Quality Checks Matter More Than You Think
In the world of learning design, we often focus on creativity, learner engagement, and instructional alignment. But beneath every polished course lies an invisible backbone that ensures it actually works—for everyone. That backbone is Quality Assurance (QA).
QA is not just a production step; it’s a learner equity tool, a credibility enhancer, and a cost saver. And if you're an instructional designer—especially one early in your career—developing a robust QA process is one of the smartest moves you can make.
So, I’ve created a comprehensive QA toolkit: five checklists rooted in best practices and backed by research.
Why QA Matters: A Research Snapshot
Before we dive into the toolkit, let’s explore why QA deserves more attention:
Accessibility isn't optional—it's required.
Over 96% of websites have WCAG violations, according to the WebAIM Million Report (2024). For instructional designers, that means most digital learning content is potentially excluding learners. QA helps mitigate this risk by verifying screen reader compatibility, keyboard access, and color contrast—key components of Section 508 compliance and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).Well-designed learning leads to better outcomes.
Research by Clark & Mayer (2016) shows that instructional content grounded in evidence-based multimedia design enhances retention and reduces cognitive overload. QA acts as a safeguard to ensure alignment with these principles.Feedback drives achievement.
According to Hattie & Timperley (2007), high-quality, specific feedback is one of the most powerful influences on learning success. QA ensures that feedback isn't generic or misleading—it’s constructive and actionable.Consistency builds trust and usability.
Visual and functional inconsistencies can erode learner confidence. In fact, the Association for Talent Development (2020) found that learners are more likely to disengage from courses that feel disjointed or clunky. QA ensures that courses behave consistently across devices, browsers, and learning environments.It’s cheaper to fix problems before launch.
Studies in corporate training environments (e.g., Piskurich, 2015) show that errors caught post-launch can be 30–50% more expensive to fix. QA saves teams from rework and protects brand reputation.
The Five-Part QA Toolkit for Instructional Designers
1. Accessibility QA
Ensure your course is inclusive and legally compliant with checks like:
Proper use of heading structures and alt text
Keyboard navigation for all interactions
Color contrast ratios of at least 4.5:1
ARIA labels and skip links
Captions and transcripts for all multimedia
Logical focus order and screen reader compatibility
Why it matters: Accessibility checks don’t just help learners with disabilities—they improve usability for everyone. As per CAST’s UDL Guidelines, multiple means of engagement and representation improve comprehension across diverse learners.
2. Functional QA
Verify that everything works as intended—across all platforms:
Test navigation (buttons, menus, links)
Confirm accurate quiz scoring and progression
Ensure media plays with proper controls
Check for responsive design on desktop, tablet, and mobile
Eliminate broken links and misfiring triggers
Why it matters: A broken course creates learner friction and undermines credibility. QA catches these issues before your learners do.
3. Phonetic & Audio QA
Ensure narration supports—not distracts from—learning:
Accurate pronunciation of names, acronyms, and terms
Even pacing, natural tone, and volume consistency
Clean audio free of background noise
Voice alignment with on-screen text and visuals
Captions perfectly synced with narration
Why it matters: Mayer’s Modality Principle emphasizes the importance of aligning narration with visual elements to support learning. QA here ensures modality coherence.
4. Content & Instructional QA
Make sure your course teaches what it’s supposed to:
Confirm content aligns with learning objectives
Validate accuracy of facts, dates, policies, and procedures
Review instructional flow (e.g., Gagné’s 9 Events or ARCS Model)
Remove unnecessary jargon and dense text
Evaluate feedback for clarity and supportiveness
Why it matters: Courses that align well with instructional goals and are easy to read are far more likely to engage and educate learners effectively (Clark & Mayer, 2016).
5. Visual Design QA
Polish the aesthetics for trust and clarity:
Use brand-consistent fonts, colors, and logos
Check image resolution and instructional relevance
Ensure clean alignment and spacing
Review animations and transitions for fluidity
Confirm consistent visual hierarchy and readability
Why it matters: According to ATD (2020), visual consistency builds learner trust and enhances engagement—particularly in self-paced environments.
Final Thoughts: QA is a Design Mindset
Great learning design is not just about creativity—it’s about precision, inclusivity, and intention. QA is what ensures your work performs as well as it looks.
Whether you're developing for corporate training, higher education, or freelance clients, embedding a consistent QA process is how you evolve from good to great.
📥 Download the full checklist PDF here: Five-Part QA Toolkit for IDs
Let’s raise the bar—one thoughtful course at a time.
References
ATD Research. (2020). Designing for the Modern Learner. Association for Talent Development.
CAST. (2018). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.2. http://udlguidelines.cast.org/
Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2016). e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning (4th ed.). Wiley.
Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007). The power of feedback. Review of Educational Research, 77(1), 81–112.
Piskurich, G. M. (2015). Rapid Instructional Design: Learning ID Fast and Right (3rd ed.). Wiley.
WebAIM. (2024). The WebAIM Million. https://webaim.org/projects/million/
Thank you for joining me today! Let’s keep learning altogether, as lifelong #LearningMatters.
Best,
Laura Lawson
LearningMatters, LLC
Instructional Designer
