Design Philosophy 

Infographic titled "Design Philosophy Statement" explaining needs-centered and learner-centered design with five sections: Needs Assessment, Inclusivity, Instructional Strategies, Interactive Experiences, and Learner Agency. This represents the Design Philosophy Statement found in this page.

Needs-Centered & Learner-Centered Design

As an instructional designer, my philosophy is rooted in both needs-centered and learner-centered approaches. I prioritize understanding the specific needs, goals, and challenges of my learners to create learning solutions that are relevant, meaningful, and impactful. By conducting thorough needs assessments, I ensure that my designs address the unique requirements of each learning context.

I am committed to creating inclusive and engaging learning environments that respect and cater to diverse backgrounds and learning styles. Utilizing a variety of instructional strategies, including multimedia content, collaborative activities, and adaptive learning technologies, I strive to strike a balance between standardizing training practices and customizing the learning journey for diverse learning styles.

My approach combines the practical application of theoretical knowledge with a deep understanding of individual learner needs. Through immersive and interactive experiences such as simulations, case studies, and project-based activities, I aim to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, my goal is to empower learners to take ownership of their education, promoting learner agency, lifelong learning, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to transfer learned skills to real-world scenarios.

Instructional Design Models

Diagram with icons and labeled circles: UDL (with three people idon), Merrill's Principles (with a tool icon), Backwards Design (with a tool icon), SAM (with a city landscape icon), ADDIE (with a city landscape icon).

In my instructional design practice, I use the ADDIE and SAM models as the foundation of my general approach. ADDIE provides a systematic framework, ensuring thorough analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of learning solutions. SAM complements this by emphasizing iterative development and frequent feedback, allowing for continuous refinement. 

During the design process, I am guided by Backwards Design and Merrill’s Principles of Instruction. Backwards Design ensures that I start with clear learning outcomes and develop assessments and activities that align with those goals, while Merrill’s Principles allow me to focus on creating problem-centered, engaging, and interactive learning experiences. 

To ensure inclusivity, I apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, considering multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression to cater to the diverse needs and backgrounds of all learners.