Instructional Design Philosophy

Clarity, Curiosity, and Confidence in Practice

At the heart of my instructional design approach is a commitment to clarity, curiosity, and confidence. I believe learning should feel accessible and purposeful—built on a foundation of theory, but always grounded in the needs of real students, teachers, and staff.

“I approach design as a bridge—connecting strong pedagogy with intuitive technology and authentic learning outcomes.”

Guiding Frameworks

I draw from established models and learning theories to shape my work at every stage:

  • ADDIE Model – to guide a structured, iterative design process.

  • Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) – to ensure learning tasks are appropriately scaffolded.

  • Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) – to simplify, streamline, and focus attention on the learning itself.

  • Socratic Questioning / Inquiry-Based Learning – to prompt learners to reflect, explain, and justify their thinking.

Application in Practice

For me, theory only matters if it translates into stronger, more human learning experiences. Here’s how these frameworks come to life in my work:

  • Scaffolded Learning Pathways – Using ZPD, I design activities that meet learners where they are and stretch them just far enough to grow.

  • Minimalist Interface & System Design – Applying CLT, I strip away distractions and build processes that reduce friction so learning shines through.

  • Embedded Reflection Points – Incorporating Socratic questions and inquiry prompts, I create opportunities for metacognition and deeper understanding.

  • Authentic Contexts – Whether it’s entrepreneurship projects, student podcasts, or staff onboarding, I design with real-world application at the center.

My Goal as a Designer

Whether developing a digital toolkit, facilitating a hands-on project, or launching a student podcast, my aim is consistent:

  • Clarity – Learners and staff know exactly what’s expected and how to succeed.

  • Curiosity – Environments are designed to spark exploration and joyful discovery.

  • Confidence – People feel supported, capable, and ready to take ownership of their growth.

Explore My Work

See how these principles come to life in my Project Snapshots—each one a bridge between theory, design, and real-world impact.

person writing on brown wooden table near white ceramic mug
person writing on brown wooden table near white ceramic mug