Senior Instructional Systems Designer

Specializing in high-fidelity simulations, complex interactive multimedia, and immersive scenario-based training across interactivity levels up to complex open-world simulation. I take a systematic approach to every project, carrying training from needs assessment through evaluation with a focus on real performance outcomes.

Background
About me

I am a Senior Instructional Systems Designer with a systematic approach to training development. I carry projects through every phase, from needs assessment through evaluation, and care just as much about the thinking behind a course as the experience of taking it.

My specialty is high-fidelity, highly interactive courseware: simulations, branching scenarios, gamified skill progressions, and complex interactive multimedia that mirrors the demands of real-world environments. I bring human factors principles into my design process to ensure training is not only engaging but genuinely effective.

My work is grounded in a strong academic foundation in psychology and research. I have contributed to human factors research labs and bring that same rigor to how I approach instructional problems, treating design as a discipline informed by evidence, not intuition.

Instructional Systems Design Models

My process draws from established models and adapts based on what the project actually needs. The models that I use the most are listed below, though my approach is not limited to them.

  • Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE)
  • Successive Approximation Model (SAM)
  • Dick, Carey, and Carey systematic design model
Analysis Methodologies

When I have the opportunity to do the analysis work, I make the most of it. It informs everything that comes after.

  • Training needs analysis and performance gap analysis
  • Learner, task, and context analysis
  • Cognitive Task Analysis
  • Risk and consequence analysis
Modalities

I work across a range of delivery modalities and am comfortable moving between them. What is listed below represents my most common experience.

  • eLearning (asynchronous self-paced)
  • Instructor-led training (ILT)
  • Interactive courseware (ICW/IMI)
  • Synchronous virtual instruction
  • Blended learning
  • Scenario-based and simulation training
  • Gamified learning experiences
Instructional Deliverables

The deliverables I produce are shaped by the project. The list below captures common outputs but every engagement looks a little different.

  • Learning objectives and course sequencing documents
  • Interaction design specifications and storyboards
  • Style guides, evaluation plans, and assessments
Cognitive and Learning Design Frameworks

My practice is informed by learning science research and I work to stay current as the field evolves. The frameworks below are the ones I draw on most consistently, though they represent a portion of a broader foundation.

  • Cognitive Load Theory (Sweller)
  • Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (Mayer)
  • Bloom's Taxonomy, Revised
  • Gagné's Nine Events of Instruction
  • Keller's Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction (ARCS) Motivation Model
  • Learning Experience Design
  • Adult learning theory
Education
  • M.A. Instructional Design & Technology University of Central Florida, 2018
  • B.S. Psychology University of Central Florida, 2016
Credentials
  • Articulate Storyline and Rise Certificate Oregon State University Professional and Continuing Education, 2026
Software
  • Articulate Storyline 360
  • Articulate Rise 360
  • Captivate
  • Canvas LMS
  • Canva
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • AI Platforms
  • Merge, Manage, Modernize eLearning Development (MELD)
  • Authoring Instructional Materials (AIM)
Related Position Titles
  • Instructional Systems Designer
  • Learning Experience Designer
  • Curriculum Developer
  • Learning & Development Specialist
  • Training Systems Analyst
Selected work
Portfolio
🛸
Interactivity · Scenario-Based · Branching
Operation Opportunity
Mars Rover Operator Certification course. A highly interactive, scenario-based eLearning experience built with Articulate Storyline 360, Blender, and Procreate.
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Analysis · Systems Design · Core Deliverables
DoD Systems Design & Storyboarding
A collection of instructional analysis documents, systems design frameworks, and core instructional deliverables from multiple DoD projects.
These samples represent the type of work completed across these projects. All identifying and sensitive information has been removed or replaced to protect PII and contract confidentiality.
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Portfolio
Operation Opportunity: Mars Rover Operator Certification
The Course
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Front-End Analysis
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Experience
Resume
Emma McGeath
Senior Instructional Systems Designer with broad experience in full-lifecycle training development, from needs assessment through evaluation, specializing in complex interactive media and simulation design.
Full resume available upon request.