Noting that automation has had an impact on virtually every manufacturing and information operation in the world, including instructional design (ID), this paper suggests three basic metaphors for automating instructional design activities: (1) computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems; (2) expert system advisor systems; and (3) computer-aided systems engineering (CASE) tools used in programming and information systems design. Within this framework, several prototype systems designed to automate different functions of the instructional design process are described: the IDiom system, the Instructional Design Data Base, Park Row ID Tools, ID Expert, and IDD (Instructional Design and Development) Advisor. Prospects for future systems are discussed, including criteria for evaluating automated instructional design systems and the need for continuing research in instructional design problem solving activities. (14 references) (Author/GL)