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

Send Jackie a Text

💟Designing with Love + allows you to support the show by keeping the mic on and the ideas flowing. Click on the link above to provide your support.

🗣️Want to be a guest on Designing with Love? Send Jackie Pelegrin a message on PodMatch, here: Be a guest on the show

📝Check out the companion blog site here: Designing with Love Blog

📱Send a text to the show by clicking the Send Jackie a Text link above.

👍🏼Please make sure to like and share this episode with others. Here's to great learning!