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Instructional Design Workflow

This page outlines my structured, repeatable approach to designing and developing learning experiences—beginning with a needs analysis and continuing through proposal development, prototyping, quality review, and evaluation. Grounded in ADDIE and design thinking principles, this framework ensures alignment, accessibility, and measurable impact across projects.

Step 1: Conduct a Needs Analysis

Diagnose the performance gap and determine whether training—and which type of intervention—is the appropriate solution.

ADDIE: Analyze

​1. Gather Learner & Stakeholder Information

  • Use strategies such as:

    • Stakeholder/SME interview

    • Learner survey

    • Review of existing materials, feedback, or performance data

    • Empathy Maps/Personas

    • Task analysis

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2. Complete a Needs Analysis to determine​​

  • The performance or outcome gap

  • The root cause of the issue

  • Whether training is the appropriate intervention

  • The most effective solution (e.g., full e-learning course, microlearning, job aid, blended experience, or non-training solution)

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Step 2: Define Design Direction & Develop Proposal

Translate the recommended intervention into a structured design plan aligned with learner needs and stakeholder expectations.

ADDIE: Design

1. Gather Design Inputs

  • Stakeholder completes the Initial Design Intake Form to capture:

    • Project Context

    • Learner Experience

    • Style Preferences

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2. Conduct Internal Ideation

  • Explore possible structural and instructional approaches using strategies such as:

    • Brainstorming

    • Mind mapping

    • The 3 Model Exercise

    • Learner journey mapping

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3. Develop Design Proposal

  • Create a structured proposal that includes:

    • High-level course/module structure

    • Instructional approach

    • Assessment strategy

    • Interaction level

    • Visual direction

    • Timeline overview

    • Low-fidelity prototype of key pages or interactions

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4. ​Validate & Refine

  • Present the design proposal and prototype to stakeholders to:

    • Confirm alignment

    • Gather feedback

    • Refine direction before full development

Design Proposal for Kansas State University
A strategic instructional design plan for an AI Literacy Microcredential supporting K–12 educators.
Slide1.jpg

Step 3: Prototype with Content & Instructional Inputs

Incorporate finalized instructional inputs and develop a high-fidelity prototype to validate content alignment, interaction design, and learner experience before full production.

ADDIE: Develop

1. Collect Instructional Inputs

  • Stakeholder completes the Content Upload & Course Materials Form, which includes:

    • Learning objectives

    • Assessment requirements or preferences

    • Existing content or source materials

    • SME notes, constraints, or clarifications

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2. Develop High-Fidelity Prototype

  • Create a representative, content-accurate prototype that demonstrates:

    • 3–6 key slides or pages

    • One complete interaction (e.g., scenario, knowledge check, guided practice)

    • Navigation and pacing structure

    • Applied visual system

    • Sample assessment item(s)

Step 4: Full Development & Internal Review

Build the complete learning experience based on the approved high-fidelity prototype.

ADDIE: Develop

1. Complete Full Module/Course

  • Build all lessons, interactions, and assessments

  • Apply the approved instructional structure

  • Implement the finalized visual system and navigation

  • Ensure accessibility and usability standards are met

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2. Conduct Internal Quality & Accessibility Review

  • Verify alignment between objectives, content, and assessments

  • Test functionality, navigation, and technical performance

  • Review clarity, pacing, and consistency of learning materials

  • Conduct the following reviews:

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3. Validate & Refine

  • Present the completed module/course for stakeholder review to:

    • Gather structured feedback

    • Revise based on stakeholder input

Step 5: Pilot, Evaluate & Refine

Test the learning experience with users and evaluate effectiveness before or during implementation.

ADDIE: Implement/Evaluate

1. Pilot the Module/Course (as appropriate)

  • Share with representative learners

  • Observe usability and engagement

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2. Collect & Analyze Data

  • Gather learner feedback (surveys, interviews, reflections)

  • Review assessment results and performance data

  • Identify usability issues or content gaps

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3. Refine & Finalize

  • Implement data-informed revisions

  • Confirm readiness for full rollout

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