A Quick Story Before We Get Technical

Three years ago, I was working on an onboarding course for a fintech client. Tight deadline, moving requirements, a team that wanted “Netflix level interactive modules” — you get the picture.

I spent nearly two weeks drafting scripts, mapping learning objectives, storyboarding, rewriting assessments, and producing design outlines. By the time I finished, I felt like I’d run a marathon with a laptop in my hand.

Fast forward to 2025:
I recreated the same course using modern AI tools for instructional design… and I finished the initial prototype in about 3 hours.

But here’s the twist:

It wasn’t faster because AI magically replaced my skills.
It was faster because AI handled the grind work while I focused on decision-making, nuance, creativity, and quality checks — the real instructional design parts humans excel at.

That shift is the real story behind this article.

Why AI in Instructional Design Finally Makes Sense (And Where It Still Fails)

I’ve tested over 30+ ID focused AI platforms over the last year — some brilliant, some useless, some shockingly good.

Here’s what I learned:

What AI gets right (surprisingly well):

• Turning SME brain dumps into structured learning objectives
• Creating high quality draft storyboards
• Matching instructional strategies to content
• Generating assessments aligned with Bloom’s levels
• Suggesting multimedia sequences
• Creating interactive learning flows
• Converting long text into microlearning modules

Where AI still struggles (even in 2025):

• Context based decision making
• Ethical nuance & accessibility specifics
• Selecting the “right” pedagogy for real world scenarios
• Tone control in corporate learning
• Understanding organizational culture
• Rewriting vague SME input that lacks clarity

In other words:
AI is insanely good at production, but still needs humans for judgment.

Now let’s break down the actual tools that make instructional design faster, smarter, and more creative — with real examples of how they performed.

Also read my helpful guide on AI Tools for Developers.

The AI Tools for Instructional Design That Truly Move the Needle

This is not a generic “Top 10 tools” section. These are tools I’ve personally used on real client projects, internal training builds, and scenario based eLearning prototypes.

1. Synthesia — When You Need Video Learning Without a Studio

I first tried Synthesia in early 2024. Back then, avatars looked a bit “robotic,” and lip sync wasn’t perfect.

But the 2025 version?
Shockingly real.

How I use Synthesia in real projects:

• Creating explainer videos for compliance training
• Turning scripts into multilingual video modules
• Producing character driven scenario simulations
• Rapid prototyping of video lessons clients can visualize

Mini Case Study:

A banking client wanted a “human instructor” for 9 modules.
Budget didn’t allow for filming real presenters.

I used Synthesia to:

• Create a single avatar with professional tone
• Generate 9 videos in 11 languages
• Deliver everything within 48 hours

The client’s LMS engagement: ↑ 37% in the first month

Limitation:

You still need strong scripting.
If your script is weak, Synthesia won’t save it.

2. Tome — For Instructional Designers Who Hate Storyboarding in Slides

I discovered Tome by accident when experimenting with AI tools for presentation design. But the moment I used it for eLearning storyboards, I was hooked.

Why Tome works for ID:

• Creates slide based storyboards automatically
• Pulls visuals, icons, and layouts without searching
• Lets you build entire eLearning flows in minutes
• Great for client approval before development

Real Example:

I fed Tome:

• A 2-page outline
• Target learners
• Behavior change goal
• Content difficulty level

Tome produced a clean storyboard with:

• Flow based structure
• Visual cues
• Scene dividers
• Suggested interactions

Time saved: 3-4 hours per module

Limitation:

Tome’s output can look generic if you don’t refine it manually.

3. ChatGPT (Advanced) — My Primary Instructional Design Brainstorm Partner

Let me be blunt:
If you’re an instructional designer not using ChatGPT yet, you’re doing unnecessary extra work.

Read the full guide: How to Use ChatGPT for Coding.

What ChatGPT does exceptionally well for ID:

• Breaking long text into microlearning
• Writing scenario scripts
• Converting SME dumps into structured lessons
• Creating knowledge checks aligned with Bloom’s taxonomy
• Turning policies into interactive decision trees

Unexpected Use Case:

I used ChatGPT to rewrite a dry HR policy into:

• A scenario
• Two branching dialogues
• A role play activity
• A quiz

This would normally take ~3 hours.
ChatGPT gave me a draft in under a minute.

Of course, I refined it heavily — but the draft got me 60% of the way.

Limitation:

It sometimes “over teaches” — too many details, not enough simplicity.

4. Descript — The Only Audio First Tool I Trust for eLearning Narrations

Most AIs struggle with natural narration.
Descript, though? This one actually works for eLearning.

Why Descript is great for instructional designers:

• Create humanlike narration without voice actors
• Edit audio like a document
• Remove filler words automatically
• Sync with slides or scenarios

Real Result:

I replaced a human voiceover for a cybersecurity module with a Descript based AI voice.
Learners rated clarity: 4.6/5
And no one realized it wasn’t human.

