Last month, we focused on the “A” in ADDIE—Analysis, and how it sets the foundation for everything we do at D3. This month, we’re spotlighting the next step: Design.
Design is so important to our process that it’s part of our name—Davenport Design & Development! Why do we love this phase so much? Because it lets us lean into our creativity. At D3, Design includes three core elements:
Let’s break it down using a real client example: we’re creating a global sales training program for a pharmaceutical company. With the analysis already complete, here’s how the Design phase plays out:
1. Objectives
We start by identifying Performance Objectives (what the learner needs to do) and Learning Objectives (what they need to know). We also determine how those objectives connect and whether they should vary by role.
2. Strategy
Next, we choose the best instructional methods to help learners succeed. For this project, a blended curriculum might work best. That could include:
We might also organize learners into cohorts and design the program like a college course. We include discussion boards, group projects, and digital badges tied to progress. We often use acrostics to give the program a memorable structure that sticks with learners long after training ends.
3. Structure
Finally, we design the framework that brings everything to life. That includes:
We consider how long it will take to build different types of content, how interactive the learning will be (since higher interactivity usually means longer development time), and how much existing content can be reused.
We also think through practical details like:
Where Does the Design Blueprint Fit In?
Traditionally, the Design phase includes a Design Blueprint—a storyboard, content outline, or sample slides with draft scripts and graphics. But interestingly, we’ve found ways to eliminate this step! Why? That’s a topic for another blog post...
With Design complete, we’re ready to move into the next phase in ADDIE: Development. That’s where everything we’ve planned starts to come to life. Stay tuned for next month to find out why our clients rave about our Development practices!
Design is so important to our process that it’s part of our name—Davenport Design & Development! Why do we love this phase so much? Because it lets us lean into our creativity. At D3, Design includes three core elements:
- Objectives
- Strategy
- Structure
Let’s break it down using a real client example: we’re creating a global sales training program for a pharmaceutical company. With the analysis already complete, here’s how the Design phase plays out:
1. Objectives
We start by identifying Performance Objectives (what the learner needs to do) and Learning Objectives (what they need to know). We also determine how those objectives connect and whether they should vary by role.
2. Strategy
Next, we choose the best instructional methods to help learners succeed. For this project, a blended curriculum might work best. That could include:
- Virtual instructor-led training (vILT)
- Podcasts
- eLearning modules
- Social media for change management
We might also organize learners into cohorts and design the program like a college course. We include discussion boards, group projects, and digital badges tied to progress. We often use acrostics to give the program a memorable structure that sticks with learners long after training ends.
3. Structure
Finally, we design the framework that brings everything to life. That includes:
- A timeline with key deliverables
- Roles and responsibilities across the team
- An implementation plan
We consider how long it will take to build different types of content, how interactive the learning will be (since higher interactivity usually means longer development time), and how much existing content can be reused.
We also think through practical details like:
- How involved the subject matter experts (SMEs) need to be
- How content will be distributed
- How long it takes to upload materials to platforms like an LMS or LXP
Where Does the Design Blueprint Fit In?
Traditionally, the Design phase includes a Design Blueprint—a storyboard, content outline, or sample slides with draft scripts and graphics. But interestingly, we’ve found ways to eliminate this step! Why? That’s a topic for another blog post...
With Design complete, we’re ready to move into the next phase in ADDIE: Development. That’s where everything we’ve planned starts to come to life. Stay tuned for next month to find out why our clients rave about our Development practices!
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