Will AI Replace Instructional Designers? Future & Career Scope

• AI is supporting instructional designers but will not replace the role entirely 

• Professionals are using various AI tools improve efficiency and scale 

• 95% professionals are using AI to perform various tasks like content creation, analysis, evaluation and implementation

• Professionals with strong foundations are valued even more as the field is evolving 

• Growing e-learning demand means Instructional Designers have strong career scope 

Introduction

AI is transforming the education and the learning and development industries in unexpected ways. Amidst this uncertainty, and growing scope of AI, it is natural to wonder if AI will replace Instructional Designers (IDs). 

While AI is able to assist and speed up the process of instructional designers, there are human-centric aspects that cannot be done by AI alone. 

Thus, AI’s may not be able to replace Instructional Designers but they will need to adapt their process and integrate AI to compete and stay relevant.

Let us look at the role Instructional Designers perform and how it is changing with the rise of AI. 

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What Do Instructional Designers Do?

Instructional Designers play a vital role in organizations, from on-boarding to up-skilling as part of learning and development initiatives.  Also, with the growth of e-learning, expert instructional designers are in high demand. 

The primary goal of an ID is to create learning experiences which help learners gain knowledge and skills which can be demonstrated in measurable results.  

Key Functions

The tasks that Instructional Designers need to perform to achieve their goals include:

• Identify learning needs 

• Create measurable learning objectives 

• Map a learning journey

• Create an engaging flow of content 

• Assess progress and evaluate results  

Key Skills 

Professionals in this field need the following skills:

• Apply principles of cognitive science and learning science 

• Analyze learning needs and objectives 

• Craft interactive learning experiences

• Create learning content, assessments, etc. 

• Adapt content for multiple platforms

• Implement learning solutions at scale

• Coordinate with subject matter experts

Considering the goal and functions of professional IDs, we need to consider how AI is affecting the role. 

How AI is Changing Instructional Design

Currently, almost 95% of IDs are using AI for various tasks including:

• Analysis 

• Design

• Content creation

• Evaluation 

• Implementation 

Professionals are using 

• AI authoring tools for content creation

• Generative AI tools to build prototypes

• LMS with integrated AI analytics 

AI is primarily being used by professionals to support their role and increase efficiency and scale. 

Professionals with strong understanding of the fundamentals of learning science, empathy for learner needs and the ability to use AI tools have great scope in this growing field. 

AI vs Human Instructional Designers

AI Can:

• Automate content creation

• Analyze data

• Speed up processes

Humans Are Needed For:

• Designing learning experiences

• Understanding learner psychology

• Creating engaging content

• Strategic thinking

Future of Instructional Design in the AI Era

There is no doubt that AI is reshaping ID as it is reshaping every other field. To better understand what the future holds for this field, it is important to understand what AI can and cannot do. 

AI can:

• Speed up the ‘idea to prototype’ process 

• Provide personalization through analytics 

• Automate repetitive tasks 

However, we need human IDs to

• Understand the context of learners

• Build creative learning experiences

• Design for human motivation and inclusivity   

• Think strategically to set and meet goals 

Thus, it is important to understand that AI will become a vital partner in the process but will not be taking over the role of an ID. 

Evolving role of Instructional Designers

With AI as a collaborator, the role of instructional designers will now:

• Shift from content creator to a strategist

• Focus on improving quality at scale

• Focus on evaluation and measuring progress   

• Involve high degree of AI literacy  

Skills Needed for Instructional Designers in 2026

To compete in this changing field, you will need to upskill and gain skills like:

• Use of AI tools for creating content in various multimedia formats 

• Apply UI/UX design principles to enhance learning experiences in online environments 

• Interpret analytics data and create learning paths that adapt to learner needs 

• Critically analyze the design to ensure quality and ethical practices  

Career Opportunities in Instructional Design

Instructional designers can work in:

• Corporate L&D teams

• EdTech companies

• E-learning platforms

• Freelancing and consulting

• Academic institutions

Demand is growing rapidly due to digital learning adoption.

How to Become an Instructional Designer

To build a career in instructional design, structured learning is essential.

Programs like a PG Diploma in Instructional Design help learners understand learning science, content creation, and AI tools.

Institutions like Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) offer flexible programs designed for working professionals and freshers.

Conclusion

AI is not replacing instructional designers; it is reshaping the way they work.

Professionals who combine learning design expertise with AI skills will have a strong advantage in the future.

With the growth of e-learning and corporate training, instructional design remains a high-potential career in 2026 and beyond.