Introduction
STEP 1: KNOW YOUR LEARNERS
Design for real people — not assumptions
Purpose
This step helps you understand who your learners really are and what they need to succeed.
It ensures your course is:
- Relevant → solves a real problem
- Manageable → fits into real life
- Inclusive → reduces barriers
- Designed for engagement and completion → not disengagement
Everything you design next depends on this step
Core design principle
Good design is based on evidence — not assumptions
You do not need perfect research.
But you should be clear about:
- What you know (evidence)
- What you are assuming
If you design without this clarity, you risk building the wrong course
Where this step connects (iteration in practice)
You will return to this step if:
- Your design decisions feel unclear or inconsistent (Step 2)
- Your activities feel too complex or unrealistic (Step 3)
- Learners disengage or struggle (Step 4)
This is normal
Strong design improves by revisiting learner understanding