Free interactive checklist · Updated for 2026

The AI-Ready ID Portfolio Checklist

Build an instructional design portfolio that shows how you think, how you work and how well you use AI. 44 practical checks, made for teachers and career changers.

Inside, you’ll learn:

How many projects to show, and which kind hiring managers look for first
A case-study formula that puts your design decisions front and center
The storyboard essentials from my Storyboarding Checklist
How to show AI skills the right way, with your judgment visible
The 2026 accessibility and portfolio-site checks most beginners miss

From the creator of the Storyboarding Checklist, downloaded more than 1,900 times.

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Updated for 2026The AI-Ready ID Portfolio Checklist

32 of 51 doneAlmost there

Pick 1–3 projects to featureMust-have

Explain your key design decisionsMust-have

Show your AI process, including what the AI got wrongMust-haveThe “what the AI got wrong” part proves the judgment came from you.

Design to WCAG 2.2 AAMust-have

Test every link and demo before you share

★ 17 must-haves

✓ Your progress saves automatically

Interactive, not another PDF

A checklist that keeps track for you

Check items off as you go. Your progress saves automatically on your device.
Short on time? Switch to the 17 must-haves.
Tap “Why it matters” under any item for examples and tips.
Copy your to-do list or print a PDF whenever you like.

What’s inside

Eight parts, from project picks to interview prep

Choose your projects

How many to show, and which kind hiring managers look for first.

Write case studies

A simple formula that puts your design decisions front and center.

Show your storyboarding

The essentials from my Storyboarding Checklist, updated for 2026.

Show AI-ready skills

Prompts, human review and a one-line disclosure, done the right way.

Meet today’s standards

WCAG 2.2, captions, keyboard testing, LMS basics and the ADA deadlines.

Polish your portfolio site

Structure, speed, working links and protecting confidential work.

Get ready to talk about it

How to walk through any project when a hiring manager asks.

Red flags to fix

Seven mistakes that quietly cost people interviews.

Who made this

Hi, I’m Crystal

I started eLearning & Instructional Design for Beginners in 2019 to help teachers and career changers find their way into instructional design. My free guides have been downloaded thousands of times.

I built this checklist from my Portfolio Starter Kit and my Storyboarding Checklist, then updated it for what hiring managers expect in 2026, including AI.

Ready to build a portfolio you’re proud of?

Get the checklist free and check off your first section today.

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You’ll also get my instructional design tips by email. Unsubscribe anytime.