, and reviewers effectively

8.3Review and approval process - managing feedback, revisions, and keeping projects on track

8.4Rapid development techniques - how to design and develop high-quality content quickly when time is short

9.1AI in instructional design - content generation, personalisation, and the changing role of the ID professional

9.2Video-based learning - scriptwriting, production, and when video is the right medium

9.3Virtual and augmented reality - immersive learning, use cases, and the design considerations

9.4Social and collaborative learning - discussion forums, cohort learning, and user-generated content

10.1Technical questions - ADDIE, learning objectives, e-learning tools, assessment design, and evaluation

10.2Portfolio presentation - walking through an ID project, explaining your design decisions, and showing the outcome

10.3Scenario questions - designing a programme from scratch, managing a difficult SME, or evaluating a failing course

10.4Salary negotiation, evaluating an ID role, and questions that reveal the tools, culture, and growth opportunities in the L&D function