Less Rework, More Impact: AI Prompts for the LXD
Time is the most valuable resource for learning designers—and one we never seem to have enough of. Between SME meetings, content revisions, quality checks, and endless rounds of feedback, our days can get eaten alive by repetitive or seemingly fuzzy tasks.
And that’s exactly where AI can shine as a design partner—not as a replacement for instructional thinking. It supports clarity, speed, and consistency across the learning design workflow.
In this post, I’m sharing four AI prompts that have dramatically improved my own efficiency without compromising creativity or quality. Each one targets a common time sink in the instructional design process—and can help you shift from reactive rework to proactive strategy.
1. Clarify Scripts & Eliminate the Fluff
Prompt:
“At [insert reading level], rewrite this instructional script to remove unnecessary fluff, redundant phrases, passive sentences, and overly formal tone. Provide a casual tone, make it clear, concise, engaging, and conversational.”
When to use it: After you’ve written, read aloud, and revised your draft.
Why it works: This prompt helps you transform verbose or formal instructional scripts into voice-friendly, learner-centered narratives. Especially useful for microlearning, video narration, or scenario-based modules.
2. Summarize Vague SME Notes Into Actionable Structure
Prompt:
“Summarize the following meeting notes into 3 core learning points and 3 relevant performance tasks for course curriculum to build my instructional course: Lesson introduction, [insert lesson 2, insert lesson 3, insert scenario 1, insert scenario 2, insert scenario 3].”
When to use it: Right after your initial SME meeting.
Why it works: SME sessions are often rich in insight but light on structure. This prompt helps you clarify lesson titles and objectives early on. It also supports instructional alignment before you invest time building your ID document or storyboard.
3. Clarify and Elevate Learning Objectives
Prompt:
“Based on [insert target learner], rewrite these objectives to make them concisely measurable, clear, and in alignment to Bloom’s taxonomy, as well as performance-based.”
When to use it: After SME approval, during your refinement pass.
Why it works: Even pre-approved objectives can benefit from clarity and rigor. This prompt helps align your outcomes to assessment and activity planning—without altering the intent your SME already signed off on.
4. QA Uploadable Content
Prompt:
“Scan this [insert title or type of document] for typos, unclear formatting, or accessibility issues on computers, tablets, and mobile devices. List suggested edits and formatting fixes across all platforms.”
When to use it: Before final upload or LMS delivery.
Why it works: While not a replacement for full QA, this prompt gives you a head start by catching visual or formatting issues—especially when you’re juggling multiple deliverables and devices.
Does It Really Save Time?
Yes. In fact, the Association for Talent Development (ATD) found that instructional designers using AI tools reported up to a 53% reduction in development time, with 37% citing major time savings, and 70% noting improved content quality (ATD, 2025).
Used intentionally, AI becomes a strategic extension of your design practice—not just a time-saver, but a thinking partner that helps you focus on what really matters: learning outcomes, engagement, and impact.
Ready to Try These Prompts?
Feel free to download and share the AI Prompts for LXD Time Management Infographic I created to accompany this post. It includes all four prompts, plus pro tips on when and how to use them:
Sources:
Association for Talent Development. (2025, August 4). ATD Research: AI tools are benefitting instructional designers. PR Newswire. Retrieved August 6, 2025, from Association for Talent Development website. https://lnkd.in/g9NdvfnQ
Thank you for joining me today! Let’s keep learning altogether, as lifelong #LearningMatters.
Best,
Laura Lawson
LearningMatters, LLC
Instructional Designer