Limitation:

Emotional expression is still limited — great for corporate, not great for storytelling.

5. Articulate Rise + AI — My Rapid eLearning Secret Weapon

Rise was already the king of rapid eLearning.
But the 2025 AI features? Next level.

What Rise AI helps with:

• Generating lesson frameworks
• Auto creating knowledge checks
• Turning text files into structured modules
• Adding visuals and examples automatically

Personal Experience:

I built a 25-minute microlearning course on “Conflict Resolution” in Rise AI in under 90 minutes — normally a 6–8 hour build.

Limitation:

Rise AI cannot handle complex branching or scenario logic.
Great for rapid builds, weak for experiential learning.

6. Canva Magic Studio — Surprisingly Useful for Learning Designers

Most people think that Canva is just a designing tool.
But the new Magic Studio is borderline an instructional design assistant.

What I use Canva AI for:

• Creating icons and infographics for courses
• Generating clean visual explanations
• Designing process flows
• Making scenario graphics

Mini Example:

Input:
“Create a 3-step visual explaining phishing detection for employees.”

Output:
Clean, modern visual that I used as-is inside Rise.

Limitation:

It sometimes produces visuals that feel “too generic” without brand refinement.

What Actually Happens When You Combine These Tools

To show you what’s possible, here’s how I’ve used multiple tools together on a real project:

Client Project: Cybersecurity Awareness Course

Total time saved: ~73%

But most importantly:
Learner engagement improved because I could spend more time refining scenarios, interactions, and real-world tasks instead of drowning in admin work.

The Instructional Design Blueprint I Now Use in 2025

This is not theory — this is my real workflow after hundreds of hours of testing.

Step 1 — Gather SME Content & Clarify Outcomes

Use ChatGPT to clean and structure messy SME notes.

Step 2 — Rapid Prototype

Use Tome to visualize structure and flow.

Step 3 — Build a Script + Scenario Draft

Use ChatGPT + personal judgment.

Step 4 — Create Video & Audio

Synthesia for video, Descript for narration.

Step 5 — Build the Course

Rise AI or Storyline depending on complexity.

Step 6 — QA & Human Review

No AI can replace this part.
This is where your instructional design expertise matters the most.

A Few Visual Asset Ideas You Can Use in Your Course

1. Custom Infographic Idea

“A 5-step visual map of AI-supported instructional design workflow.”

2. Comparison Chart Idea

“AI Tools vs Traditional ID Tasks — where humans still excel vs where AI dominates.”

3. Custom Image Suggestion

“A split image showing a chaotic workspace on one side and an AI Powered streamlined workflow on the other.”

Which AI Tool Should You Use?

If you are a developer this will help you: AI Debugging Tools.

Limitations Most Bloggers Don’t Tell You About

AI can hallucinate facts.

Always verify.

AI can remove nuance.

Especially in sensitive training like DEI, leadership, crisis handling.

AI can reduce creativity if you rely on default prompts.

You must guide it aggressively.

AI cannot replace testing with real learners.

Instructional design is human driven at the core.

For more read official LinkedIn Learning Workplace Learning Report.

Conclusion: AI Tools for Instructional Design Are Not Replacing Designers

At this point, I can confidently say this:

Using ai tools for instructional design is not about automating your job.
It’s about freeing your mind from repetitive tasks so you can think, design, test, imagine, and innovate at a higher level.

AI cuts down the “work” part of instructional design —
so you can focus on the “design” part.

If you’re an instructional designer who wants to build smarter, faster, and better eLearning, now is the best time to embrace these tools.

Want to Go Deeper? Let’s Keep This Conversation Going.

If you found value here, drop a comment, explore the linked articles, or tell me which AI tools you want me to test next.

Your feedback helps me share better insights based on real world experience. Also subscribe our Newsletter.

FAQ: AI Tools for Instructional Design

1. How can AI tools for instructional design save time?

From my own workflow, AI helps me cut hours of manual planning. It quickly generates course outlines, learning objectives, and assessments so I can focus more on improving the actual learner experience.

2. Are AI powered instructional design tools good for creating multimedia content?

Yes, absolutely. I’ve used AI video and image tools to turn boring lessons into engaging visuals within minutes.

3. Can AI in instructional design improve learner engagement?

In my experience, yes. AI suggests interactive elements like quizzes, scenarios, and personalized learning paths that make the content more dynamic and less textbook style.

4. Which AI tools help instructional designers create assessments?

Tools built for instructional creators can generate quizzes, case studies, and even adaptive tests. I’ve tested a few that create complete question banks based on my course content in seconds.

5. Is it safe to rely on AI tools for creating training materials?

It’s safe if you review everything. I always double check accuracy, tone, and compliance. AI is great for drafts, but final quality still depends on human review.