How I Approach Instructional Design Using the ADDIE Framework
Instructional design isn’t just about making content look good—it’s about making sure people learn what they need to succeed and that the training supports real business outcomes. I follow the ADDIE model because it offers structure without sacrificing creativity. Here’s how I approach each phase:
A – Analyze: Discovering What’s Needed and Why
Before a single slide is built, I dive into discovery. This means getting clear on what the organization actually needs—and what learners are experiencing right now.
My analysis includes:
- Sitting in on current classes to observe what’s working (and what isn’t).
- Interviewing learners to capture honest feedback and frustrations.
- Reviewing course evaluations, performance data, and learner feedback.
- Speaking with subject matter experts (SMEs) to understand content gaps, organizational goals, and emerging needs.
Key questions in this phase:
- Should learners be allowed to test out of certain material?
- Do some need a foundational course before jumping in?
- What knowledge, skills, or behaviors are we trying to change?
This phase sets the tone. It ensures we’re not just building content—we’re solving problems.
D – Design: Structuring the Learning Experience
With a clear understanding of the need, I move into designing the experience. This is where strategy meets creativity.
My design process includes:
- Storyboarding the course flow—defining what learners see, do, and need to complete at each step.
- Outlining learning objectives tied directly to business goals.
- Planning activities (e.g., simulations, branching scenarios, role plays, knowledge checks).
- Mapping delivery methods:
- What’s instructor-led (ILT)?
- What’s self-paced online?
- What needs a quiz or skills assessment?
We also identify media and tech needs—voiceover, video, interactive modules, animations, downloadable job aids, and more.
Each project gets a milestone timeline to keep production on track and ensure feedback cycles are built in.
D – Develop: Bringing It All to Life
This is the build phase. Depending on the project scope, I either:
- Build new content from scratch, using tools like Articulate Storyline, Rise, or Adobe Captivate.
- Or edit and repackage existing content, keeping the focus on clarity, engagement, and alignment with our goals.
All content is developed with SCORM compliance in mind to ensure smooth integration with the Learning Management System (LMS).
At this stage, we test for functionality, accessibility, and learner engagement—before it ever reaches a live audience.
I – Implement: Upload, Test, and Launch
Once developed, I upload the course into the LMS (or prepare it for your team to do so) and perform a final quality assurance (QA) check:
- Does it load correctly?
- Are scores reporting to the LMS?
- Are certificates or completions tracked?
From there, I hand off the final product to whoever is managing the launch—whether that’s HR, training teams, or IT support. I also provide facilitator guides or cheat sheets for instructor-led components, if applicable.
E – Evaluate: Measure, Reflect, Improve
After launch, we don’t just walk away. We measure success based on:
- Learner feedback and post-course evaluations
- Quiz scores, engagement data, and completion rates
- Feedback from SMEs or instructors
This data fuels continuous improvement. What can be enhanced in the next version? Are learners retaining and applying the content? Does it still align with business needs?
Sometimes, even small tweaks—like rephrasing a confusing question or shortening a module—can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
The ADDIE model gives structure without rigidity. By focusing on learner needs, SME collaboration, and real business value, we can design training that actually changes behavior—and makes an impact.
If your team is looking to upgrade your learning experience, streamline outdated courses, or bring in a structured instructional design process, I’d love to help you bring it to life.