The world has changed immensely in just two decades. These changes have affected everything, from humans to business, and in today’s competitive world, we are always stuck on a common question: How can we make learning truly effective?

Here’s where instructional design models come into play. These models have transformed modern learning experiences to be more engaging and effective.

According to a report, instructional designer roles are expected to grow 11% between 2016 and 2026. This profession is growing due to an increasing awareness of designing structured, engaging, and accessible eLearning content that meets learners’ needs.

In this comprehensive guide, we will talk about instructional design models that revolutionize how we approach education and training so you can be better prepared for 2026 and the future of learning.

Table of Contents:

What is an Instructional Design?

Instructional design (ID) refers to the process of designing instructional and educational material.

The steps involved in creating an instructional design are planning the course content, analyzing the learners’ needs, developing the content, implementing it, and finally evaluating it. The last step of gathering feedback and evaluating is very important as it determines the effectiveness of the instructional design.

Instructional design is the process of creating effective learning experiences and materials that help learners achieve their educational objectives. It is more than just putting content together; it is a strategic approach to ensuring knowledge transfer happens efficiently.

The Critical Role of Critical Thinking in Instructional Design

In today’s ever-evolving landscape, critical thinking is more than just a desirable attribute. It’s a crucial skill set that learners need to navigate the complexities of the world.

Critical thinking is not just about problem-solving, but also about the ability to analyze and evaluate information. Moreover, critical thinking goes hand in hand with creativity. As learners analyze and evaluate information, they also need to think creatively to come up with innovative solutions.

So, is critical thinking truly the key to instructional design success? Is it the sole ingredient, or does it require a blend of other elements?

This vital skill empowers instructional designers to:

  • Analyze Needs: Critically evaluating learner needs, context, and learning objectives ensures the creation of relevant and targeted learning content.
  • Design Effective Activities: Analyzing existing data and research allows for the selection and implementation of appropriate instructional activities that promote deeper understanding and knowledge application.
  • Evaluate Outcomes: Critically assessing the effectiveness of learning experiences through data analysis and feedback mechanisms is crucial for ongoing improvement and adaptation.
  • Navigate Complexities: The ever-changing landscape of education and diverse learner needs necessitate critical thinking to navigate challenges and find innovative solutions.

Challenges of Integrating Critical Thinking

While critical thinking offers numerous benefits, certain challenges can hinder its effective integration in instructional design companies:

  • Time constraints: Thorough analysis and design often require dedicated time, which can be limited in fast-paced project environments.
  • Lack of resources: Access to relevant data, research, and expert guidance can be limited, hindering informed decision-making.
  • Bias and assumptions: Unconscious biases and preconceived notions can cloud critical thinking and lead to flawed design choices.

By implementing robust strategies, ID professionals can overcome these challenges and unlock the full potential of critical thinking in their work.

What are Adaptive Learning Technologies?

Adaptive learning technologies can be understood as instructional tools that utilize the latest digital tools, like artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, etc., to personalize and improve the learners’ learning experience.

With an adaptive learning pace, all the elements of the instructional design, like delivery pace, content, visual aids, teaching method, etc., can be adapted and aligned according to the needs of the learners. This ensures a more effective learning experience and a more inclusive learning process.

For instance, adaptive learning technologies can be easily integrated with assistive technologies like speech recognition, magnification tools, alternate input devices, and much more to assist learners with disabilities.

What are the 5 Key Components of Adaptive Learning Technologies?

Various features and functionalities of adaptive learning technologies work simultaneously to help educators create a personalized learning experience for learners. All the features have been designed keeping in mind the learners’ requirements and proficiencies.

Mentioned here are some key components of adaptive learning technologies:

1. Personalized Dashboard

The personalized dashboard or the personalized engine is the control center of adaptive learning technology. You can create personalized learning paths for all your learners through this control center.

You can also continue updating them as the learners progress in their learning journey. To keep the learners creatively engaged, you can add a variety of other activities, such as assessments, pop quizzes, leaderboard competitions, etc.

2. Diverse Content Repository

As an educator, you will have to create a vast and diverse content repository of textual material, multimedia elements, assessments and quizzes, and much more.

You can create and maintain a content repository easily and efficiently with adaptive learning platforms. Content repositories ensure the personalized education of learners is solid and all knowledge gaps are addressed effectively.

