Performance-Focused Instructional Designer
Designing learning that supports behavior change, skill application, and meaningful outcomes.
As an instructional designer, I look beyond the training request to understand the real performance problem: what do learners need to understand, decide, or do differently?
This is the part of the work I enjoy most: figuring out what helps people move from information to action.
[Resume] | [LinkedIn] | [Featured Work] | [Contact]
Hi, I’m David Sherman, an instructional designer based in Sonoma County, California. My path into learning design has not been a straight line, but it has been a connected one, shaped by years spent across design, technology, and education. In this field, I found the clearest expression of what I do best: bringing together problem solving, visual thinking, and learning strategy to create work that is meant to be used.
What I value most is identifying the problem that needs solving before designing the solution. I’m drawn to learning that helps people do something differently, not just move through content. That mindset shapes the work I’m most interested in, including scenario-based learning, adaptive learning concepts, and practical uses of AI to support instructional design workflows.
My background in Architecture and Computer Animation gave me a strong visual foundation that still shapes everything I build, from storyboard to final module. My UX/UI Design training strengthened the way I think about structure, learner flow, and on-screen clarity. The work you’ll find here reflects that same approach: learning shaped by the problem, visually structured, and connected to what people need to do.
At a Glance
Completed UCI eLearning Instructional Design Certificate
UC Berkeley Extension Certificate in UX/UI Design
Interactive Storyline work in adaptive and scenario-based learning
Former FIDM design instructor and recipient of Outstanding Faculty awards
Featured Work
Adaptive Learning Prototype
Designed and built an interactive Storyline concept demo that uses branching, learner input, and performance-based pathways to show how adaptive learning can support personalized training experiences.
Rare Disease Clinical Awareness Module
Created a scenario-based eLearning module focused on diagnostic pattern recognition, patient-centered questioning, and clinical decision-making in a healthcare context, supporting recognition of complex symptom patterns.
Discover Petaluma
Developed an interactive, choice-based experience for the City of Petaluma, California, guiding users toward personalized recommendations through branching logic and targeted storytelling for visitors and locals.
Visual Storyboarding and Learning Design
Developed storyboards and design documents that connect learning strategy, content flow, visual clarity, and learner experience, helping move ideas from concept through development.
Core Strengths
Performance-focused design
Scenario-based learning
Adaptive learning interactions
Storyboarding and learning architecture
Accessibility-minded design
Practical use of AI in design workflows
Let’s Connect
I’m most interested in work where I can help clarify the problem, design useful learning, and support people in moving from information to action.
Email: david@instruction-architecture.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-a-sherman/
Resume: [PDF link]