Mastering the SAM Model: A Guide to Rapid Instructional Design

Welcome to episode 35 of the Designing with Love podcast, where I introduce the SAM model, explain why you should choose it for rapid development, describe its phases, offer tips for implementing it, and discuss some common pitfalls and how to avoid them. 

Ready to revolutionize your instructional design approach? The SAM (Successive Approximation Model) might be exactly what you need. This episode explores how this agile alternative to traditional linear design can transform your learning development process.

Dr. Michael Allen created the SAM model to address common frustrations with traditional approaches like ADDIE, where problems are often discovered too late in the process. Whether you choose the streamlined SAM1 for small projects or the more comprehensive SAM2 for team initiatives, you'll benefit from early prototyping, continuous feedback, and reduced rework.

We dive deep into the three phases of the SAM model—Preparation, Iterative Design, and Iterative Development—with a real-world retail training scenario showing exactly how each phase works. You'll discover why elements like the Savvy Start session are crucial for aligning stakeholders and how "dirty designs" can save you countless hours of development time.

The podcast also addresses common pitfalls when implementing SAM, such as treating it like a "watered-down ADDIE" or neglecting real user feedback. With practical tips for success and strategies to avoid these mistakes, you'll walk away with actionable knowledge to apply immediately.

Whether you're new to instructional design or looking to refresh your approach, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to faster, more effective learning development. Remember, as we explore in the episode, rapid doesn't mean rushed; it means building better learning experiences through starting small, testing early, improving often, and staying flexible.

🔗Episode Links:

Please check out the resource mentioned in the episode. Enjoy! 

The SAM Model Guide

📑References:

ChatGPT - SAM Model Overview. (n.d.). ChatGPT. https://chatgpt.com/share/6832ac33-91dc-800e-b4b2-e9054e8e9acd 

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hello and welcome to the Designing with Love podcast.
I am your host, jackiePellegrin, where my goal is to
bring you information, tips andtricks as an instructional
designer.
Hello, gcu students, alumni andfellow educators, welcome to
episode 35 of the Designing withLove podcast.

(00:22):
In this episode, I will providean introduction to the SAM
model, why you should choose itfor rapid development, the
phases of the model, tips forimplementing the model, along
with some common pitfalls andhow to avoid them.
The SAM model was developed byDr Michael Allen, a well-known
expert in instructional designand the founder of Allen

(00:44):
Interactions.
Sam was created as a more agileand iterative alternative
compared to traditional linearmodels like ADDIE.
The SAM model emerged from theneed to speed up development,
reduce rework and create moreengaging learning experiences.
Traditional models like ADDIEoften require completing one

(01:05):
phase before moving to the next,which can lead to discovering
flaws in the design too late inthe process.
In contrast, the SAM modelencourages early and frequent
feedback, prototyping anditeration.
One thing that is important tounderstand about the SAM model
is there are two main versions.

(01:26):
This can be helpful when youare deciding which path to take
during your project.
The first version is calledSAM1, which is a basic
three-phase model that issuitable for small projects.
The second version is calledSAM2, which is a more detailed
version that is ideal for largerteam-based projects.

(01:46):
It includes more explicit steps.
Like the savvy start, this is abrainstorming session where key
stakeholders collaborate todefine the project direction.
Now that you have a solidbackground of the SAM model and
how it compares to othertraditional models, I will take
a few minutes to provide six keyreasons why this model is ideal

(02:08):
for rapid development.
These key reasons are inspiredby ChatGPT.
Reason number one iterativeprototyping saves time.
Sam encourages the developmentof quick prototypes instead of
detailed, fully built coursesfrom the start.
In addition, prototypes aretested and revised early,

(02:30):
reducing time spent fixingproblems later in the process.
Reason number two early andongoing stakeholder involvement.
From the savvy start sessiononward, sam brings together all
key voices, includinginstructional designers, smes,
developers and clients.
This helps to reducemiscommunication, aligns

(02:52):
expectations and ensures thefinal product meets learner and
business needs in a quicker timeframe.
Reason number three reducesrework.
Traditional models like Addyoften lead to excessive
revisions after the developmentphase, which can cost design
teams valuable time.
In addition, sam's continuousfeedback loops are able to catch