3. Gamification Elements

Gamification elements play a crucial role in inculcating self-motivation and self-direction in learners. The interactive environment and the dynamic reward systems instill a sense of accomplishment in the learners.

This encourages them to strive for the best results. Gamification elements that can be integrated with adaptive learning technologies are badges, rewards, redeemable points, etc.

4. Machine Learning

Machine learning and its various features help deliver a highly personalized learning experience to learners. These include data analytics and reporting, automated pattern identification, content recommendation, predictive analytics, content tagging, and group profiling.

As learners interact with the platform, the machine learning functionalities become more precise in predicting their requirements.

5. Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Learning management systems play a crucial role in enhancing the delivery mechanisms of adaptive learning technologies. If top-quality learning material is not delivered effectively, it will fail to reap any benefits.

Consequently, with LMS, you can streamline your content delivery workflows for the advantage of both learners and instructors.

Additionally, with performance tracking, LMS can also identify which delivery method worked the best for the learners and why. It can then automatically incorporate the relevant strengths and positive feedback in the upcoming content delivery schedules.

Comparison Table of Instructional Design Models

Model Core Focus Process/Phases Best For Strengths Limitations
ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) Systematic design 5 linear stages Corporate training, eLearning Clear, structured, widely recognized Can be rigid, less adaptive
SAM (Successive Approximation Model) Rapid prototyping Iterative cycles of design & feedback Agile learning projects, fast-moving industries Flexible, iterative, faster turnaround May lack depth if not managed well
Kemp Model Holistic & learner-centered Non-linear steps covering objectives, content, and support Academic learning, blended learning Comprehensive, adaptable Complex to manage, requires skilled IDs
Merrill’s Principles of Instruction Task-centered learning 5 principles: Activation, Demonstration, Application, Integration, Problem-centered Skills-based training, technical learning Emphasizes real-world tasks, promotes mastery Less focus on long-term engagement
ARCS Model (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) Learner motivation 4 motivational components Engagement-focused programs, K12 & higher education Strong motivational framework improves learner buy-in Does not cover the full instructional design cycle
Gagné’s Nine Events of Instruction Cognitive learning 9 instructional steps Classroom & online instruction Easy to apply, step-by-step clarity Can feel prescriptive, dated
ARCHED (2026+) AI-driven, adaptive, ethical design Analysis → Responsible AI → Collaboration → Human-centered → Evaluation → Data Future-ready learning, AI in education & corporate Integrates AI, personalization, and ethics Still emerging, limited adoption examples

Deep Dive into the Top 8 Instructional Design Models

Instructional design models provide structured approaches to designing, developing, and delivering training material for learning experiences that are engaging, efficient, and outcome-driven.

Let’s discuss the key features of each of these top 8 models in 2025:

1. Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction

Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction, developed by David Merrill, focuses on problem-based learning and real-world application through learning. The model addresses the engagement of learners’ practical skill development by weaving new knowledge into their existing reality.

This model encourages learning through active participation and reflection as it focuses on providing relevant and applicable tasks within real-life situations.

Merrill’s Principles of Instruction (MPI) for 2025

  1. Task-Centered: Design training around the real world.
  2. Activation: Build from where the learners are and link new content to their prior experiences.
  3. Demonstration: Use examples, models, or case studies to demonstrate new skills or concepts effectively.
  4. Application: Provide learners opportunities to practice skills in realistic situations accompanied by constructive feedback.
  5. Integration: Engage the learners in applying their new knowledge in everyday tasks, thereby enhancing retention and usability.

2. Gagne’s 9 Events

Gagne’s 9 Events model, rooted in cognitive psychology principles, outlines a structured approach to instructional design that enhances learning and retention.

This model aims to guide educators in creating engaging and effective learning experiences that promote understanding and long-term memory retention by breaking down the learning process into nine key events.

3. ADDIE

ADDIE stands for Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate. Originally developed in the 1970s by the US Department of the Air Force, it offers a structured, five-phase approach to creating impactful learning experiences.

The ADDIE instructional design model is based on five phases of a systematic process. In doing so, it helps deliver well-structured learning experiences. From initial analysis to final evaluation, ADDIE’s systemic approach ensures that instructional materials are produced with clear objectives and outcomes.

