How To Choose The Best Instructional Design Model

In the ever-evolving field of instructional design, selecting the right model for your project can feel overwhelming. With countless methodologies available, the decision requires thoughtful consideration of your learning objectives, audience, and resources. Whether you're creating a simple training session or a complex educational program, the right instructional design model is essential for delivering an engaging and effective learning experience.

This blog will walk you through a systematic approach to choosing the best instructional design model for your project, including tips for combining models when necessary to meet your unique needs.

Table of Contents

1. Instructional Design Models
2. Importance of Instructional Design Models
3. How to choose the right Instructional Design Model 
4. Combining Instructional Design models for flexibility
   

Instructional Design Models

There are various models you can use for your project which include but aren't limited to:

1. ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation & Evaluation) Model
2. SAM (Successive Approximation Model)
3. MPI (Merrill's Principles of Instruction)
4.  Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction
5. Dick and Carey Model
6. Kemp Design Model
7. Action Mapping by Cathy Moore

You can read more on these models in this article.

Importance of Instructional Design Models

Instructional design models provide a structured framework for developing learning experiences that are effective, measurable, and engaging. These models help streamline the design process, ensuring that all aspects of the learning journey are carefully considered—from identifying learner needs to assessing outcomes.

Choosing the right model is vital because it aligns your content, strategies, and assessments to create an optimal learning experience. A thoughtful selection process can make the difference between a disjointed course and a seamless, impactful learning program. 

How to choose the Right Instructional Design Model

1. Define the Problem

Before selecting an instructional design model, start by clearly defining the problem you aim to address. Ask yourself:

• What are the desired outcomes?
• Who is the target audience?

A deep understanding of these factors will guide your decision. For instance, the ADDIE model might be ideal for a detailed, multi-phase project, while rapid models like SAM (Successive Approximation Model) may work better for projects with tight deadlines.

2. Understand Learning Goals

Your choice of model should align with the size and peculiarities of your audience, as well as their existing knowledge and skills. Consider these questions:

• What are the specific learning goals?
• Are the learners beginners, intermediates, or advanced?
• How diverse is the audience in terms of background or learning preferences?

For example, a learner-centered model like Merrill’s Principles of Instruction could work well if you’re dealing with a varied group, as it emphasizes solving real-world problems and meeting diverse learner needs.

3. Explore Content Complexity

Evaluate the complexity of the content you’re designing. Some projects require detailed breakdowns of complex information, while others involve simpler, straightforward materials.

• Identify areas of content complexity.
• Pinpoint potential challenges in teaching and learning the content.
• Determine how much real-world application the content requires.

For instance, problem-based learning models are particularly effective for highly complex, application-driven content.

4. Consider the Learning Environment and Resources

The technological landscape and available resources play a significant role in your choice of instructional design model. Think about:

• The learning environment—online, hybrid, or in-person.
• Available tools and technologies, such as LMS platforms, eLearning authoring tools, or multimedia resources.
• Budget and time constraints.

For technology-driven projects, the Dick and Carey model can be particularly useful, as it emphasizes systematic integration of technology and instructional strategies.

5. Align with Assessment Strategies

Assessment is a critical part of instructional design, ensuring that learning objectives are met effectively. Before committing to a model, reflect on:

• How will learning outcomes be evaluated?
• What types of assessments will best measure success?
• Do assessments align with the learning objectives?

Models like ADDIE, which include an evaluation phase, can help you systematically design assessments that measure learning impact and support continuous improvement.

Combining Instructional Design Models for Flexibility

In some cases, you may find that no single model fully addresses your project’s needs. Combining elements from different instructional design models can offer greater flexibility. For example:

• Use ADDIE for overall project structure but borrow rapid prototyping from SAM for faster iteration cycles.
• Blend Merrill’s Principles of Instruction with Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction for a learner-centered yet highly structured approach.

This hybrid approach ensures that your instructional design strategy is both comprehensive and adaptable.

Read about the various Instructional Design Models in this article.

Begin Your Career in Instructional Design

Instructional Design is an exciting field in education. With the right guidance, you can have a thriving career in this field in many industries. 

Schoolinka is dedicated to helping people have thriving careers in Education.  We will be hosting a virtual Instructional Design Course in February 2025.

In this course you will:

• Learn how to use various tools like Adobe Spark, Articulate 360, Canva and lot's more.
• Build your own course that you can use in your own Portfolio to land jobs.
• Learn from Mentors and Industry Experts who will guide you during the course of the program.
• Have the opportunity to intern in an organization as an Instructional Designer.

Classes begin on 14th February, 2025 slots are limited. You can register here.