Dear 2025 Me: Thanks for the Lessons, But Let’s Design Smarter in 2025

Dear 2025 Me,

You did great things this year. You built courses, simplified chaos, and somehow turned a 300-page policy document into a digestible learning module. You worked late nights in PowerPoint purgatory, argued with Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) files, and created quizzes that were—dare I say—fun.

But it’s 2026 now, and it’s time to design like the visionary you are.

Resolution 1: Start With the Learner, Not the Slides

Let’s stop designing for the SME and start designing for the person at the keyboard. In 2026, we’ll define outcomes, build empathy maps, and design experiences that actually change behavior. (See Understanding the Standards of Instructional Design.)

Pro Tip: Ask “What will learners do differently after this?” before touching a single slide.

Resolution 2: Make Microlearning Mean Something

Microlearning content is sharper, as well as shorter. Let’s make every minute count. Break big topics into snackable lessons that focus on doing, not describing. (See 5 Microlearning Myths Debunked: It’s More Than Just Short Videos!)

Pro Tip: If it takes longer to explain the objective than to complete the task, it’s not micro, it’s mini torture.

Resolution 3: Blend, Don’t Overwhelm

In 2025, you mastered eLearning. Now, let’s mix it up: virtual discussions, Just-In-Time Learning (JIT) resources, and interactive job aids. Remember that blended learning is more about choosing the right mix than using everything at once. (See Need it Now? Why Just in Time Learning Works (And How Microlearning Helps).)

Pro Tip: Think of your learning plan as a recipe: too much of one ingredient (say, video) and the learner checks out.

Resolution 4: Partner with AI, Don’t Compete

AI is great for suggesting quiz questions, generating scripts, or helping storyboard faster. However, it can’t understand your learners’ frustrations or motivations. That’s your superpower.

Pro Tip: Use AI as your brainstorming partner, not your replacement writer. You’re still the designer-in-chief. (See The Role of AI in Instructional Design Collaborator, Not Competitor.)

Resolution 5: Build Learning That Lasts

This year, we’ll move from “course complete” to “skills sustained.” Follow-up nudges, embedded resources, and feedback loops turn learning from a one-time event into a continuous cycle. (See From Learning Analytics to Action: Turning Feedback into Performance Improvement.)

Pro Tip: Include one post-training reinforcement in every project plan. Future learners (and future you) will thank you.

Here’s to smarter learning, lighter slides, and designs that make people want to learn.

Sincerely,

Your Future Self (Now With Fewer Revisions)

Related Blogs

Need it Now? Why Just in Time Learning Works (And How Microlearning Helps

The Role of AI in Instructional Design Collaborator, Not Competitor

Understanding the Standards of Instructional Design

References

Henry, James W. “AI: Friend Or Foe To The Instructional Design Industry.” eLearning Industry. 7/4/24. Accessed 12/4/25. https://elearningindustry.com/ai-friend-or-foe-to-the-instructional-design-industry

Horowitz, Brian T. “5 Ways to Use Microlearning as Part of Tech Training.” Dice. 12/4/25. Accessed 2/8/24. https://www.dice.com/career-advice/5-ways-to-use-microlearning-as-part-of-tech-training