Ever built a course and realized halfway through… “Oh no, this might only work for learners like me.”? You’re not alone.
Designing instruction for diverse learners isn’t about checking a DEI box or adding a caption here and there—it’s about creating experiences where everyone feels seen, supported, and capable of success.
Whether you’re working with adult learners, multilingual populations, learners with disabilities, or folks juggling full-time jobs and caregiving, the goal is the same: inclusive design that meets learners where they are.
So, how do you do it? Let’s talk strategy.
1. Start with Empathy: Know Your Audience(s)
Before diving into content or tech, ask:
🧠 Who are your learners?
🎯 What do they need to succeed?
🚧 What barriers might they face?
Use learner personas, pre-course surveys, or interviews to explore:
- Educational backgrounds
- Language preferences
- Technology access and digital literacy
- Time constraints (especially for adult or non-traditional learners)
- Accessibility needs
Think of it as designing for real humans, not idealized avatars.
2. Use Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Principles
UDL is like the Swiss Army knife of inclusive instruction. It encourages designing from the start to support a wide range of learners, not retrofitting later.
Here’s the short version:
- Multiple means of representation: Offer content in different formats (text, video, audio, infographics).
- Multiple means of action & expression: Let learners show what they’ve learned in different ways (quiz, discussion, short video, reflection).
- Multiple means of engagement: Vary how learners interact, through collaboration, self-paced options, or goal-setting tools.
✨ Bonus: UDL isn’t just for learners with disabilities—it benefits everyone.
3. Make Language Inclusive and Accessible
How you say something matters as much as what you say.
Tips for clear, inclusive communication:
- Use plain language—avoid jargon and idioms.
- Offer definitions or hover-over tooltips for technical terms.
- Avoid gendered or culturally exclusive examples.
- Use active voice and direct instructions (“Click ‘Submit’” vs. “The button may be pressed”).
Remember: Clarity ≠ over simplification. It’s about respectful access.
4. Design with Accessibility from the Ground Up
Accessibility is not optional—it’s essential. Design as though someone will be using a screen reader, keyboard navigation, or captions—because someone will.
Best practices:
- Use heading styles for screen reader navigation.
- Ensure strong color contrast and readable fonts.
- Add alt text for all images.
- Caption and/or transcript all audio and video.
- Make interactive content keyboard accessible.
Want to double-check? Run your course through tools like WAVE or Accessibility Checker.
5. Offer Flexible Pathways and Pacing
Rigid course structures can exclude learners with complex lives or different learning speeds.
Design flexibility into:
- Deadlines (grace periods, pacing guides)
- Learning sequences (choose-your-own-module or track)
- Completion options (required vs. enrichment)
- Office hours or support options (chat, discussion, 1:1)
The goal isn’t chaos—it’s compassionate structure.
6. Reflect Representation in Examples and Media
Representation matters. When learners don’t see themselves in course examples or media, it sends an unintentional message: “This wasn’t built with you in mind.”
How to build representation into your course:
- Include diverse names, pronouns, and cultural references.
- Use stock photos and illustrations that reflect a range of races, ages, abilities, and gender expressions.
- Highlight voices and case studies from diverse authors or regions.
Small shifts can create big belonging.
7. Build Feedback Loops for Equity
You can’t design for diversity and then not ask how it’s going.
Use:
- Mid-course check-ins
- Anonymous surveys
- Reflection prompts
- Learner-created content or resources
Ask questions like:
- “What’s helping you succeed so far?”
- “What’s been frustrating or unclear?”
- “Do you feel included and supported?”
Be ready to act. Inclusive design is an ongoing process, not a one-and-done checkbox.
Wrapping It Up: Designing for Everyone = Designing Better for All
When we design for diverse learners, we don’t just “accommodate”—we innovate. We build stronger, more flexible, more human-centered learning experiences. And the best part? Everyone benefits.
So, whether your learners are night-shift nurses, neurodivergent students, ESL professionals, or all of the above… inclusive design is possible—and powerful.
🐾 Your Turn!
What’s one change you’ve made to better support diverse learners in your courses? Share your tips (or stumbles—we’ve all had them!) in the comments or tag @SilverCalicoLLC to keep the conversation going.
Want help designing for diverse learners in your organization? Contact me here or grab your copy of Instructional Design Made Easy to get started.