Phases of SAM

The Successive Approximation Model divides and assigns the design process into three Iterative phases, which include Preparation, Iterative Design, and Iterative Development.

Preparation Phase

The first step to the SAM process is the Preparation phase. Key players within the design team gather information regarding the targeted users’ learning styles, conduct a thorough needs analysis, research current literature and resources, and analyze available materials/tools. Any additional background knowledge and information not mentioned above would be gathered during this time, such as contact information for the Subject Matter Experts (SME) and previous eLearners, to help evaluate the prototype.

Iterative Design Phase

The Iterative Design phase begins with an initial kick-off meeting, called a Savvy Start. This collaborative session involves “eLearning project managers, SMEs, learning experience designers, and other [project] stakeholders” to brainstorm ideas and “delivery methods” (ELM Learning, para. 17). The Savvy Start team will reconvene as needed throughout the design phase to “evaluate the eLearning solution, or alternative design” as it is developed (ELM Learning, para. 21).

With a picture of the desired outcome and approach, learning designers will then move into the Prototype development. Rather than keeping the project conceptual, this process moves directly into a physical prototype, which can be used to evaluate the project’s trajectory and determine if the learning platform is viable.

Once the team approves, the official Design process begins. The design team will develop the initial display, make layout adjustments, and test the media design alongside other learning design experts, software engineers, and graphic designers.

Iterative Development Phase

The design proof will be tested by a group of eLearners before being pushed out as the Alpha version, which is the first fully functional solution (ELM Learning, para. 24). The Alpha version will be tested through the Iterative Development cycle: develop, implement, and evaluate. Analysis and user feedback will return to the design team.

Based on initial user feedback, the Beta version will go out to users after adjustments are made and issues are addressed. The Beta version will be tested through the Iterative Development cycle. Analysis and user feedback will return to the design team.

The final Gold version is released to eLearners as the “version that doesn’t require any fix or enhancement” (ELM Learning, para. 24). The Gold version can come after many iterations and adjustments. The Gold version is the decided stopping point of the design.