How to Choose the Best Instructional Design Company
In today’s tech-driven world, where online learning is rapidly becoming the norm, educational institutions are turning to instructional design firms to create engaging and effective learning experiences.
A recent survey by Time for Class 2023 found that 69% of students prefer online learning over traditional classroom instruction. However, the success of online learning hinges on the quality of the instructional design. Educational institutions must partner with top-notch instructional design companies to ensure that students are motivated and engaged and achieve their learning goals.
In order to get good quality, well-targeted, technically sound eLearning material for your educational institution, you need to choose the right instructional design company. This blog explores the comparison methodology, key factors and the checklist to consider while selecting an instructional design company for your institution’s needs.
Table of Contents:
- A Comparison of Instructional Design Methodologies and Approaches
- 7 Key Factors to Consider While Choosing the Best Instructional Design Company
- A Checklist for Instructional Design Firm Evaluation
- Wrapping Up
A Comparison of Instructional Design Methodologies and Approaches
Before elaborating on how one is supposed to make a choice, it is essential that one understands the different instructional design methodologies and approaches in which firms may engage themselves. Briefly, here are the descriptions:
- Instructional Systems Design (ISD): This highly structured approach begins with an analysis of needs, followed by the development of objectives, design of instruction, implementation of the course, and evaluation of the course’s outcome.
- ADDIE Model: The most commonly applied framework is based on Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation.
- SAM Model: It’s an iterative approach based on continuous improvement and iteration.
- Agile Development: The iterative approach with much focus on flexibility, adaptability, and collaborations.
- Experience-Based Design (EBD): A learner-centred approach focusing on the creation of meaningful and engaging learning experiences for learners.
Choosing the Right Approach
The best instructional design methodology for the project will depend on various factors, such as your learning objectives, your target audience, and the level of flexibility you want. While some companies may be specialized in leading up a particular approach, another may bring to the table the aspect of a more tailor-made solution.
Also Read: Difference Between Instructional Design & Learning Experience Design
7 Key Factors to Consider While Choosing the Best Instructional Design Company
Not many know that the global eLearning market has an estimated value of a colossal USD 1 trillion by 2032, while the demand for quality online education is pouring in. Correspondent to the soaring surge is the increase in the role of the instructional designer in creating appealing and inspiring learning experiences.
A good online course is not just content but a meaningful and memorable experience. That’s where instructional design firms play an important role. Bringing in a unique blend of creativity, pedagogy, and technology, they make sure that your online learning programs are informative and enjoyable, as well. Here are some key factors:
1. Conduct Needs Analysis
To zero in on the right instructional design company, first, you need to do a thorough analysis to understand your exact requirements, depending on:
- Types of learners
- Mode of learning
- The desired outcome of the program
- Kind of interactivities that need to be incorporated
- Whether your program needs to enable accessibility features and so on
The list of well-researched findings will help you to convey your exact requirements to the company. A clear outline of your eLearning courses and their outcomes will not only help you to get the right partner but also provide them with a clear understanding of your requirements.
2. Background Check
You need to do proper homework before selecting the right instructional design company for your online programs. There might be a plethora of options available to you when choosing such a partner and every one of them might have a lot to offer. But, it’s essential to do a thorough background check of the company regarding their quality of services, reliability, and efficiency to meet deadlines, and so on.
Every instructional design company might claim to provide you with the best of services and high-quality eLearning content. But it’s not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach; every institution has its own unique requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to confirm whether the company can fulfill what you need for your online program development.
If developing any specific kind of programs like CBTs, WBTs, ILT, or mobile learning courses is on your mind, it is good to hire an instructional design company with a specialization in those categories. As different types of courses require different software/tools and professional expertise, companies with relevant experience will be able to serve you in better ways.
3. Capability Check
The efficiency of instructional designers, visual designers, programmers, and quality assurance determines to a large extent whether your online programs will be engaging and suitable for your learners. Therefore, you should check the availability of resources before choosing an instructional design company.
