Instructional design, as a discipline, has grown and developed throughout the last several decades. Its roots can be attributed to two main sources: the U.S. military and the industrial age.

During WWII, the U.S. military had to efficiently and effectively train large numbers of people to complete complex tasks, such as building and repairing military equipment. Additionally, the industrial age generated a need for a consistently educated and prepared mass work force. The impact of instructional design can be felt today throughout the military, government, corporations, and educational institutions.

The field is an interdisciplinary one, drawing on knowledge bases from several fields, including education, psychology, communication, business, and computer science.