This was my first project as an instructional designer, and I chose to use ADDIE as my framework. I moved through each phase methodically, but as the project progressed, I started to see how taking a few simple steps early on could have saved significant time and effort down the line, especially when it came to implementation and evaluation.

I realized that considering accessibility and user experience at the very beginning, rather than waiting until the end, makes the whole process smoother for everyone. Small actions, like compressing image files before uploading or planning for accessible interactions up front, don’t take much extra effort in the early stages. However, if those details are missed and need to be addressed later, it often means having to redo work and rework solutions that could have been built in from the start.

One outcome of this project was developing an accessibility and user experience checklist, which I can now use as a guide for future projects. With this tool, I can identify potential challenges right from the start and make design choices that work for all users. For instance, since some interactions—like drag-and-drops—aren’t easily made keyboard accessible, it makes more sense to plan alternatives from the start rather than trying to retrofit accessibility later. By considering these needs early on, I can design different ways to meet the same learning objectives without creating barriers for anyone.

I also learned the value of mapping out how learning outcomes will be measured at the same time as writing objectives. It’s not enough to simply state what learners should be able to do; thinking about how those outcomes will be assessed—and whether those methods are practical and meaningful—helps ensure a more focused and effective course.

This experience made me rethink how the ADDIE model works in practice. While it’s a solid foundation, the process isn’t as linear as it seems. Elements like accessibility, user experience, and assessment planning need to be woven throughout, not just added in at the end. Moving forward, I plan to keep these priorities in mind from the outset, using tools (like my checklist) to keep the process user-centered and inclusive at every stage.

Reflecting on this project, the biggest takeaways for me are to set clear priorities early, keep usability and outcomes at the center, and be proactive about inclusion and accessibility from the start.