If you’re building a training course and you’re not sure whether to hire an instructional design consultant or a contract eLearning developer, you’re not alone. These roles often overlap in job descriptions and portfolios, but they play very different parts in the success of a learning project.
Understanding the difference isn’t just about getting the right person in the right seat. It’s about delivering a course that actually works on time, within budget, and aligned with your business goals. Let’s break it down.
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Instructional Designer
|
eLearning Developer
|
|---|---|
Analyzes learner needs |
Builds digital courses |
Creates learning objectives |
Develops interactions and media |
Works with SMEs |
Works with authoring tools |
Creates storyboards |
Produces final course |
Focuses on learning strategy |
Focuses on technical execution |
What Is an Instructional Designer?
At its core, an instructional designer (ID) is a learning strategist. This role is all about how people learn best and how to turn complex information into a meaningful, engaging learning experience.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting needs analysis to determine performance gaps.
- Writing measurable learning objectives.
- Creating instructional flow and sequencing.
- Developing storyboards and outlines.
- Writing or curating course content.
- Aligning with stakeholders on training goals.
- Working with subject matter experts (SMEs) to prioritize what’s essential vs. what can be left out.
Instructional designers are especially skilled at helping SMEs break free from the “everything is important” mindset. They guide the process of narrowing down the content to what the learner actually needs to know to succeed on the job. Nothing more, nothing less.
Another important distinction: instructional designers don’t just work in eLearning, they support a wide range of training solutions. That includes blended learning, instructor-led training (ILT), virtual instructor-led training (VILT), job aids, performance support tools, and more. Their skill set allows them to design effective learning experiences across any delivery method, not just digital courses.
While instructional designers are often associated with eLearning projects, their work extends far beyond digital courses. Instructional designers may create instructor-led training, virtual instructor-led training, performance support tools, onboarding programs, leadership development initiatives, and blended learning solutions. Their primary responsibility is designing effective learning experiences, regardless of delivery method.
Common tools they use:
Word, PowerPoint, Miro, ChatGPT, Vyond, Excel, and anything that helps visualize or structure learning..
The bottom line? Instructional designers make sure the course has a clear purpose, flows logically, and supports behavior change, not just information delivery.
10 Interview Questions to Ask an Instructional Design Consultant
What Is an eLearning Developer?
Once the content and structure are nailed down, an eLearning developer brings it to life. They’re the hands-on builders, taking storyboards and scripts and transforming them into polished digital courses.
Key responsibilities include:
- Building interactive modules using authoring tools.
- Adding voiceover, animation, and video.
- Programming interactions (quizzes, scenarios, drag-and-drops).
- Troubleshooting technical issues.
- Testing compatibility in the Learning Management System (LMS) platform (SCORM, xAPI).
- Ensuring the final course meets accessibility and usability standards.
Many eLearning developers come from a variety of backgrounds; graphic design, programming, media production, or animation, which influences how they approach their work. A developer with a programming background may excel at custom interactions, while one with a graphic arts background might create more visually immersive learning experiences. Their technical expertise complements the instructional designer’s strategy to produce high-impact courses. A good developer isn’t just technically skilled, they understand the user experience and know how to make learning feel seamless and intuitive.
Common tools they use:
Articulate Storyline, Rise, Adobe Captivate, Vyond, WellSaid Labs, and more.
The goal? A functional, visually engaging, and bug-free course that runs smoothly on your LMS.
How AI Is Changing Both Roles
Artificial intelligence is helping instructional designers accelerate research, content analysis, and storyboarding while enabling eLearning developers to streamline course production, media creation, and quality assurance. However, organizations still rely on instructional designers to make learning decisions and eLearning developers to create effective learner experiences. AI supports these roles, but it does not replace the expertise required to design and build successful learning solutions.
Where the Roles Overlap
Many professionals wear both hats, especially freelancers and consultants. In smaller teams, one person might take on the entire project from needs analysis through final publishing.
Common overlapping skills include:
- Adult learning theory
- Basic visual design
- Storyboarding and scripting
- Light authoring (especially in Rise or other rapid tools)
But beware: just because someone can do both doesn’t mean they excel at both. If you need deep instructional strategy or advanced technical development, you may want to split the roles. This is where using specialized contractors can really help you meet your goals.
Do You Need an Instructional Designer,
an eLearning Developer, or Both?
If you need help identifying business goals, defining learning objectives, working with SMEs, or determining the best learning approach, an instructional designer is often the best place to start.
If you already have approved content and storyboards and need someone to build the course in an authoring tool such as Articulate Storyline or Rise, an eLearning developer may be the right choice.
For larger projects, organizations frequently engage both roles. The instructional designer creates the learning strategy and structure while the eLearning developer transforms that vision into a finished learning experience.
9 Things to Consider when Hiring an eLearning Developer
Why This Distinction Matters
Hiring the wrong person for the job can create serious delays, confusion, and rework. For example:
- A developer without instructional design expertise may produce a beautiful course that doesn’t meet the learning objectives.
- An ID who doesn’t build courses well may leave you with a great storyboard and a sub-standard eLearning course.
Understanding the distinction helps you:
- Set the right budget
- Manage expectations
- Hit your deadlines
- Deliver training that works
Final Thoughts
The best training projects usually involve both roles, even if they’re wrapped into one person. Instructional designers bring clarity and structure. eLearning developers bring that structure to life with interactivity and polish.
Know what your project needs and ask the right questions to make sure you’re bringing in the right kind of expert.
Getting Started as a Contract Instructional Designer:
Ready to Work with Us?
Does your L&D team have more projects than people?
Many organizations in this position turn to contract instructional designers to scale training without overloading internal teams. If you’re exploring options or comparing eLearning development companies, you should learn more about how organizations design and scale these solutions.
TrainingPros is a learning and development company that connects organizations with experienced instructional designers, eLearning developers, and performance consultants. We’ve been named a Top 20 Staffing Company by Training Industry and a Champion of Learning by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), recognition that reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, tailored learning solutions.
If your learning initiatives require additional support, whether for a single project or a large-scale rollout, our relationship managers can help you find the right expertise quickly and confidently.
When you have more projects than people™, let TrainingPros find the right consultant to start your project with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Difference Between Instructional Designers and eLearning Developers
Can an instructional designer also be an eLearning developer?
Many professionals have skills in both areas. However, instructional design and eLearning development require different expertise, and larger projects often benefit from dedicated specialists.
Which role should I hire first?
If you are still defining learning goals or designing the solution, start with an instructional designer. If the design is complete and you need course production support, consider an eLearning developer.
Do I need both an instructional designer and an eLearning developer?
Many custom eLearning projects use both roles. The instructional designer focuses on learning strategy and content structure while the eLearning developer builds the final course.
