🍂 October 2026 Newsletter
Hello, Designing with Love listeners and readers! 🩷
This month on Designing with Love, we had a fantastic time exploring the future of learning, effective strategies for adult learners, and common myths in instructional design. We also shared insightful new blog posts on everything from ethical AI systems to data literacy for designers. Here’s a rundown of what we’ve been up to over the past month!
🎙️ Episodes
The Future of Learning Starts Now: What 2027 Demands from Designers
2027 is rapidly approaching, bringing increased pressure to prove real value in education and training. In this episode, Jackie kicks off the new 14-part series, Future-Ready Learning, with a practical challenge for designers. We dig into three major shifts: moving from information delivery to skill development, shifting to meaningful evidence of learning, and prioritizing human-centered design over shiny tech. Tune in to discover the simple three-question “2027 design lens” you can use immediately. Be sure to check out the episode and resources at The Future of Learning Starts Now: What 2027 Demands from Designers.
Designing for Adult Learners With Dr. Dwayne Wood
The fastest way to ruin an adult learning experience is to start with a shiny tool and hope an outcome appears later. Jackie sat down with Dr. Dwayne Wood to revisit the foundations that keep instructional design effective for adult learners. Together, they explore problem-based outcomes, upfront relevance, and autonomy that avoids analysis paralysis. They also discuss how to handle discussion forums and learning analytics when grades don’t tell the full story. Listen to the full conversation and get more details by visiting Designing for Adult Learners With Dr. Dwayne Wood.
Myth: Instructional Design is Just Making Slides
Slide decks are the artifact everyone recognizes, but assuming deck creation equals instructional design is a common pitfall. Jackie closes out the Myths in Instructional Design and Education series by pushing back against this misconception. We walk through the hidden core of learning experience design, including needs analysis, objectives, performance-based practice, and feedback loops. Jackie also offers a simple myth reset challenge to help let learning goals guide your formats. Discover more insights by checking out Myth: Instructional Design is Just Making Slides.
Multimodal Learning That Works With Dr. Dwayne Wood
If learners are exhausted before reaching the content, the problem might not be motivation—it might be the mode. Jackie welcomes Dr. Dwayne Wood back for part two of their mini-series to unpack multimodal learning and cognitive load theory. They discuss how to avoid tool friction and connect multimodal strategies with Universal Design for Learning (UDL). You will hear practical instructional design strategies you can apply without overwhelming yourself or your learners. Explore the full episode at Multimodal Learning That Works With Dr. Dwayne Wood.
📄 Posts
The Designer of 2030: Skills, Mindsets, and What’s Coming Next
As artificial intelligence and learning platforms rapidly evolve, the role of the instructional designer is expanding far beyond simple course creation. This post closes out our series by exploring what kind of designer the future will demand by 2030. We examine core capabilities like human-centered design and intentional innovation to help you keep people at the center of change. Read the full article and prepare for the future by visiting The Designer of 2030: Skills, Mindsets, and What’s Coming Next.
Ethics in the Age of Intelligent Learning Systems
Artificial intelligence and adaptive platforms can personalize experiences faster than ever, but increased capability brings increased responsibility. This post challenges instructional designers to move past functionality and ask whether we should design certain systems just because we can. We discuss making transparency part of the learning experience while protecting learner privacy and examining bias. Learn more about ethical design by checking out Ethics in the Age of Intelligent Learning Systems.
Data Literacy for Designers: Making Smarter Decisions in 2027
Instructional designers have access to more data than ever before, but having more metrics doesn’t automatically lead to better decisions. This post explores why data literacy is an essential skill for the future-ready designer looking to interpret information in context. We emphasize starting with a strong question and looking beyond a single metric to combine quantitative and qualitative evidence. Dive into the complete guide at Data Literacy for Designers: Making Smarter Decisions in 2027.
Learning Ecosystems: Connecting Platforms, People, and Performance
Learning rarely happens in just one place anymore, requiring designers to think beyond individual courses and platforms. This post looks at how to build connected learning ecosystems that seamlessly blend technologies, human support, and real-world application. We explore how to connect platforms with purpose and ensure the people within the system are fully supported. Read the full piece by visiting Learning Ecosystems: Connecting Platforms, People, and Performance.
Thank you so much for tuning into Designing with Love and reading along with our blog this month. We encourage you to listen to our latest episodes, dive into our newest blog posts, and share them with fellow educators and designers who are shaping the future of learning! 🩷