Let’s Talk About ADDIE

Having been in the learning industry for 15 years, I have yet to find a learning design model that doesn’t reflect the same concepts of ADDIE. I often hear critics of this model say that it is too old school, too inflexible, “so yesterday”. However, as a leader who continues to grow a successful eLearning business using this model, I say that it is quite the opposite.

ADDIE stands for Analysis, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate - a model of actions that guide a learning designer through the steps of course creation.

Let’s look at this model in a few different ways. You could look at ADDIE in the way it was first introduced by Florida State University in 1975.

Image Description: The ADDIE model shown as a stepwise flow with each phase of the model described as follows. Analysis: As questions to learn about the content, learner analysis, and project vision. Design: Based on the Analysis, create learning outcomes and chunk content that aligns with each [learning outcome]. Develop: Bring learning experiences to life through the development of content and assets. Implement: Launch and deliver the learning experiences to your target audience. Evaluate: Collect feedback to ensure that the content meets the initial goals of the project.

As an eLearning leader and mentor with over 15 years experience, I use this basic model to teach a new instructional designer about the process because of the skills and competencies each step holds. Let’s break down each phase of ADDIE with just a few of the competencies that are required to guide a team through each step.

Image Description: Competencies are listed for each step of the ADDIE model. Analysis competencies include content analysis, learner analysis, goal setting, and working team analysis. Design competencies include learning outcomes creation, content chunking, and content alignment. Development competencies include educational writing, copy editing, assessment creation, and project management. Implementation competencies include coaching, leadership, supporting roles, and relationship management. Evaluation competencies include evaluation design, change management, and critical thinking.

Without these basic skills, an Instructional Designer (ID) risks losing the importance of best practices and a truly holistic approach.

Now, as we grow into our role as an ID, we all know that almost nothing happens in a linear fashion when managing any type of project. This is where the model becomes a lot more flexible and collaborative.

If we took the basic ADDIE model and add the different flow processes that come with learning design, it may look something more like the image below. This is my version of ADDIE when I think about it.

Image Description: The ADDIE model as a dynamic interactive flow. Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation are arranged in a circle. There are back and forth arrows between each phase of the ADDIE model with different outcomes connecting each phase. Analysis to Design outcomes include application, connection, and validation. Design to Development outcomes include update, trust, and application. Design to Implementation outcomes include validation, vision, and application. Implementation to Evaluation outcomes include small updates, listening, and feedback. Evaluation to Analysis outcomes include review feedback, improve, and validation. In the middle of this circular process is “Review Sessions” with arrows pointing to each step indicating that review happens at all step. Surrounding the ADDIE flow model is an outlining circular arrow labeled with four markers: Accessibility and Inclusion, Universal Design for Learning, Trends in Learning Design, and Project Management.

Whereas, Mo, our Corporate Lead Learning Strategist, may have a different view on what ADDIE looks like to him when he leads a course build.

Every project will look a bit different based on who is designing and who we design for.

At KnowledgeNow, we remain grounded in the ADDIE model because of the skills and competencies that live within each phase. No matter the order in which we meet them, their foundations are important.

ADDIE has been my go-to as a designer, the lead at KnowledgeNow, and as an eLearning enthusiast.

Holding on to these building blocks has allowed me to teach educators and watch them become some of the strongest IDs that I know in the field. It has allowed KN to consistently process high quality output as we grow our company. Even more, it has led us on the path of developing the eClarity Learning Design System that has revolutionized the way we approach and manage eLearning development.

Image Description: A screenshot of eClarity’s Macro Design phase showing an ADDIE Fundamentals course in development with a description of the course, learning outcomes listed, and the creation of units for this course.

Staying the same and refusing to change will always end up in failure. But bringing the lessons and best practices with you as you grow and embrace change will make you stronger.

I choose to bring ADDIE with me as the world of education transforms, and embrace the different ways that allow me to connect, create, and make an impact in this world through learning design.