iSpring Contest Highlights Instructional Design Practices

Between March 24 and June 10, 2026, more than 1,500 people from 103 countries joined the iSpring Course Creation Contest according to Training Magazine. The final round included 145 finished courses consisting of 80 slide-based projects and 65 scrollable longreads. Twelve Learning and Development experts and 10 mentors reviewed the submissions using the same evaluation criteria. Authors chose their own subjects covering different learning contexts.

Audience Analysis Throughout Course Design

The strongest entries showed audience analysis remaining visible throughout the course according to Training Magazine. Learners could identify the target audience within the first few screens. Language felt familiar to that audience and examples came from situations learners might encounter. Courses assumed the right level of prior knowledge. One example addressed parents through situations and language belonging in family conversation.

Performance Gaps Drive Course Focus

Entries tied closely to workplace performance addressed situations where learners need to make decisions or perform tasks according to Training Magazine. One course focused on delivering reliable EV charging support. Clear performance gaps kept courses focused and grounded with observable job behaviors guiding selection of examples, practice, and feedback.

Microlearning Limits Scope and Load

The best minicourses focused on one narrow task, decision, or concept and gave learners only the information needed to deal with it. This approach kept each course short enough to complete in one sitting and specific enough for immediate use. One course on choosing the best food for a dog maintained manageable scope through short sections and clear navigation.