How to Build a Custom GPT as an Instructional Designer: The Complete Guide to Showcasing AI Skills

Why Building a GPT Is Your Next Power Move as an Instructional Designer

AI is no longer an “emerging trend”—it’s a permanent fixture in modern learning ecosystems. Instructional designers who adapt to AI and experiment with tools like ChatGPT and custom GPTs are poised to lead the next evolution in online education, learning experience design, and even internal training solutions.

Creating your own GPT is one of the easiest and most effective ways to demonstrate AI fluency. Whether you're a freelancer or in-house ID, you can build a tool that adds value and strengthens your portfolio—without writing a single line of code.

What Is a Custom GPT?

A Custom GPT is a personalized chatbot powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 architecture that you can build via a no-code interface inside ChatGPT (available with a Pro subscription). It allows you to:

• Define tone, behavior, and expertise

• Upload documents (curriculum files, style guides, etc.)

• Create example prompts and responses

• Share it via a public link or embed

At MIT Sloan, custom GPTs were used to support students, onboard new staff, and even role-play tough classroom scenarios. These bots weren’t just tools—they were teaching partners.

Why Instructional Designers Should Care

Zapier’s editorial team calls GPT building “one of the best ways to productize your knowledge.” Instructional designers are uniquely positioned to do this because:

• You already organize and sequence content for diverse audiences

• You understand learner needs and cognitive load

• You work with complex subject matter—GPTs can support this by becoming microlearning partners, peer feedback agents, or smart tutors

By building a custom GPT, you're not just using AI—you’re designing with it. That's the game-changer.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

✅ Essentials:

• A ChatGPT Plus subscription ($20/month)

• A defined use case (e.g., quiz generator, onboarding assistant, LMS support bot)

• Any relevant resources: PDFs, DOCs, lesson plans, rubrics

💡 Optional Tools:

• Notion or Google Docs for drafting instructions

• Loom to screen-record your bot demo

• Zapier for advanced automations (e.g., routing GPT output to a form)

How to Build a GPT: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Here’s how to go from idea to AI in under an hour:

1. Define the GPT’s Purpose

Start with a strong instructional use case. Examples:

• “DesignCoachGPT”: offers feedback on learning objectives

• “QuizBuilderBot”: generates multiple-choice questions based on standards

• “PersonaGenie”: creates user personas based on a few prompts

At MIT, one faculty member created a GPT that role-played controversial case study perspectives. It helped students learn by challenging their assumptions in a safe simulation.

2. Customize Instructions + Behavior

Go to ChatGPT → Explore GPTs → Create.

Write the system instructions (your bot’s “brain”). Example:

You are a learning designer GPT who helps educators build scenario-based learning. Ask clarifying questions before suggesting ideas. You speak with warmth and clarity.

According to Zapier, being specific with instructions (including tone and behavior) leads to more helpful responses and fewer hallucinations.

3. Upload Knowledge Sources

Add files like:

• A curriculum document

• Instructional design checklists

• A past course you’ve developed

Your GPT will use these to inform its responses—so make sure they’re accurate and cleanly formatted.

4. Add Prompt Examples

Prompt templates help guide users. Think:

• “Generate a learner persona for a Gen Z sales associate.”

• “What’s a good formative assessment for a soft skills workshop?”

• “Create a knowledge check on phishing awareness.”

These steer user interactions and demonstrate your instructional intent.

5. Test and Iterate

Like any design process, iteration is key. Test with:

• Niche vs. broad prompts

• Misspellings or partial queries

• Inaccurate assumptions (can your GPT gently correct users?)

Medium’s AI case study showed how prompt refinement and file simplification led to fewer GPT hallucinations and better user trust. It’s not “set and forget”—you’ll need to tweak.

5 Custom GPT Ideas for Instructional Designers

DON'T FORGET! Showcase Your GPT in Your Portfolio

You’ve done the work—now make it work for you.

Embed or Feature It:

• Add the link to your portfolio site

• Include a write-up: What it does, who it’s for, how you built it

• Record a 2-min demo video walking through your GPT’s behavior and use case

Recruiters and clients will love seeing proof of your AI skillset in action.

Final Tips From the Experts

✔ From MIT: Consider instructional alignment and ensure your GPT adheres to sound learning theory.

✔ From Zapier: Don’t overbuild. MVP > Perfection.

✔ From Medium: Simpler is smarter. Limit your GPT’s scope to keep it consistent and predictable.

📌 TL;DR + Call to Action

Building your own GPT is one of the easiest, most portfolio-worthy ways to showcase your instructional design expertise and AI fluency. You don’t need to code—just think like a learner and design like an ID.

🚀 Start now:
Open [ChatGPT > Explore GPTs > Create] and start experimenting.

💌 Want a template and checklist version of this post? Download it here.