Instructional Design compared to building with LEGOs

Similar to Jonathan Gay, I too grew up as a child playing with LEGOs. Even though I did not go into the engineering or architecture design field, the LEGO bricks played a small part in teaching me the basics of designing web pages for informational and instructional purposes ( I eventually received my Master's Degree in Instructional Design and Technology). The Instructional System Design model has its roots in the ADDIE Model. The five phases - Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation - represent a dynamic, flexible guideline for building effective training and performance support tools (or LEGO sets) that can be delivered via online web pages.

Ok so this is a s t r e t c h but here is how (strictly in my opinion) is a very broad and general sense of the Instructional System Design ADDIE Model (from Dr. Strickland from Idaho State University - College of Education) as it might compare to building LEGOs.

	Instructional Design	LEGOs
Analysis	In the analysis phase, instructional problem is clarified, the instructional goals and objectives are established and the learning environment and learner's existing knowledge and skills are identified. Below are some of the questions that are addressed during the analysis phase: Who is the audience and their characteristics What do they need to learn Create a concept map What are the delivery options What is the timeline for project completion	Figure out what you want to built out of LEGOs Who is the audience? Is this for personal use? or are you being paid to built by some sponser? Decide to built an official LEGO set (using step-by-step instructions) or built a customized LEGO set or both! If building a large LEGO table layout, find a space with a lot of building room, and if your married, be sure to ask your partner first before you over take the space
Design	The design phase deals with learning objectives, assessment instruments, exercises, content, subject matter analysis, lesson planning and media selection. The design phase should be systematic and specific. Systematic means a logical, orderly method of identifying, developing and evaluating a set of planned strategies targeted for attaining the project's goals. Specific means each element of the instructional design plan needs to be executed with attention to details. Documentation of the project's instructional, visual and technical design strategy Create storyboards Design the user interface and user experience Prototype creation Apply visual design (graphic design)	If building a large table layout, start designing the bench work on a computer first; make sure to include LEGO road plates! Lego specific software include: LDraw, and Track Draw Once layout is designed on the computer, start laying out the wood for the bench work and laying out all of the LEGO road and base plates on it Layout different sections of your LEGO town, i.e.. town buildings, industrial areas, police and fire stations, airport, shipping port, etc.
Development	The development phase is where the graphic designers, multimedia developers, computer programmers, etc. create and assemble the content assets that were created in the design phase. The product of this phase is a detailed plan of action that lists step-by-step procedures for implementing the change. The plan also needs to include who is responsible for which elements of the project, and time schedules and deadlines. During the development phase, all audio, video, and text materials are collected, prepared, or created. Documentation is prepared and the product is ready to be tested.	Start building the bench work for your large table layout Once table is complete, start putting down road and base plates, according to your computer designed layout. Start building your LEGO sets (buildings, cars, planes boats, etc) Ask for feedback from people into LEGOs and LEGO Clubs
Implementation	In the implementation phase of the ADDIE model an plan is developed. This plan establishes the implementation timeline and procedures for training the facilitators and the learner, and delivering the final product. The final product is developed based on needs and errors discovered while utilizing a prototype product with members of the target audience. With the project ready for delivery, the learning environment is prepared by training the facilitators and learners, and placing all tools for full implementation (instruction).	Start playing! Once of the joys of building with LEGOS, is you can create something and keep it or tear it down and built something else; therefore, your LEGO project does not
Evaluation	In the ADDIE model, evaluation is a systemic process that determines the quality and effectiveness of the instructional design as well as the final product. Evaluation is an ongoing activity conducted at each phase of the ADDIE model. Evaluation consists of two parts: formative and summative. Formative evaluation involves gathering information during the early stages of the design process with the focus on finding out whether efforts are unfolding as planned, uncovering any obstacles, barriers or unexpected opportunities that may have emerged, and identify mid-project adjustments and corrections which can help insure the success of the project. The feedback gathered during formative evaluation is designed to fine-tune the implementation of the program, gather reaction and identify what is not working. Summative Evaluation is the process of collecting data following implementation of the project in order to determine its effectiveness and satisfies the instructional objectives.	Show off your LEGO layout Get feedback from people and see if taking their suggestions is something to consider or not.

-- yea this is a stretch