The programs also need to be technically sound and accessible from anywhere. Therefore, the technical team of the company you pick must have access to the latest technologies and trained professionals to make the courses successful.
A lot of instructional designing tools and software are in use these days, to make online programs attractive, engaging, and widely accessible. However, you should make sure that your partner company has the latest version of the software and tools required and an efficient team to use them. Otherwise, there is a chance of facing technical challenges during your course development cycle.
4. Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance (QA) is a vital aspect of selecting an instructional design company. QA is not just proofreading, or language checking or grammar correction; for online learning programs, QA comprises many other aspects like functionality checking, accessibility testing, system integration testing, and go-live testing.
Before choosing an instructional design company, make sure that they have a proper infrastructure in place, the necessary devices, a trained testing team, and the right testing tools and software to offer you technically sound learning material that can be accessed from different devices. Availability and efficiency of the testing team should be a decision-making factor so that you get nothing but great quality eLearning materials.
5. Availability and Quality of Resources
The availability of professional instructional designers, visual designers, programmers, and testers is one of the most important criteria. The quality of the learning material depends on the capability of the developer team members. The development of online learning courses involves teamwork, and the professional expertise of everyone plays a key role in making the course successful.
Therefore, make sure that the instructional design firms have quality resources and a large enough team to serve you. It is essential to know how many dedicated resources the company can allocate for your projects and if they can provide additional resources on demand.
6. Data Management and Security Measures
Cyber-attacks, data-phishing, malware attacks, etc., occur quite frequently in today’s times. Therefore, data security and management is an essential feature to keep your eLearning content safe.
Make sure the instructional design company you choose has access to modern data security measures like end-to-end encryption, controlled data access facility, cloud infrastructure, and so on. Furthermore, any data recovery plan or backup strategy is also essential to save your important data from any kind of data loss.
7. Measures to Handle Unfavorable Situations
Since unfavorable situations and unexpected changes can arise at any time, make sure the instructional design company can handle them. Whether it is a crucial project change or a valuable team member suddenly drops out, your partner company should have backup plans to deliver your project on time.
Also Read: Leveraging Design Thinking for eLearning Courses Today, it is easy to come across several top instructional design companies that can transform your simple content into efficient and engaging eLearning material.
So, before choosing one such company as your partner, conduct thorough research about the reputation of the company in the market, review their existing works, and carry out background checks. Consider the above-mentioned criteria before selecting the right company, and create top-quality interactive eBooks and engaging eLearning courses.
Also Read: Top 8 Cloud Security Best Practices
A Checklist for Instructional Design Firm Evaluation
Consider this checklist when evaluating instructional design firms to guide your selection of a firm.
- Experience and Expertise: Does the firm have experience in your industry or discipline? Review the firm’s project portfolio history of successful projects and client testimonials.
- Portfolio and Examples: Look for the company’s portfolio of previous projects to gain an idea of the level of their designs and the caliber of work they would deliver.
- Team Experience: Inquire about the experience of the instructional designers, developers, and other project team members.
- Communication and Collaboration Skills: Assess the company’s communication style and willingness to collaborate closely with your team.
- Project Management: How do they manage their project? Are the projects on time, within budget, and of good quality?
- Quality Assurance: How do they conduct the process of ensuring their courses are accurate and efficient?
- Accessibility and Inclusivity: How do they implement accessibility and inclusivity in learning?
- References and Testimonials: Obtain references from past clients to hear firsthand how it’s been working with the company.
- Pricing and Contracts: There should be clear pricing structures, payment terms, and other details related to the contract.
Considering all these factors, you may choose an instructional design firm that will develop realistic, engaging, effective, and accessible eLearning solutions for your company.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right instructional design and eLearning companies is a critical decision for any educational institution. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this blog, you can identify a firm that aligns with your goals, values, and learners’ needs.
A successful online learning program is not just about delivering content; it’s about creating a meaningful and engaging experience. With the right instructional design partner, you can achieve just that. Hurix Digital is the perfect choice.