By Brant Wilkerson-New
September 12, 2024
Designing effective learning experiences is both a science and an art, requiring a systematic yet flexible approach. Traditional models, like ADDIE, offer a linear path to instructional design, but they can often lack the flexibility needed for today’s fast-paced, constantly evolving learning environments. Enter the Successive Approximation Model (SAM)—an iterative, agile-based model of instructional design that promotes continuous improvement throughout the design process.
What is the SAM Model?
The Successive Approximation Model (SAM) was developed by Michael Allen as an alternative to traditional, linear instructional design models like ADDIE. SAM emphasizes rapid prototyping, continuous feedback, and iteration to ensure that the final learning product meets the needs of the learners and stakeholders alike.
The SAM model stands out for its agility and adaptability. Unlike more rigid, step-by-step approaches, SAM allows instructional designers to continuously evolve and improve the learning experience by iterating on design prototypes throughout the process. This means designers aren’t locked into early decisions; instead, they can adjust based on real-time feedback.
Key Components of SAM
The SAM model consists of three main phases:
1. Preparation Phase
This is the foundational phase where you gather all necessary background information about the project. It is critical to define the learning objectives, understand the audience, and determine the scope of the project. The preparation phase includes activities like:
- Project kick-off
- Stakeholder interviews
- Defining performance goals
- Initial content analysis
2. Iterative Design Phase
This phase is where the SAM model truly shines. The iterative design phase involves cycles of rapid prototyping, gathering feedback, and refining the design. The focus is on developing an initial prototype as quickly as possible and then continuously improving it through feedback loops. This phase can be broken down into the following steps:
- Prototype development: A low-fidelity version of the final product is created, allowing stakeholders to visualize the learning experience early in the process.
- Feedback and revision: The prototype is reviewed, and stakeholders provide feedback, leading to necessary revisions and enhancements.
- Repeated iterations: This loop continues until the learning product meets the established criteria.
3. Development Phase
Once the design has been refined through multiple iterations, the development phase begins. Here, the learning experience is built in its final form. This phase is more linear but still benefits from the flexibility that comes from the earlier iterative work. Key tasks include:
- Content creation
- Development of multimedia elements
- Final testing and quality assurance
Why Choose SAM Over Traditional Models?
Agility and Flexibility
SAM’s most significant advantage is its ability to accommodate changes throughout the design process. Unlike traditional models like ADDIE, where making changes can be cumbersome, SAM allows instructional designers to continuously test and adjust their prototypes.
This iterative approach is particularly useful in modern learning environments, where new technologies and learner expectations can rapidly evolve. The ability to adapt in real-time helps ensure that the learning product remains relevant and engaging.
Collaboration and Feedback
The SAM model promotes regular interaction between designers, subject matter experts, and stakeholders. Early and frequent prototyping allows stakeholders to see and engage with the product during its development, rather than after it is completed. This means that issues are identified and resolved earlier, minimizing the risk of costly rework later in the process.
Moreover, the iterative feedback loops ensure that the final product aligns closely with the stakeholders’ expectations and the learners’ needs, improving the overall effectiveness of the learning experience.
Focus on the Learner Experience
Traditional models sometimes get bogged down in processes and checklists. SAM, with its iterative nature, keeps the focus squarely on the learner experience. Because prototypes are quickly tested with actual users or stakeholders, designers can more effectively incorporate feedback that makes the learning experience more intuitive and impactful.
The rapid prototyping element also encourages experimentation, allowing instructional designers to test creative ideas and push the boundaries of what a learning experience can be.
SAM in Action: A Case Study
To illustrate the SAM model’s real-world application, let’s consider a corporate onboarding program that needed to be redesigned for a global audience. The existing program, built using a traditional instructional design model, was too rigid to accommodate different cultural contexts and constantly changing company policies.
The instructional design team adopted the SAM model for this project. During the Preparation Phase, they conducted a thorough needs analysis, identifying key areas where the previous onboarding program fell short. They also gathered input from various global teams to ensure cultural inclusivity.
In the Iterative Design Phase, the team built an initial prototype of the onboarding course and tested it with a small group of new hires. Feedback revealed that some content was too U.S.-centric and lacked engagement for international learners. The team quickly adjusted the prototype, incorporating region-specific examples and interactive elements that better suited the global audience.
By the time the course reached the Development Phase, it had already been refined through multiple iterations and real-world testing, ensuring that the final product was both engaging and relevant to all learners.
Common Misconceptions About SAM
“SAM is too time-consuming.”
Some may argue that the iterative process of SAM adds time to the project. However, the reality is quite the opposite. While SAM might seem like a longer process upfront due to the repeated cycles of prototype development and feedback, it significantly reduces the need for revisions later on. The ability to catch issues early and address them minimizes the risk of delivering an ineffective product.
“SAM is too informal.”
Though SAM encourages flexibility, it’s far from a casual approach. It is structured around clearly defined phases and processes that guide the project from start to finish. The key difference is the focus on continuous improvement and adaptability.
Is SAM Right for You?
The SAM model is a powerful alternative to traditional instructional design approaches. Its focus on agility, iteration, and collaboration makes it well-suited for projects where continuous feedback and real-time adaptation are crucial. If your learning environment requires rapid updates, user-centered design, and flexibility, SAM may be the ideal model to ensure success.
Whether you’re working on a complex corporate training program or developing a straightforward e-learning module, SAM provides the structure and flexibility to create engaging, effective learning experiences. At TimelyText, we embrace models like SAM to ensure that the solutions we deliver are not just effective today but adaptable for the future.
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