  1. Analyze: Identify learner needs, learning objectives, and available resources. It ensures that the course addresses the right problems and meets the objectives.
  2. Design: It elaborates a precise action plan to accomplish learning objectives. This includes outlining the structure of content flow, instructional design approaches, and assessment techniques.
  3. Develop: This step is on developing learning elements using tools and storyboards. This stage translates ideas into actual course elements like slide presentations, videos, or interactive modules.
  4. Implement: Deliver the instruction. Effective implementation guarantees that learners can use the content in real life.
  5. Evaluate: Assess learner performance and effectiveness of the instruction. Use this evaluation to make changes or to start the ADDIE cycle again.

Is ADDIE Still Effective in Today’s Learning Environment?

For decades, the ADDIE model has reigned supreme as the framework for instructional design (ID). But with today’s rapidly evolving learning environment, questions arise: Is ADDIE still effective? Can it keep pace with the demands of diverse learners and agile development?

Several organizations use ADDIE as their primary instructional design model. It remains a trusted learning design framework for ensuring quality and delivering results.

The Allure of ADDIE: Enduring Benefits for Modern Designers

In essence, ADDIE offers a reliable framework for crafting impactful learning experiences. Its benefits include:

  • Flexibility and Adaptability: While presented as linear, ADDIE can be adapted to various learning contexts. Phases can be revisited or merged depending on project needs.
  • Structured Framework: ADDIE provides a clear, step-by-step process, ensuring all crucial aspects of learning design are addressed.
  • Systematic Approach: The model’s emphasis on analysis and evaluation ensures learning materials are tailored to learner needs.
  • Widespread Recognition: ADDIE is the most recognized instructional design framework globally, facilitating communication among educators.

Cracks in the Foundation: Potential Limitations

Despite its widespread use, ADDIE isn’t without limitations in the modern era:

  • Linearity: The rigid sequential format may restrict responsiveness to emerging needs during development.
  • Time-consuming: Extensive upfront planning can be slow, delaying content delivery.
  • Limited agility: The structured nature can sometimes lead to a ‘by-the-book’ approach, potentially overlooking innovative design solutions.
  • Focus on content: There can be less emphasis on learner engagement and active learning strategies compared to newer models.

Adapting ADDIE to Thrive: Reimagining for Modern Needs

So, is ADDIE a relic relegated to the past? Not necessarily. To remain relevant, ADDIE must embrace the dynamics of modern learning. Here are some key strategies:

  • Iterative Development: Break down the phases into smaller, iterative cycles for more flexible development and feedback.
  • Agile Methodology: Combine ADDIE with agile principles like rapid prototyping and user testing for faster content creation.
  • Learner-Centered Design: Emphasize learner needs and preferences throughout the process, prioritizing engagement and active learning.
  • Technology Integration: Integrate technology tools to facilitate collaboration and personalize learning experiences.

Instructional designers believe ADDIE needs significant rethinking to reflect modern learning trends. Ultimately, the future of ADDIE lies not in blind adherence but in its ability to adapt, evolve, and continuously serve as a valuable tool in the ever-changing landscape of instructional design.

4. Bloom’s Taxonomy

Bloom’s Taxonomy is a hierarchical model that categorizes educational objectives into cognitive domains. It provides educators with a framework for developing learning objectives aligned with different levels of cognitive complexity.

By categorizing learning goals into distinct levels, Bloom’s Taxonomy helps educators design assessments and activities that target specific cognitive skills.

Bloom’s Taxonomy: Six Cognitive Phases

  1. Knowledge: The base for deeper learning is to recall essential facts, concepts, or definitions from memory.
  2. Comprehension: Summarize, explain, or paraphrase information to demonstrate an understanding of it.
  3. Application: Apply learned concepts to solve problems or address real-world issues.
  4. Analysis: Separate complex ideas into smaller parts, identifying patterns and relationships while understanding how the different parts contribute to the final goal.
  5. Evaluation: Assess and critique information or processes against pre-set criteria to make informed decisions.
  6. Creation: Combining ideas to form new concepts or solutions promotes innovation and greater understanding.

5. Dick and Carey

Dick and Carey’s instructional design approach is a comprehensive and systematic model that places a strong emphasis on personalized learning approaches by analyzing learner characteristics and task requirements to develop customized and effective learning experiences.

This model ensures a structured and learner-centered approach to instructional design by identifying instructional goals, conducting thorough analysis, and focusing on performance objectives.

