Instructional design tools are key to creating, modifying, and shaping training materials. You want your learning program to be robust with the information you are providing, but equally as important is how you present that information. With all the day to day details employees receive, you want your instructional design elements to make your training memorable. So searching for the correct instructional design tool is key to training success.
If you are new to instructional design or are searching for a new tool, where do you begin? There are several providers that offer these capabilities, but some are better options than others. We’ve outlined 15 instructional design tools with our picks for the top three. Here are some tools to consider.
1. Continu
Continu is a learning experience platform that offers a versatile cloud-based interface to several companies both large and small. It is one of the only LMS companies offering a blended learning tool for both online and classroom training. Their platform is easy to use, doesn’t over complicate the implementation process, and keeps up with changing technology.
Besides using Continu as an LMS, it can also be used as a knowledge-based platform or Intranet system which helps cut company costs and save time. Learning Tracks is how administrators create courses, facilitate onboarding flows, quizzes, and more. Continu is also an authoring tool which means companies can create training materials directly onto this platform without the aid of third parties and it can be easily synced using several integrations.
Some of the key features include an intuitive easy-to-use interface, automated training to deliver correct materials on time based on the needs of the individual user, and is mobile-friendly…ideal as one of the tools for remote work. Plus, courses can be tracked and assigned based on each team’s needs. To further help team leaders manage remote teams, Continu comes with dashboards, detailed reporting and analytics to track learning and engagement by each team member. And if your company has several offices whether national or international, content can be tagged based on geographic reach. Finally, since growth is the goal of any remote company, learning reports can be easily downloaded, exported, or shared. So when ready, Continu can be easily scaled based on need.

2. Talent LMS
TalentLMS is a cloud-based LMS that is SCORM and TinCan certified. Users can easily transfer presentations, videos, and other online material through their integrations. Plus, administrators can create custom domains, logos, and themes. If you have multiple locations, it can be adopted to meet complex company structures. Some of the key features include course downloading when offline, video conferencing, advanced gamification, analytic functionality, and the ability to sell courses. It comes with several key integrations like Zapier and Salesforce and has the ability to collect and analyze surveys.
3. iSpring Suite
iSpring is an instructional design tool great for both learning on-the-go via mobile devices or on a desktop in the office. For facilitators or analysts of corporate training, course statistics can be downloaded anytime even via mobile. Creating new learning tools is simple as well as organizing them in convenient e-folders. Plus, iSpring lets you add users into groups or organizations for a multi-tiered approach to training.Some of the key features include creating slides, quizzes, video presentations, screencasts, and dialogue simulations without any additional training required. Some of the integrations include PowerPoint, Moodle, LearnDash, Intuition Rubicon, and xAPI. Plus, you can convert existing files from Word or PDF so you don’t need to recreate what files you already have.
4. Whatfix
Whatfix is one of the instructional design tools that help with employee onboarding, training design, and learning support for employees. Some of the features include the ability to train across multiple devices, built-in support, storyboarding, and test creation. There is also a PowerPoint integration for pre-designed courses.
Drawbacks: This system is best for enterprise-level companies so it may not be the best option for smaller businesses. Plus, some users say the analytics are hard to interrupt and the user interface has a steeper learning curve than other instructional design tools. Plus, this option is less expensive than others on the market, but users say it has fewer capabilities than more robust systems available.
5. QuizGame
QuizGame as one of the instructional design tools that focus on gamification in training. Their goal is to make learning more fun. Some of the key features include challenging games to learn key skills, duels, group quizzes, and a reporting system. There is also built-in customization depending on employee training needs.
Drawbacks: There are several methods of instructional design including gamification. So if you are looking for a more comprehensive solution, QuizGame won’t be the answer. It’s a simple solution that may not be robust enough for larger companies. Plus some users state the tools are too simplistic in nature and some of the exercises are a bit too long for short attention spans.
6. Screenflow
Video is a huge component of instructional design. And if you are looking to incorporate it, Screenflow is a good option. By using their features, you can record any part of your screen including audio, You can then edit this video and use it to enhance your training program. Once you are happy with your videos, they can be uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, Wistia, Facebook, Google Drive, Dropbox, or to Telestream Cloud.
Drawbacks: While video is great for making training more interactive, there are other instructional design tools that offer more capabilities. Also, some users say that the editing features are not very user-friendly.