Instructional design is how learning becomes real. In 2025, companies need more than off-the-shelf training—they need smart, custom-built solutions. Whether it’s onboarding, upskilling, or compliance, a strong instructional design company turns content into action.
But which firms are leading the charge? We’ve done the research to highlight the top players in the space.
Contents
What Makes a Great Instructional Design Company?
Not every vendor can build learning that sticks. The best companies:
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Build custom, goal-driven content
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Understand how adults actually learn
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Offer scalable, tech-integrated solutions
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Deliver results, not just courses
These companies don’t just design—they partner, solve, and innovate.
Top Instructional Design Companies for 2025
Here are the firms setting the standard this year. They’re ranked by impact, innovation, and client feedback.
1. Raccoon Gang
Best for: Open edX and higher education
Raccoon Gang delivers instructional design that fits digital-first learning. They specialize in Open edX platforms and help universities and enterprises create flexible, effective online courses.
What Stands Out:
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Deep Open edX expertise
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Strong support for higher ed and MOOC-style learning
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Clear, structured content strategies
Raccoon Gang is a strong choice if you need an agile, tech-savvy team that thinks like educators.
2. AllenComm
Best for: Corporate training and employee development Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
AllenComm builds high-impact training programs. From leadership development to product launches, they help companies shift behavior and improve performance.
Strengths:
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Learning strategy and consulting
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Scenario-based eLearning
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Seamless LMS integration
Their instructional design is backed by behavioral science, which makes learning stick.
3. SweetRush
Best for: Creative and values-driven learning Location: San Francisco, California
SweetRush is known for custom eLearning that reflects a company’s culture. Their team blends storytelling, animation, and solid pedagogy.
Key Features:
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Gamified and interactive learning
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Change management support
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Staff augmentation options
They’re ideal if your brand voice and learner experience are top priorities.
4. ELB Learning
Best for: Rapid development and immersive learning Location: American Fork, Utah
Formerly eLearning Brothers, ELB Learning offers tools and services for fast, dynamic content. Their VR and scenario-based learning stands out.
Highlights:
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VR/AR course creation
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Learning simulation tools
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Rapid eLearning templates
Choose ELB if speed, tech, and engagement are your goals.
5. TorranceLearning
Best for: xAPI and data-driven learning design Location: Chelsea, Michigan
TorranceLearning focuses on agile design and results you can track. They’re leaders in using learning data to prove ROI.
Core Services:
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Learning ecosystem design
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Agile instructional design
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xAPI consulting and implementation
Their team is a go-to for organizations ready to get serious about metrics.
Compare the Leaders at a Glance
Company Best For Key Feature Tech Strength Raccoon Gang Higher ed & Open edX EdTech-first approach Open edX, analytics AllenComm Corporate training Behavior change design LMS, custom tools SweetRush Culture-based content Creative storytelling Gamification, video ELB Learning Fast, immersive experiences VR/AR learning CenarioVR, templates TorranceLearning Data-driven learning xAPI and agile workflows Learning analytics
How to Choose the Right Partner
Ask yourself the following when picking an instructional design company:
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Do they match your content goals? If you’re in higher education, choose someone like Raccoon Gang. For enterprise rollouts, AllenComm fits better.
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Can they scale? A small internal course is different from a global launch.
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Do they show results? Ask for data, not just pretty demos.
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What’s their process? Good companies plan, prototype, test, and adapt. If they can’t explain their workflow, look elsewhere.
Trends Driving Change in 2025
The best instructional design companies are already adapting to these shifts:
1. AI in Learning Design
Content is becoming smarter. AI now helps personalize paths and suggest resources on the fly.
2. Microlearning at Scale
Short, focused lessons work better for busy teams. Companies are breaking big courses into daily five-minute wins.
3. Immersive Training
VR is no longer niche. It’s how companies teach safety, leadership, and customer service.
4. Outcome-Based Design
Clients want to see impact—faster onboarding, better compliance, more sales. Design now begins with metrics.
Final Take
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But the top companies in 2025 have one thing in common: they care about how people learn. They mix tech, strategy, and creativity to build solutions that work in the real world.
If you want learning that makes an impact, find an instructional design company that treats your goals like its own.