  1. Identify instructional goals
  2. Conduct instructional analysis
  3. Analyze the learner and the context
  4. Write performance objectives
  5. Develop assessment instruments
  6. Develop an instructional strategy
  7. Develop and select instructional materials
  8. Design and conduct formative evaluation

6. Kemp Design Model

The Kemp Design Model is a dynamic and flexible instructional design approach that emphasizes adaptability throughout the design process.

By incorporating analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation in a cyclical manner, this model allows for iterative improvements and adjustments based on feedback and evaluation results.

  1. Analysis
  2. Design
  3. Development
  4. Implementation
  5. Evaluation

7. SAM (Successive Approximation Model)

SAM (Successive Approximation Model) is an agile instructional design model that prioritizes rapid prototyping and iterative development to create efficient and effective learning solutions.

This model focuses on preparation, iterative design, development, and evaluation, enabling quick turnaround projects and continuous improvement through feedback loops.

  1. Preparation
  2. Iterative Design
  3. Iterative Development
  4. Iterative Evaluation

8. Action Mapping

Action Mapping is a visual instructional design approach that aligns learning objectives with business goals to create impactful and goal-oriented learning experiences.

This model ensures that training programs are directly linked to desired outcomes by identifying business goals, defining performance objectives, and designing learning experiences aligned with organizational objectives.

Tips for Creating Instructional Design

Creating effective learning experiences requires more than just knowing the models; it requires strategic application. Here are key instructional design strategies to consider when creating effective learning experiences for 2026 and beyond:

1. Prioritize Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Critical thinking is a key driver in creating effective and adaptable online learning experiences. As professionals believe that personalized learning strategies are crucial for improving learner engagement, these solutions present opportunities to leverage critical thinking:

  • Problem-Based Learning: Present learners with realistic scenarios and encourage them to analyze the situation, generate solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness.
  • Open-Ended Questions: Go beyond factual recall questions and pose questions that require critical analysis, interpretation, and justification of answers.
  • Case Studies and Simulations: Expose learners to real-world problems and encourage them to apply their knowledge and analysis skills to find solutions.
  • Collaborative Learning Activities: Facilitate discussions, debates, and peer review activities where learners can share and evaluate different perspectives.

2. Correctly Determine Learner Needs

Correctly determine the learners’ needs and preferences before setting the instructional design strategies and learning objectives. Placing the learner at the heart of the design process aligns perfectly with critical thinking, as it encourages analyzing learner needs and preferences to craft engaging experiences.

3. Select the Right Technologies

Just like one size doesn’t fit all, not all adaptive learning technologies align with your instructional design strategies. Select the ones that properly support your learning objectives.

4. Foster Creativity and Engagement

Ensure the instructional design strategies are creative and engaging. To increase learners’ retention, add interactive elements like quizzes, scarcity games, mixed reality, AI-powered gamification, etc. Critical thinking facilitates the design of personalized learning pathways, tailoring content based on individual needs and learning styles.

5. Leverage Learning Analytics

Leverage the maximum potential of learning analytics through instructional design strategies to provide data-driven instructions and continuously enhance the learning experience. Utilizing data analytics platforms to critically evaluate learner behavior and engagement allows for continuous improvement of eLearning companies.

6. Stay Updated with Digital Advancements

The digital world is advancing rapidly. Stay updated with the latest technologies to incorporate them into your instructional design strategies and improve learning outcomes. By incorporating iterative development, learner-centered approaches, and technology integration, instructional designers can leverage frameworks like ADDIE while addressing their limitations.

Conclusion

Paying close attention to your instructional design strategies can provide learners with a meaningful and productive learning experience. Whether you choose the structured approach of ADDIE, the agility of SAM, or the business focus of Action Mapping, the goal remains the same: creating impactful learning.

Stay updated with the latest adaptive learning technologies to enhance these strategies. It’s not about abandoning the familiar but rather ensuring it can effectively respond to the ever-changing needs of learners in a dynamic learning landscape.

You can also incorporate them in alignment with learning styles, abilities, and preferences. The intelligent tutoring systems market is very competitive, and this can give you a competitive edge.

If you need help with it, you can reach out to us at Hurix Digital. As one of the leading digital services providers, we can address all your instructional design strategies and adaptive learning technology needs. We offer digital content transformation, digital engineering, robotic process automation, and more.

We have a global customer base. Some of our customers include Ikea, Cambridge University Press, Deloitte, Cathay Pacific, and FedEx Express. You can become our next customer and grow with us.

Are you ready to take your instructional design skills to the next level? Contact our expert team now and get started.