Build Your Instructional Design Portfolio: Make Your Courses Speak for Themselves

Creating online courses that truly connect with your audience starts long before opening your authoring tool. In this episode of the JuvoHub Podcast, host Jonathan Saar breaks down the heart of instructional design—not just the tech, but the purpose behind each lesson. Too often, creators rush to build content to meet deadlines or compliance goals, skipping over the vital question: Who is this course really for, and how will it stick with them? If you’ve ever felt like your training just isn’t landing the way it should, this episode will give you a fresh mindset to start with intention and design for impact. Key Takeaways 00:03 – Introduction: The Purpose Behind the Course 01:36 – The Rush Trap: Compliance vs. Connection 02:20 – Thinking Like an Educator 03:12 – Lessons from Rushed Content 04:03 – Final Takeaway: Design Theory Applies to Everything Instructional Design: It’s Not Just for Big Courses Whether you're building a 5-minute refresher or a full certification, taking the time to think through your design will elevate your entire course. Instructional design isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s how we deliver real value. When we slow down and center our learners, we make content that’s not only compliant but compelling. Class Dismissed!