As instructional designers, we get so caught up in the how—mastering Articulate Storyline 360, following branding rules, hitting deadlines—that we forget the why. Why are we here? To create. Not to copy.

Trendsetting isn’t about reinventing the wheel. It’s about seeing the wheel and asking, “What if it flew?” Watch a show like Severance and notice its sleek UI. Scroll through a website and spot what makes it stick. Then ask: How can I bring that into my work?

You don’t need to break the rules to stand out. Even within guidelines, there’s room for you. A unique interaction. A fresh layout. A subtle animation. These small choices make your work memorable.

So, stop overthinking it. Look around. Steal ideas (ethically, of course). Make them yours. That’s how you leave a mark.

The world doesn’t need another template. It needs your take. So, what’s it gonna be?