Well, I admit the title might seem a tad provocative, but rest assured, I'm not here to throw shade at the ADDIE model in instructional design. Instead, I aim to share a nuanced perspective on its application in today’s agile-driven project environments and my journey towards embracing the SAM (Successive Approximation Model) as a more fitting approach.
Where ADDIE Gets Sticky
The ADDIE model has long stood as a cornerstone in instructional design, akin to the stature of Constructivism or Bloom’s Taxonomy in educational theory. Its systematic, easy-to-follow framework has proven effective across decades and diverse learning contexts. Yet, as the pendulum swings towards agile methodologies, it raises the question: Does ADDIE still hold its ground?
For many years, ADDIE was my compass in navigating the complexities of instructional design, unchallenged and reliable. The turning point came about a year and a half ago when my team decided to document our workflow for stakeholders. Entrusted with this task, I drafted a proposal based on the IKEA Develop Learning Solution Process, which is closely aligned with the ADDIE model. Unexpectedly, this task descended into a heated debate among my team, leading me to reconsider the ADDIE model.
Our debate centred around the fluidity between the design and development phases due to the interchangeable nature of many activities within these stages. Ideally, we would set objectives, activities, and content before developing the learning experience. However, the reality often involves continuous adjustments to objectives and content based on new inputs from SMEs, end users, or stakeholders, making the process more circular than linear.
This realisation led us to adopt the IKEA “both-and” approach, merging the two phases, and prompted me to question the necessity of adhering to a strictly linear process when simultaneous design and development execution had not led to project failures. In fact, I had been blending these phases in many projects, albeit unconsciously.
Fortunately, my concerns were addressed in my new favourite book, “Driving Performance Through Learning.” In Chapter Four, the author, Andy, presents a compelling argument for the ADDIE model's application: ‘Agility requires iterative processes with minimum viable products (MVPs), which are tested and refined. To that end, responsive learning design and delivery requires us to jump around models such as ADDIE rather than being dictated by them.’
Embracing Agility: The SAM Model
This realisation also nudged me to explore the SAM model, a framework I knew of but hadn’t fully appreciated until faced with a project involving a complex stakeholder network.
If you’re not familiar with the SAM model, or Successive Approximation Model, it is an iterative, agile approach to instructional design that emphasises rapid prototyping, early testing, and continuous improvement throughout the development process. Unlike the linear progression of the ADDIE model, SAM involves repeated cycles of design, development, and evaluation, allowing for frequent revisions and adjustments based on feedback.
Below is an illustration showcasing my recent work using the SAM model. Within just two and a half months, it enabled me to cycle through three rounds of design iterations, incorporating feedback from stakeholders, SMEs, and end users effectively.
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SAM shines in scenarios where project requirements are fluid, stakeholder input is extensive, and the subject matter is unfamiliar. Its agility and adaptability align perfectly with the fast-paced, feedback-oriented demands of modern L&D projects, ensuring that learning experiences remain relevant and impactful.
My key takeaway
Switching gears from ADDIE to SAM isn’t about abandoning a tried-and-true method; it’s about tuning into the rhythm of today’s learning and development scene. As we continue to explore and evolve our practices, the ultimate goal remains: to create effective, engaging, and responsive learning experiences.
For those who have used both ADDIE to SAM, what has been your experience in terms of project agility and incorporating feedback? I look forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences on this journey.
