Patrick Murphy Learning Design and Technology
Unit 6: Successive Approximation Model
In direct response to the ADDIE Model, the Successive Approximation Model (SAM) was created to combat the cascading effect found in the ADDIE Model (Pappas, 2025) and to allow for relatively quick adaptation to change (UMGC, 2024). This model is presented in two versions: a relatively quick design loop for smaller projects and a multi-phased, multi-staged approach for larger projects (Peck, n.d.). ​
SAM 1: also known as "Simple Sam" (Peck, n.d.) a condensed iterative design loop that is used for smaller projects, both during the project creation and after implementation (Thomas, 2015).
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Analyze the target audience and their needs
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Design the module/project
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Develop the module/project prototype
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Evaluate the prototype and adjust as necessary
Continue the cycle as necessary​
Design
Analyze &
Evaluate
Develop
Start
End
SAM 2: a three-interative-phase process that allows for continuous cycles of improvement (Thomas, 2015, UMGC, 2024). ​​
Preparataion
Phase
Background
In the preparation phase, a blueprint is created by gathering background information, including identifying stakeholders, project goals and constraints, learning objectives, target ​​
audience, and needs assessment (Peck, n.d.; UMGC, 2024). This equates to the "Analyze" phase in SAM 1​​
Iterative Design
Phase
Prototype
Review
Design
In the iterative design phase, the initial prototype is created, which is the "draft" that initiates a feedback cycle among stakeholders (UMGC, 2024). The stages within this phase include a Savvy Start,
(a collaborative meeting for brainstorming), Project Planning (to outline timelines, roles, responsibilities, and milestones), and Additional Design (based on feedback and formative evaluation). In this phase, the scope, budget, and timelines are evaluated. This phase not only creates the initial prototype but can also lead to additional prototypes and resolve any issues with the original prototype. Before moving on to the Iterative Development Phase, feedback and stakeholder approval are needed. This phase is a more in-depth equivalent to the SAM 1 Design Phase.
In the Iterative Development Phase, a design proof is created using visual aids (i.e., storyboards) as a visual blueprint for stakeholders. Initial content and assessments are created in the
Alpha stage, then a subsequent Beta stage is used to refine the initial content. Finally, in the Gold stage, all improvements will have been made, preparing the project for rollout (UMGC, 2024). In this phase, all products are also tested on the delivery method (i.e., the learning management system), during the Design Proof and Alpha Phase, to ensure the project will be viable on the delivery system (Peck, n.d.).
Iterative Development
Phase
Implement
Evaluate
Develop
Rollout
Implications On Instructional (Learning) Design
Whether it is in the Preparation Phase (Peck, n.d.) or the Iterative Design Phase (UMGC, 2024), hosting a "savvy start" meeting with stakeholders and subject matter experts to brainstorm and prototype is highly beneficial and a crucial part of the process.
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According to Peck (n.d.), a good rule of thumb is "breadth before depth" for any concept, and if there are more than three iterations in the Iterative Design Phase for any one concept, move along.
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When choosing this model, instructional (learning) designers) will need to remember this approach is better for less complex, more limited resources, and environments where flexibility is needed (Pappas, 2025). There is also the consideration that SAM involves stakeholders throughout the process, not just in the beginning and/or end. ​​​​
Strengths and Limitations
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As with a few of the other models, SAM allows for continuous opportunities to improve the project
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Given that stakeholders, particularly the leadership in the organization, will want to be engaged in the process,
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This model can be labor and resource-intensive, which may call into question the return on investment for the project. To mitigate this, focusing on resource constraints will need to be a priority in the process.
​SAM has this feature built into the phases
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​This model is scalable to meet the project complexity, either utilizing SAM 1 (the basic approach) or SAM 2 (the more complex approach).
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SAM addresses prototyping in the beginning, allowing for early adjustments in the overall process.
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With this model being very thorough but complex, there would need to be additional guidance from more seasoned instructional designers.
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Continuous changes can lead to scope creep, allowing the project to expand too far. With that in mind, scope parameters will need to be revisited at each milestone.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
I used Grammarly as a thought partner to assist with organization, spellchecking, and editing for clarity. All final ideas, content, and analysis are my own. I used Gemini to generate graphics throughout my website.
Click Here For References and Additional Resources That Contributed To This Content
Herrholtz, K. (2020). Rapid instructional design with SAM. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/sam-successive-approximation-model-for-rapid-instructional-design
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Pappas, C. (2025, December 12. ADDIE model vs SAM model: Which is best for your next elearning project. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/addie-vs-sam-model-best-for-next-elearning-project
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Peck, D. (n.d.). SAM - the successive approximation model of instructional design. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMq_cysOqbY
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Thomas, J. (2015, September 27). SAM - successive approximation model [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/zJwDCrl0bq4?si=pH3QXYckl-TAaYox
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University of Maryland Global Campus. (2024). Application of SAM in education and training contexts. Brightspace.
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