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10 Best Instructional Design Tools & Software
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10 Best Instructional Design Tools & Software

Introduction

In this section, Devlin Peck introduces the topic of instructional design tools and their importance for both aspiring and experienced instructional designers.

Top Instructional Design Tools

  • Articulate Storyline 360 is a popular tool for developing interactive eLearning experiences. It offers flexibility in creating various types of content such as software simulations, scenario-based simulations, quizzes, and slide-based courses.
  • According to a survey of hiring managers, 86% recommended being familiar with Articulate Storyline 360 as one of the top three tools for instructional designers. It is highly valued in the corporate and freelance spaces.
  • Learning Articulate Storyline 360 is relatively easy to moderate difficulty for common tasks. However, more advanced programming and complex custom interactions can be challenging. Practice is key to mastering this tool. Free tutorials and workshops are available on YouTube or through paid resources like the Storyline Project Lab.
  • Alternatives to Articulate Storyline 360 include Adobe Captivate, dominKnow, and iSpring Suite among others. These tools also offer eLearning development capabilities but may have different features and learning curves.

Articulate Rise 360

  • Articulate Rise 360 is another product from Articulate that specializes in designing mobile-friendly eLearning experiences quickly and easily. It provides templates for creating interactions where users can swap out text and images. Rise 360 is included in the Articulate 360 suite, making it popular among corporate teams.
  • To learn Rise 360 effectively, practice with the tool is recommended. Utilize the free trial and refer to Articulate's documentation for guidance.
  • Chameleon Creator and Evolve are good alternatives for mobile-friendly, easy-to-use authoring tools. These tools offer modern designs and creative interactions.

Conclusion

Devlin Peck concludes by mentioning Cath Ellis on YouTube as a resource for learning more about Evolve, one of the alternative authoring tools mentioned earlier.

The transcript provided does not contain any additional information beyond what is summarized above.

New Section

This section introduces Adobe Illustrator and the Adobe Creative Cloud, which is a suite of tools for manipulating images, videos, and graphics. The speaker mentions that they will provide alternatives to these tools for those not in the Adobe ecosystem.

Adobe Illustrator

  • Illustrator is used for editing vector graphics and creating them from scratch.
  • It can be used to develop job aids or infographics.
  • The speaker recommends learning Illustrator as it is a valuable tool for eLearning design work.
  • Learning the basics of Illustrator can be done in a day or so, but advanced skills are not necessary.
  • LinkedIn Learning playlists and YouTube tutorials are great resources for learning Illustrator.
  • Affinity Designer is a popular alternative to Illustrator that offers similar functionality at a lower cost.

New Section

This section focuses on Photoshop as a tool for editing photos and photorealistic images. The speaker mentions that while Photoshop can be difficult to learn, basic skills can be picked up more quickly. They also provide alternatives to Photoshop.

Photoshop

  • Photoshop is powerful but has a high skill ceiling.
  • Basic skills in Photoshop are sufficient for instructional designers or eLearning developers.
  • LinkedIn Learning and YouTube offer numerous tutorials for learning Photoshop.
  • Affinity Photo and GIMP are alternative programs to consider, with GIMP being free.

New Section

This section discusses Adobe XD as a prototyping tool used for designing visual mockups and layouts. The speaker mentions that most instructional designers use other tools like Articulate Storyline for prototyping but highlights the ease of learning XD compared to other Adobe tools.

Adobe XD

  • XD is used for designing visual mockups and layouts, as well as simple interactions.
  • Many instructional designers use other tools like Articulate Storyline for prototyping.
  • XD is easier to learn and use compared to other Adobe tools.
  • LinkedIn Learning and YouTube are recommended resources for learning XD.

New Section

This section emphasizes the benefits of learning Adobe Suite tools due to the abundance of content creators and resources available. The speaker encourages utilizing LinkedIn Learning and YouTube for learning these tools.

Learning Adobe Suite Tools

  • There are numerous content creators and resources available for learning Adobe Suite tools.
  • LinkedIn Learning and YouTube offer tutorials for all the Adobe tools discussed.
  • Taking advantage of these resources can greatly assist in mastering the tools.

The transcript provided does not include any timestamps beyond this point.

Introduction to Figma and Adobe Premiere Pro

In this section, the speaker introduces Figma and Adobe Premiere Pro as two powerful design and video editing tools.

Figma - A Free Design Tool

  • Figma is a free design tool that allows users to create professional layouts quickly.
  • Adobe recently acquired Figma, so there may be changes in pricing in the future.
  • Figma is a great alternative to other design tools with similar functions.

Adobe Premiere Pro - Video Editing Software

  • Adobe Premiere Pro is used for editing videos.
  • It allows users to add effects, cut and combine videos, and create animations.
  • While After Effects offers more advanced animation features, Premiere Pro is sufficient for most ID and eLearning developers.
  • Learning Premiere Pro can be moderately difficult but easier if familiar with timeline-based video editors like Windows Movie Maker or iMovie.
  • LinkedIn Learning and YouTube are excellent resources for learning Premiere Pro.
  • TechSmith Camtasia is a popular alternative to Premiere Pro, known for its ease of use.

Canva - An Easy-to-use Design Tool

This section focuses on Canva, an accessible design tool with a rich feature set.

