What My Instructional Design Portfolio Says About Me

If you’ve wandered through my Project Showcase, you’ve likely noticed a mix of formats, Rise 360 modules, Articulate storyline modules, narrated videos, interactive infographics, and learner-focused guides. But this portfolio is more than a collection of deliverables. It’s a window into how I think, what I value, and the direction I’m heading as a learning designer. 

My instructional design philosophy is grounded in practicality. I’m always asking: How can this learning experience solve a real-world problem? To me, training should be useful, timely, and directly relevant. Whether I’m designing for volunteers with competing priorities or professionals needing quick upskilling, I prioritize clarity, accessibility, and meaningful engagement. I strive to meet learners where they are, respecting their time, experience, and unique needs, so that every learning experience feels approachable, relevant, and doable. 

Each artifact in my portfolio connects to this mindset. For example, my Public Education Essentials module breaks learning into micro-units, making it easy for busy Master Gardener volunteers to build confidence in public speaking, one skill at a time. My Invasive Species Scout Project combines statewide coordination with interactive content to help volunteers identify and report critical pest threats. And my audio script and job aid samples reflect my ability to create learning that’s not only clear but also easy to implement and use on the job. 

Take a deeper look at my projects and learn more about my work on my Project Showcase page.

These projects also show how I translate knowledge and theory into action. From Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to adult learning theory, I build with intention, layering accessibility, flexibility, and learner choice into everything I make. I respect my learners’ prior knowledge and aim to design experiences that feel practical, empowering, and relevant to their needs and contexts. Whether I’m working on a microlearning series, developing a full eLearning course, or creating a job aid, I ask: Will this help someone do something better? Will it meet them where they are? That mindset guides my design decisions and keeps learners at the center of my work. If you haven’t visited my Project Showcase yet, I’d love for you to check it out. You’ll find detailed walkthroughs, design insights, and examples of how I apply my instructional design philosophy in real-world contexts.