You might catch someone using the terms “instructional design” and “instructional development” interchangeably, and at first glance, they do seem pretty similar.
However, if eLearning were like movie making, using these words interchangeably would be like confusing the screenwriter with the director, and vice versa. While they work together, each has specific roles and expertise that ultimately result in putting a “big picture” in the movie theater. Whether you’re working with an eLearning vendor or creating training in-house, understanding the difference between design and development helps you see the big picture.