Instructional Design Services That Make Learning Work
Great online training starts with thoughtful instructional design. As an experienced instructional design services company, Spark + Co. helps organizations turn their knowledge, expertise and existing training materials into engaging learning experiences that achieve clear objectives.
Our instructional design services support non-profits, businesses, government agencies and organizations that educate employees, customers, members, professionals and the public. Whether you need a new course, want to convert live training into eLearning or need to improve an existing program, our instructional design consultants help you define the right approach.
Contact us below to book your complimentary consultation and tell us about your training project. We’re here to help.
Our Instructional Design Services
We tailor our instructional design services to your audience, content, objectives and budget. Depending on the project, our work includes:
- Learning needs and audience analysis — Identify learner needs, business goals, barriers and practical success measures.
- Learning objectives and course structure — Organize material into a focused, logical learning journey.
- Content review and development — Assess existing materials, identify gaps and turn complex information into clear, usable lessons.
- Storyboards and scripts — Plan course screens, scenarios, multimedia, activities and narration before development.
- Interactive learning and assessment design — Create realistic practice, knowledge checks and assessments aligned with learning objectives.
- Course review and improvement — Evaluate existing training and identify opportunities to improve clarity, engagement and usability.
More detail on our eLearning course design process is available.
A Unique Instructional Product Approach
We do more than design an attractive online course. Through our instructional design services, we also consider how the learning will serve your organization, reach its intended audience and continue to deliver value after launch. We call this our instructional product approach.
For example, even a well-designed course may fall short if learners cannot find it, don’t see its value, or struggle to apply what they learn. While employees must take courses, external audiences such as customers, the general public, and association members aren’t required to take your course unless they perceive exceptional value. So for external-audience programs, factors such as learner demand, positioning, pricing, packaging and distribution can be just as important as the learning design itself.
Effective instructional design starts with understanding how people learn. We draw on established learning principles, including Universal Design for Learning (UDL), to create accessible, engaging learning experiences that accommodate different learner needs and help participants apply what they’ve learned.
As a result, we can combine eLearning instructional design with selected product-planning services to ensure your custom eLearning development project will succeed:
- Audience research and market validation
- Course positioning and value proposition
- Pricing and packaging for courses offered for sale
- Learner documentation and launch planning
- Marketing, SEO and participant-acquisition guidance
- Ongoing course improvements and performance measurement
However, we do not apply every activity to every assignment. Employee training may require a narrower approach, while public education, association learning or paid certification programs may benefit from additional market and launch planning.
How We Help You Make Informed Decisions
To make informed decisions from the outset, our instructional design consultants work with you to answer practical questions:
- Who needs the training, and what do they need to do differently afterward?
- How does the course advance your immediate goals and longer-term mission?
- What type of learning experience will help people apply their knowledge?
- If learners choose whether to participate, what will motivate them to enrol and complete the course?
- What technology, communications and support will you need at launch?
- How will you keep the course current and evaluate its performance?
From Initial Idea to a Viable Learning Product
Research and validate
For suitable external-facing projects, we can build audience profiles, research relevant search demand, review competing learning offers and test assumptions about learner needs. For example, interviews, surveys or focus groups may reveal gaps between what experts want to teach and what learners actually need.
Design, develop and test
Next, we structure the course around clear outcomes. When uncertainty is high, a prototype or first module can test the concept with the intended audience before you invest in a larger program. We then use feedback to refine the experience, content and activities.
Plan for launch and adoption
Finally, when a course needs to attract participants, we can help identify suitable channels, including existing email lists, partnerships, content marketing, SEO and paid promotion. The right approach depends on your audience, available resources, and your program’s goals.
Collaborative Trusted Partners, Not Vendors
We don’t create courses just to create courses. Instead, we work alongside your team as a trusted advisor. Our instructional design services combine practical recommendations with hands-on support so you can make sound decisions that advance your mission.
For each project, we assemble the expertise you need rather than maintaining a large team throughout the engagement. As a result, you receive relevant specialist support at the right stage. If we believe a different solution would serve you better than a training course, we will say so.
Our aim is a useful, sustainable learning experience—and a working relationship built on practical advice, clear expectations and collaboration.
Instructional Design in Practice
WeBC is a non-profit that develops and supports female entrepreneurs. They wanted to expand their training beyond live workshops and webinars. Spark + Co. helped transform its programs into bilingual, on-demand learning designed to serve entrepreneurs across Canada. This example shows how instructional design services can connect clear learning objectives with the practical demands of delivery and adoption.
What Clients Say
“They really do look fantastic and so much easier to navigate for the adult learner. Your expertise, attention to detail and creative skills are very apparent.” — BC Renal
“Every course we complete together I’m amazed by the process and the quality. Many hours and lots of creativity are poured into these courses and the results speak for themselves. Clients’ feedback is amazing and they report increasing knowledge and confidence. So, a huge thank you for all the amazing things you created in this course!! The navigation of the canvases, the interview with the BA, the intro video and so much more… This course is fabulous!” – WeBC
“I highly recommend working with Spark + Co. and I would hire them again in the future.” — Concert Properties
Let’s Talk About Your Learning Project
Need instructional design expertise or a partner to guide your online learning initiative? Let us know what you want to achieve. Together, we can identify the next steps and determine whether our instructional design services are a good fit. Your first step is to schedule your complimentary consultation (below) with one of our expert instructional designers so we can discuss your needs and challenges and suggest some innovative ideas to address them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you convert our presentations or workshops into an online course?
Yes. We review existing presentations, manuals, webinars and other source materials. Then we adapt and organize them for effective online learning rather than simply transferring them into screens.
How much do instructional design services cost?
Cost depends on the content, course scope, complexity, review process, and deliverables. First, we discuss your project and identify the support you need. We then recommend an approach that fits your objectives and budget.
Do you work with smaller organizations and non-profits?
Yes. We work with small and medium-sized organizations, non-profits, government agencies and other teams that need experienced learning design support without unnecessary complexity.
How long does an instructional design project typically take?
The timeline depends on your project’s scope, content complexity, and how much existing material you have. For example, developing an instructional design plan for a short online course may take just a few weeks, while a comprehensive training program can require several months.
At Spark + Co., we establish a realistic schedule at the beginning of each project. We also build in time for stakeholder reviews and feedback to keep development moving smoothly.
How do I choose the right instructional design company for my project?
Start by looking for an instructional design company with experience developing courses for organizations and audiences similar to yours. Experience in the same subject matter isn’t required, as we use subject matter experts on every project. Then review their portfolio, instructional design approach, client testimonials and ability to work within your budget and schedule.
In addition, consider whether they offer strategic guidance or simply produce content based on your instructions. Experienced instructional design consultants should help you identify learning needs, recommend effective approaches and create practical solutions that support your organization’s goals.
Can your instructional designers help us choose the right eLearning platform?
Yes. Our instructional design services extend beyond developing course content. We help organizations evaluate learning technologies and select solutions that fit their audiences, objectives and budgets.
For example, we can help you decide whether Articulate Rise 360 or Storyline 360 (or a combination of both) is right for course development, and whether your organization needs a learning management system (LMS) to deliver and track training.
Because Spark + Co. doesn’t sell its own LMS, we can provide independent recommendations based on your requirements rather than promoting a proprietary platform.
