Instructional design is an approach to building effective learning experiences. Utilizing a procedure of review, observation, and revision, it allows for a systemic approach to learning that promotes finding the best actions to produce the required or desired learning needs.

Instructional design focuses on building learning courses, materials, and procedures in order to create effective and meaningful learning experiences. These help instructors to use quality materials and learners to have engaging and meaningful experiences.

Instructional design works through the collaboration of an instructional designer (ID) and a subject matter expert (SME). Both bring their own experiences, skills, and expertise to the table to create a learning experience.

The ID offers information on design, pedagogy, and effective learning while the SME brings all of the information and expertise from their field. The ID does not need to know much about the field as the SME provides this information. The SME then uses the ID's work and materials to hold an effective learning experience.

Instructional design offers a professional and reliable means of creating learning products. Having an ID to review, assist, or provide items and information allows for a greater chance of effective learning to occur. Instructional design allows for a more reliable and professionally dependable product to use or present to others.