
The Stitcher’s Framework: Accelerated Backward Design
In high-stakes environments—like graduate medical education or global tech operations—traditional curriculum development is often too slow. I utilize a streamlined, high-velocity version of Backward Design to move teams from "abstract ideas" to "operational skeletons" in a fraction of the time.
Phase 1: Defining the "North Star" (Desired Results)
Most projects fail because they start with content rather than outcomes. I lead stakeholders through a "Reverse-Engineering" session:
-
The Persona Audit: We define exactly what the learner/user should be able to do, know, and feel at the end of the program.
-
Success Metrics: We establish the "Evidence of Mastery"—whether that’s a PhD thesis defense, a 10% reduction in HR write-ups, or a 100% on-time global handoff.
Phase 2: The "Stitch" (Assessment & Evidence)
Before a single slide is designed, we determine how we will prove the "North Star" was reached.
-
Performance Tasking: I design scenarios and simulations that mirror real-world challenges (e.g., Navigating a difficult conversation with a physician).
-
Feedback Loops: We build in data-collection points (LMS analytics, surveys, or performance rubrics) to ensure the intervention is working in real-time.
Phase 3: Architecting the Experience (The Learning Plan)
Only once the goals and evidence are clear do we "stitch" the content together. This is where the Accelerated part of the process happens:
-
Curriculum Skeleton: I map out the "strands" or "modules" to ensure a logical, cumulative flow of information.
-
High-Fidelity Production: We select the right tool for the job—whether it’s a Vyond video for empathy-building or a technical Job Aid for process-heavy tasks.
-
Agile Iteration: We launch a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), gather data, and iterate quickly to ensure the system scales.
Why it Works
-
SME-Friendly: It respects the time of Subject Matter Experts by focusing on high-level strategy rather than getting bogged down in "the weeds" of content early on.
-
Data-Guided: Every design choice is anchored to a pre-defined metric.
-
Scalable: By building a "Skeleton" first, the program can grow from a single workshop into a state-wide graduation requirement or a PhD fellowship.