Following an instructional design model is the best way to ensure that everything is included in training for effective knowledge transfer. ADDIE is an acronym that stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation – the elements of a training class you must encounter with each class you design.

In Analysis, you will look at numbers. Determine why you need training (i.e., error rates, performance improvement, etc.). Next determine the gaps (Where you want them to be vs. where they are). This is the information you will build the training on.

The Design phase is where you will take that gap information and start to build learning around it. If you need to do research, here is where you choose multiple sources (at least three) to gather information around the subject matter. The design phase is all about laying out the course and determining in what fashion it will be delivered. So, you also determine here what type of training you will create. There are many types: In class, live online instructor led, on-demand training, etc. It all depends on the time and budget for your company, so take your time with this step.

Development is the detail of this process. Here you are creating the material that will be used to conduct training. Keep in mind the three ways people learn: Visual, Auditory, and/or Kinesthetic. If you do not know how your learners take in information, no problem, build it all in!

Implementation is the process of scheduling and conducting the courses you have designed and developed. This is the part in the process where you start to work with operations to bring learners to the room, or schedule them in the learning management system to take the course.

Finally, evaluation is underrated and should be viewed as the most crucial step. In a previous article we talked about evaluations. In short, evaluations validate all the assumptions you made about the learner’s needs and the material you put together. Skipping this step is not ideal.

The ADDIE model has faced its share of challenges over the years, yet it remains a cornerstone for many instructional designers seeking to develop effective learning solutions. By thoroughly understanding each step of the model, organizations can address areas for improvement, provide clarity for employees, and build confidence that drives productivity to new heights. So be sure so say hi to ADDIE!