(03:15):
issues early, helping tominimize major last-minute
changes.
Reason number four built forflexibility and agility, sam is
able to accommodate changeseasily, making it perfect for
fast-paced environments whereclient needs or content may
shift.
In addition, it mirrors agilemethods used in technology,

(03:37):
which helps teams to stayresponsive and focused.
Reason number five encouragescreativity and innovation.
By focusing on frequentbrainstorming and collaboration,
sam helps instructionaldesigners experiment and refine
creative solutions more rapidly.
Reason number six improvesfinal product quality.

(03:59):
Remember, rapid doesn't meanrushed.
Sam's frequent reviews andtesting help ensure that, even
under time constraints, thefinal learning experience is
polished and effective.
In a nutshell, sam helpsinstructional designers build
better learning experiencesfaster by starting small testing

(04:21):
early, improving often andstaying flexible testing early,
improving often and stayingflexible.
All right, so now that you havea good understanding of why you
should choose the SAM model forrapid development, I will cover
the phases of the SAM model,along with some practical
examples of how it can be usedin a project.
The scenario and examples wereinspired by ChatGPT.
Here's the scenario, chat GPT.

(04:47):
Here's the scenario.
A national retail chain wantsto train its customer service
team on handling inquiries andupselling techniques for a new
line of eco-friendly home goods.
First is the preparation phase.
This consists of gatheringinformation and understanding
the performance goals andlearning needs.
Here's the steps to complete.
First, meet with the retailmanager, customer service leads

(05:08):
and a few frontline staff.
Next, identify any performancegaps, such as lack of product
knowledge and inconsistentcustomer experience.
Then define what success lookslike, such as the staff should
be able to confidently answerquestions and increase upsell
conversions by 15%.
Finally, gather content, suchas product features, customer

(05:32):
FAQs and current customerfeedback.
Next is the iterative designphase, which consists of
developing rough prototypes,soliciting feedback early and
often and making continuousimprovements.
In this phase of the process,there are three elements, which
are the savvy start, prototypingand review and iteration.

(05:54):
Here's the steps to complete.
First, hold a savvy startsession with the stakeholders,
including the SMEs, trainers anda few customer service reps.
Then sketch out the learningexperiences, such as a short
video demo, a product knowledgegame and scenario-based role
plays.
Next, create a quick prototypeof a scenario-based quiz and

(06:18):
mock-up of the interactiveproduct guide.
Then share the prototypes withstakeholders for feedback.
Finally, revise the prototypesbased on feedback, such as
including more real customerquestions, simplifying
navigation and changing the toneto be more conversational.
Finally, there's the iterativedevelopment phase, which

(06:40):
consists of developing workingversions and testing and
refining the final projectthrough ongoing testing and
feedback.
Here's the steps to complete.
First, begin by developing thee-learning module in your
authoring tool, such asArticulate Rise or Adobe
Captivate Let Rise or AdobeCaptivate.
Next, conduct internal testingafter each component is built,

(07:09):
such as one scenario or productinteraction at a time.
Then run a pilot test with 10customer service reps.
Next, collect feedback from theemployees.
Some examples of feedback caninclude please include more
guidance on objection handlingor add a badge system for
completing the modules.
Finally, apply final tweaks,such as adding coaching tips,
include a short leaderboard andinclude a printable quick

(07:30):
reference guide.
The final result by integratingthese phases into a project, as
explained in the example, thisprovides a short, engaging,
scenario-driven e-learningcourse.
That is number one, easilycompleted in 30 minutes.
Number two includes interactiveproduct knowledge checks.

(07:50):
Number three prepares staff toconfidently and consistently
support customers.
And number four is deliveredjust in time for the new product
launch.
Great.
So now that you have a solidframework for how each of the
phases of the SAM model work inrapid development, I wanted to
provide you with four tips forimplementing the model, how to

(08:13):
accomplish each one and why itmatters.
Tip number one prioritize thesavvy start.
Kick off with a focused,collaborative savvy start
session.
How to accomplish this Numberone involve key stakeholders
early.
Number two use the session tobrainstorm, sketch ideas and

(08:34):
align learning goals.
Number three keep it informaland idea-driven.
Remember the goal is clarityand creativity, not perfection.
Why it matters A strong startensures everyone shares a common
vision, reducing delays andconfusion later.
Tip number two start prototypingearly.

