Performance Matters Podcast

Performance Matters Podcast


Episode #160: Instructional Design’s Molecular Makeover

September 17, 2025

Matt Donovan joins the show to introduce a transformative approach to instructional design which breaks learning into its smallest meaningful components, like atoms and molecules, rather than traditional course structures.

Applying Atomic Design to learning and development isn’t necessarily a new idea, but AI orchestration is now able to make it happen at scale.

Learning is no longer built as monolithic courses but as modular, recombinable assets which can be assembled dynamically by AI based on learner needs, context, and performance goals. But it must be used to foster meaningful connections and not just automate content creation.

How does this next-generation personalization work? How Where does it leave instructional designers in the process? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this future-thinking episode.