Canva - Making Design Accessible

  • Canva aims to make design accessible to non-designers by providing an easy-to-use platform.
  • It offers numerous templates that already look good, allowing users to swap elements easily.
  • While Canva provides accessibility, it may have limitations compared to the Adobe Suite in terms of functionality.
  • Canva has its own "design school" offering free resources and tutorials for learning how to use the tool effectively.

TalentLMS - Learning Management System

This section introduces TalentLMS, a learning management system used for hosting eLearning packages and managing user access.

TalentLMS - Easy to Learn LMS

  • TalentLMS is an easy-to-learn learning management system.
  • Learning one LMS makes it easier to pick up other similar systems due to their comparable feature sets.
  • YouTube tutorials and TalentLMS documentation are valuable resources for learning how to use the platform effectively.
  • Practice uploading eLearning packages, enrolling users, and accessing reports to gain hands-on experience.
  • Docebo, Moodle, Canvas, and Blackboard are alternative LMS options with varying popularity in different sectors.

Vyond - Animated Video Creation Tool

This section highlights Vyond as a tool for creating animated videos directly in the browser.

Vyond - Browser-based Animation

  • Vyond allows users to create animated videos without the need for additional software installations.

New Section

This section discusses Vyond, a browser-based video editor that offers an asset library for users to create videos easily.

Vyond: Browser-Based Video Editor

  • Vyond is a browser-based video editor that functions as a video editor and allows users to upload their own assets.
  • Most people use Vyond's asset library, which offers various art styles and a wide range of on-brand cohesive assets.
  • Users can simply type in what they need, such as a dog, building, office, or hospital, and find relevant assets in the library.
  • Vyond provides most of the necessary assets, reducing the need for extensive graphics work.
  • It is easy to learn and use. Starting with a trial version and practicing is recommended.
  • Advanced features and techniques are available for more effective video creation, with tutorials provided by Vyond.

New Section

This section introduces Snag-It, a tool for quickly capturing and editing screenshots.

Snag-It: Screenshot Capture and Editing Tool

  • Snag-It is a simple tool for capturing and editing screenshots quickly.
  • The best way to learn how to use it is through hands-on experience.
  • By pressing the print screen button, users can capture screenshots based on their configuration settings.
  • Screenshots can be easily edited by cropping them or adding arrows and text.
  • Snag-it saves significant time when taking, editing, and mocking up screenshots.

New Section

The speaker concludes by providing additional resources related to instructional design software tools.

Additional Resources

  • Links will be included in the description for further exploration of the mentioned tools.
  • Viewers are encouraged to request videos on specific tools or suggest any missed ones in the comments section.
  • The speaker is willing to create more videos about instructional design technology to assist viewers.
  • Aspiring instructional designers are advised to check out additional resources related to becoming an instructional designer.

The transcript provided does not contain any timestamps beyond this point.

Video description

Learning the tools so that you can become an instructional designer? 👉 Grab the Become an ID checklist: https://www.devlinpeck.com/become-an-id-checklist The amount of tools and software available for instructional designers to learn can be overwhelming, but by focusing on these top 10, you can design and develop more effectively (as well as ensuring that you have the most in-demand skills). In this video, we take a look at the top instructional design tools, software, and technology. If you’re trying to become an instructional designer, this should give you a good idea of which tools to prioritize, how difficult they are to learn, and which resources are best for learning them. Even if you’re already an instructional designer, this should give you some good ideas of how to focus on your own professional development and upskill. Watch the Articulate Storyline 360 Workshops & Tutorials playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDW3IzDXPIgo47uLqivMTTurMCpzbMhoK Learn more about the Storyline Project Lab: https://www.devlinpeck.com/storyline-project-lab Articulate Storyline 360 vs Articulate Rise: https://youtu.be/mAEPu2utG98 Adobe Illustrator Tutorial for eLearning: https://youtu.be/PufU9hx0WLw How to use Adobe XD for eLearning: https://youtu.be/FutGt_dF4J4 Watch this video to see how to use TalentLMS: https://youtu.be/Gp7R-8zHE_A Using the affiliate links below will help support me and the content on this channel: ***Best AI Tools for Instructional Designers*** Synthesia: https://www.synthesia.io/?via=devlin WellSaid Labs: https://www.wellsaidlabs.com/?via=devlin Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=jJTSTA Jasper: https://jasper.ai/?fpr=devlin44 ***Best Laptops for Instructional Designers*** Dell XPS 13: https://amz.run/6l1w 16-inch MacBook Pro: https://amz.run/6l1y Gigabyte Aero 17: https://amz.run/6l26 ***Best Books for Instructional Designers*** The Non-Designer’s Design Book: https://amzn.to/3kP0reO Map It: https://amzn.to/3f137mR eLearning and the Science of Instruction: https://amzn.to/3kNuBiF Design For How People Learn: https://amzn.to/3CLtrNM Michael Allen’s Guide to eLearning: https://amzn.to/31ZUbJB 0:00 Intro 0:28 Articulate Storyline 360 2:51 Articulate Rise 360 4:26 Adobe Illustrator 6:40 Adobe Photoshop 7:46 Adobe XD 9:16 Adobe Premiere Pro 10:30 Canva 11:27 TalentLMS 13:00 Vyond 14:34 Snag-It 15:16 Next Steps