(08:54):
Don't wait to build a polishedversion.
Create a quick scrappyprototype early on.
This is something manydesigners refer to.
Build a polished version.
Create a quick scrappyprototype early on.
This is something manydesigners refer to as a dirty
design.
How to accomplish this this caninclude a clickable mock-up, a
rough storyboard or a sampleactivity.
And number two share it withstakeholders for feedback before

(09:16):
moving to final development.
Why it matters feedback beforemoving to final development.
Why it matters Early prototypesexpose issues and opportunities
fast, saving time and effortlater.
Tip number three embracefeedback loops.
Build regular review andfeedback points throughout the
project.
How to accomplish this Numberone treat feedback as part of

(09:37):
the process, not a final hurdle.
Number two use surveys,usability testing and informal
check-ins with users and SMEs.
Why it matters Continuousfeedback keeps the solution
learner-focused and adaptable asneeds shift.
Tip number four stay agile andflexible.

(09:58):
Be prepared to pivot or reviseas needed, because SAM thrives
on adaptability.
How to accomplish this?
Number one use shortdevelopment cycles and focus on
good enough to test iterations.
Number two document any lessonslearned for the next round of
approximation.
Why it matters?

(10:19):
Instructional needs oftenevolve.
Sam's strength is its ability tokeep pace with real-world
change.
All right, so now that you havelearned some key tips for
implementing the SAM model in aproject, I will cover three
common pitfalls and how to avoidthem.
Pitfall number one treating SAMlike a watered-down addy.

(10:40):
What happens?
Teams follow SAM in name onlyby still working in long linear
phases with limited feedback.
How to avoid it?
Number one embrace trueiteration.
Build small, test fast andrevise quickly.
Number two keep cycles shortand focused.
Don't wait until everything isperfect before showing it to

(11:03):
stakeholders.
Number three shift your mindsetfrom finish each phase to
improve with each pass.
Pitfall number two skipping thesavvy start or making it too
formal.
What happens?
The kickoff becomes a stuffymeeting or a skipped, entirely
losing Sam's creative spark.
How to avoid it?

(11:24):
Number one keep the savvy startcollaborative and hands-on by
including whiteboards, stickynotes and rapid sketches.
Number two include a mix ofdifferent perspectives, such as
SMEs, learners, technologyexperts and leadership.
Number three focus on exploringideas, not finalizing
deliverables Pitfall.

(11:45):
Number three neglecting realuser feedback.
What happens?
Designers rely solely onstakeholder input and skip
testing with actual learners.
How to avoid it?
Involve end users early andoften, even if it's with quick
usability tests or feedback onprototypes.
Number two watch how learnersinteract with the content, not

(12:07):
just what they say.
Number three use their feedbackto drive design improvements,
not just polish.
And here's a pro tip Build ahabit of learning fast, not
launching perfectly.
That's the core spirit of SAM.
I hope you have found thisinformation about using the SAM
model for rapid developmenthelpful as you continue creating

(12:29):
engaging and effective learningexperiences.
Development helpful as youcontinue creating engaging and
effective learning experiences.
Please check out the SAM modelguide resource in the show notes
, which provides a comprehensiveoverview of what was covered in
this episode.
As a recap, we covered what theSAM model is, why you should
choose it for rapid development,phases of the SAM model, tips
for implementing the model inyour projects, and common

(12:52):
pitfalls and how to avoid them.
In the future, I wouldrecommend trying the phases of
the SAM model on a small scale,especially if you have not used
it before, with your projects.
As I close out this episode, Iwould like to share an inspiring
quote by Connie Malamed.
One of the most important areaswe can develop as professionals

(13:13):
is competence in assessing andsharing knowledge.
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(13:34):
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