Instructional Designer in a New Industry

🧠 How does an instructional designer step into a brand-new industry and create effective training?

This is a question I often hear—and one I’ve had to answer myself more than once. As instructional designers, we’re not always subject matter experts (SMEs), but we do need to speak the language of the learners and understand the context they're working in.

When I first started designing training for aviation professionals, I wasn’t sure where to begin. I didn’t have a background in aircraft maintenance or flight operations, but I had a mission: create learning that was clear, relevant, and grounded in real-world performance.

Here’s what helped me get up to speed:

🔍 Lead with curiosity. I asked questions constantly—sometimes the “dumb” ones. And I found that those questions often opened the door to deeper conversations with experts.

🤝 Build trust with SMEs. The mechanics, dispatchers, pilots, and flight attendants I worked with became my guides. Their willingness to share not just facts but stories and context made all the difference.

👀 Observe the environment. I visited hangars, sat in briefings, watched teams in action. Immersing myself in their world helped me better understand the challenges and workflow.

📚 Self-study is underrated. I read manuals, watched industry videos, and even studied aircraft systems just enough to connect the dots. I didn’t need to become an expert—I needed to think like the learner.

Switching industries can be a challenge—but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of our work.