Difference between Addie vs Sam
ADDIE instructional design methodology is perhaps the most well-known method for developing learning solutions. Analyze, Design, Development, Implement, and Evaluate are the abbreviations for ADDIE. But these days, ADDIE isn’t the only thing available. SAM, which stands for Successive Approximation Model, is a popular alternative to ADDIE.
Each learning system has advantages and disadvantages that must be properly considered. For example, the ADDIE model is systematic and repeatable but does not allow for backtracking. SAM was designed to counteract ADDIE in several ways. Let’s take a look at the answers to these questions and see which ones might work best for you and why.
Head to Head Comparison between Addie vs Sam (Infographics)
Below are the top differences between Addie vs Sam:
Key Differences
- In ADDIE model changes or defects are identified in the later phases, In SAM, defects are captured early in the process.
- SAM model is quite flexible than ADDIE as it gives chance to change during each phase.
- ADDIE model follows a linear process, while SAM goes with the cyclic process.
- The next phase can start only after the completion of the previous phase in ADDIE. In the SAM model, approval on the previous phase is not required before moving to the next phase.
- SAM is considered to be faster than ADDIE.
Comparison Table of Addie vs Sam
Basis | ADDIE | SAM |
History | Developed by the Florida State University in 1975 | Created by Allen Interactions in 2012 |
Speed | It is relatively slower | SAM is considered to be faster |
Process | It follows the Linear process | Is a more cyclical approach |
Defects | Defects captured in later stages | Defects captured early on |
Flow | The next phase can start only after the completion of the previous phase. | approval on the previous phase is not required |
Collaboration
|
opportunities to interact with the clients are limited | allows you to receive feedback from clients on a regular basis |
Flexibility
|
Relatively rigid | quite flexible and provide scope for enhancements and changes during each phase |
Rework
|
The amount of rework can be more | The amount of rework is expected to be lesser.
|
Cost-Effective | it is not so cost-effective | it is relatively cost-effective |
Addie model
- Analysis: Clarify problems, define goals and objectives, and collect necessary data.
- Design: Write objectives, craft structure, and sequences, project management, budgeting.
- Development: Create a learning course using text, storyboards, graphics, audio, and video.
- Design: Design the Instructional Design course
Sam model
- Development: Create a learning course using text, storyboards, graphics, audio and video.
- Implement Course delivery.
- Evaluate Assessment of course success by measuring learner’s learning and retention, project goals.
- Evaluation/Analysis: Evaluate the learning course as it is being developed.
- Repeat: Repeat the above steps until the final roll-out.
Process
The ADDIE method is a “waterfall approach”, thus ADDIE model follows a linear process, to construct a training program, eLearning course, or learning materials, an instructional designer follows the five-step ADDIE method. The model begins with a wide analysis. After that, the learning program is designed, developed, implemented, and evaluated.
The Successive Approximation Model (SAM), unlike ADDIE’s five large sequential steps, is a more cyclical approach which involves three iterations on the familiar instructional design phases of evaluation/analysis, design, and development.

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Speed
The waterfall approach of the ADDIE model makes it more of a slow deadline-centric model, while the agile approach of SAM is considered to be faster than the ADDIE model during implementation.
Addie’s Waterfall Model
However, because the ADDIE model is linear and requires each step to be examined before proceeding, it can be slow and inconvenient. Another issue is that backtracking can be difficult, if not impossible. If something goes wrong, you may need to restart it again.
Flow
In the ADDIE model, the next phase can start only after the completion of the previous phase. In SAM model, approval on the previous phase is not required before moving to the next phase.
Collaboration
In the ADDIE model, the opportunities to interact with the clients are limited. SAM, provides ample opportunities to interact with the clients.
Throughout the learning development process, the SAM approach allows you to receive feedback from clients on a regular basis. This methodology is advantageous since it saves time for redevelopment by identifying the problem early in the development process. It is commonly established that detecting problems early on can save a lot of money while also ensuring a better medium and long-term learning outcome.
While all of this collaboration can cause delays, it ensures that the consumer is kept informed throughout the process. If the designers come up with anything that isn’t quite perfect, they can immediately shift course thanks to the immediate feedback.
Flexibility
Some people believe that ADDIE is a technique from another era and that its overemphasis on process and quality, as well as the exact order in which content is presented, makes it inflexible to change and creativity.
SAM model is quite flexible and provides scope for enhancements and changes during each phase of its development. Teams can work in a relaxed environment thanks to the model’s flexibility. This concept is found throughout nature, providing several opportunities to communicate any modifications or feedback.
Defects
In SAM, defects are captured early in the process. But in the ADDIE model, defects can only be captured in the later phases of the process.
Rework
The amount of rework can be more in the ADDIE model if changes or defects are identified in the later phases. While in the case of SAM, as the clients or the team members see what’s happening early in the process, the amount of rework is expected to be lesser.
Cost-Effective
As the ADDIE model has relatively lesser control on rework, it is not so cost-effective. As SAM controls rework, it is relatively cost-effective.
Because each of ADDIE’s phases is extensive and may require a number of sessions, completing all of them could take a significant amount of time and money.
Conclusion – Addie vs Sam
When it comes to determining which design model is best for you and your team, it all comes down to what you want to accomplish and what your work environment will allow.
ADDIE makes use of step-by-step techniques and emphasizes the importance of clear instructions. As a result, going back a few steps to fix a mistake can be difficult. It’s much more difficult to pinpoint exactly when and where the problem began. SAM, on the other hand, is a system that works in parallel. It starts with a brainstorming, and once everything is planned out, the next stages occur concurrently.
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