as a Process:
Instructional Design is the systematic development of instructional specifications using
learning and instructional theory to ensure the quality of instruction. It is the entire

process of analysis of learning needs and goals and the development of a delivery
system to meet those needs. It includes development of instructional materials and
activities; and tryout and evaluation of all instruction and learner activities.
Instructional Design as a Discipline:
Instructional Design is that branch of knowledge concerned with research and theory
about instructional strategies and the process for developing and implementing those
strategies.
Instructional Design as a Science:
Instructional design is the science of creating detailed specifications for the
development, implementation, evaluation, and maintenance of situations that facilitate
the learning of both large and small units of subject matter at all levels of complexity.
Instructional Design as Reality:
Instructional design can start at any point in the design process. Often a glimmer of an
idea is developed to give the core of an instruction situation. By the time the entire
process is done the designer looks back and she or he checks to see that all parts of the
"science" have been taken into account. Then the entire process is written up as if it
occurred in a systematic fashion.