The ADDIE model vs design thinking: the OG framework of Instructional Design
Before design thinking became the shiny new toy in the world of eLearning, there was a steadfast hero quietly doing the heavy lifting: the ADDIE model. Yep, that five-letter acronym that's been shaping Instructional Design practices long before sticky notes and empathy maps were trending.
I'm Bianca Raby—CEO, learning designer, and self-confessed framework nerd. At Oppida, we love design thinking for its human-centred approach to learning design. But before we dive into modern buzzwords, let's show some respect to the OG, the ADDIE model.
This article will unpack the ADDIE model so you can understand its powerful role in Instructional Design. Stick around, because at the end, I'll also highlight a few juicy differences between the ADDIE model and design thinking that might just reshape how you approach course creation.
What is the ADDIE model in Instructional Design?
Let's start with the basics. The ADDIE model stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. It's a linear (but flexible!) model used in Instructional Design to create effective and efficient learning experiences. Here's the breakdown:
- Analysis: Identify learning outcomes. You're basically playing detective—uncovering learner needs, skill gaps, and constraints.
- Design: Blueprint time. This is where structure, content flow, instructional strategies, and assessments all get mapped out. Think of it as the Google Maps of your course.
- Development: Bring it to life! Create content, add media, and piece it together like the world's most satisfying puzzle. This is the "making" phase in Instructional Design.
- Implementation: Launch time! Deliver the course, iron out tech issues, and make sure learners know exactly how to engage.
- Evaluation: Reflect and refine. Use quizzes, feedback, and data to figure out what worked—and what didn't.
Sound methodical? It is. But that's what makes the ADDIE model a favourite in the world of Instructional Design. It provides a solid backbone that helps designers (and learners) stay on track.
The evolution of Instructional Design: enter design thinking
Now, don't get me wrong—I adore design thinking. At Oppida, it's our go-to for its creative, user-centric focus. But when you put it head-to-head with the ADDIE model, some key contrasts emerge:
- ADDIE is built for eLearning and Instructional Design. Design thinking? It's broader—used across business, health, tech, you name it.
- ADDIE is sequential. You move from one phase to the next like ticking off a to-do list. Design thinking is more like jazz—iterative, creative, and fluid.
- ADDIE focuses on learning outcomes. Design thinking zooms out to consider the whole learner experience—not just what they'll learn, but how they feel along the way.
So which one should you use? The truth is, in Instructional Design, you don't have to choose. At Oppida, we blend them. Use design thinking to empathise and ideate, then lean on the ADDIE model to structure and execute. Best of both worlds!
Is the ADDIE model still relevant?
Absolutely. In fact, understanding the ADDIE model is what helps you wow employers. When you can speak fluently about Instructional Design models—and back it up with experience—you instantly become more credible in the learning design space.
So whether you're just starting out in Instructional Design, or you're a seasoned educator navigating the shift to digital learning, take time to really understand the ADDIE model. Trust me, it's not just old-school theory—it's timeless strategy.
If you're still unsure whether to go full force on the ADDIE model or all-in on design thinking, hit me up. I love a good framework chat.
Until next time, stay awesome.