Sept. 17, 2025

Backward Design: Start with the End in Mind

Welcome to episode 47 of the Designing with Love podcast, where I dive into a concept that flips the traditional design process on its head: Backward Design.

Have you ever created a learning experience that left you wondering whether your learners truly understood the point? Backward Design might be the solution you've been seeking. This transformative approach flips the traditional instructional design process on its head by starting with clear learning outcomes before planning activities or selecting content.

Throughout this episode, I break down each stage with practical examples, like designing customer service training where representatives learn to de-escalate complaints using a specific conflict resolution model. You'll discover how Backward Design helps you avoid common pitfalls like content overload and misaligned assessments. When we design with the end in mind, we create more meaningful learning journeys that lead to genuine understanding rather than mere content consumption.

Whether you're a novice instructional designer, an experienced educator, or just curious about creating more effective learning experiences, this episode provides concrete strategies you can implement immediately. As Stephen Covey reminds us, "Begin with the end in mind." Because when we design backwards, we're truly designing forward for impact, growth, and lasting transformation. Ready to rethink your approach to design? Join me in this enlightening exploration of Backward Design.

🔗Episode Links:

Please check out the resources mentioned in the episode. Enjoy!

A Guide to Backward Design

Understanding by Design Framework

Send Jackie a Text

Join PodMatch!
Use the link to join PodMatch, a place for hosts and guests to connect.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

💟Designing with Love + allows you to support the show by keeping the mic on and the ideas flowing. Click on the link above to provide your support.

☕Buy Me a Coffee is another way you can support the show, either as a one-time gift or through a monthly subscription.

🗣️Want to be a guest on Designing with Love? Send Jackie Pelegrin a message on PodMatch, here: Be a guest on the show

📝Check out the companion blog site here: Designing with Love Blog

📱Send a text to the show by clicking the Send Jackie a Text link above.

👍🏼Please make sure to like and share this episode with others. Here's to great learning!

00:00 - Introduction to Backwards Design

00:47 - The Three Stages Explained

03:13 - Benefits of Designing Backwards

04:24 - Episode Recap and Resources

05:18 - Closing Thoughts and Support Options

WEBVTT

00:00:01.040 --> 00:00:04.107
Hello and welcome to the Designing with Love podcast.

00:00:04.107 --> 00:00:11.753
I am your host, Jackie Pelegrin, where my goal is to bring you information, tips and tricks as an instructional designer.

00:00:11.753 --> 00:00:22.923
Hello, GCU students, alumni, and fellow educators, welcome to episode 47 of the Designing with Love podcast.

00:00:22.923 --> 00:00:30.432
In today's episode, we're diving into a concept that flips the traditional design process on its head backwards design.

00:00:30.432 --> 00:00:37.409
If you're a novice instructional designer, or even just curious about the process, this episode is for you.

00:00:37.409 --> 00:00:43.307
So grab a coffee, get cozy, and let's design with love.

00:00:44.348 --> 00:00:47.561
Backwards design is a framework that starts with the end in mind.

00:00:47.561 --> 00:00:51.113
Rather than beginning with content or fun activities.

00:00:51.113 --> 00:00:57.953
You start by identifying what you want learners to understand or be able to do by the end of your course or training.

00:00:57.953 --> 00:01:07.254
The model was popularized by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTee in their book Understanding by Design, published in 2005.

00:01:07.254 --> 00:01:17.406
The model has three key stages Identify desired results, determine acceptable evidence and plan learning experiences and instruction.

00:01:17.406 --> 00:01:21.001
Let's take a few minutes to unpack each of these stages.

00:01:21.001 --> 00:01:24.388
Stage one identify desired results.

00:01:24.388 --> 00:01:34.382
This stage is all about answering the following question what should learners know, understand and be able to do at the end of this learning experience?

00:01:34.382 --> 00:01:42.084
During this stage, it is a good idea to ask yourself the following questions what are the learning goals or objectives?

00:01:42.084 --> 00:01:50.370
What are the essential things learners need to understand and what big ideas should learners retain long after the course ends?

00:01:50.370 --> 00:02:04.909
For example, if you're designing a training for customer service representatives, the desired result might be as follows Representatives will be able to de-escalate customer service complaints using a three-step conflict resolution model.

00:02:04.909 --> 00:02:07.602
This becomes your guide, the goal.

00:02:07.602 --> 00:02:09.286
You'll design everything else around.

00:02:10.348 --> 00:02:13.334
Stage two determine acceptable evidence.

00:02:13.334 --> 00:02:18.951
All right, so, now that you know the destination, how will you know if your learners get there?

00:02:18.951 --> 00:02:23.407
This stage is about assessments, both formative and summative.

00:02:23.407 --> 00:02:26.753
However, it's not just about quizzes or tests.

00:02:26.753 --> 00:02:36.074
Think about role plays, simulations, projects or real-life tasks that show learners truly understand and can apply what they have learned.

00:02:36.074 --> 00:02:39.008
Let's go back to our customer service example.

00:02:39.008 --> 00:02:42.348
Some acceptable forms of evidence could be as follows.

00:02:42.348 --> 00:02:53.141
Acceptable forms of evidence could be as follows A video recording of a mock customer interaction or a written reflection on how the three-step model was applied.

00:02:53.141 --> 00:02:59.048
This stage ensures you're not just teaching the content, but preparing learners to demonstrate mastery in meaningful ways.

00:03:00.128 --> 00:03:03.573
Stage three plan learning experiences and instruction.

00:03:03.573 --> 00:03:07.195
Here's where you finally get to plan your lessons and activities.

00:03:07.195 --> 00:03:13.000
No-transcript.

00:03:13.000 --> 00:03:20.521
Now that you know your goals and your assessments, you can ask the following what knowledge and skills do learners need to succeed on those assessments?

00:03:20.521 --> 00:03:25.662
What instructional strategies, resources or technologies support the learning?

00:03:25.662 --> 00:03:28.419
And what activities will make the learning stick?

00:03:29.250 --> 00:03:33.461
Designing backwards keeps the learning focused, intentional and aligned.

00:03:33.461 --> 00:03:42.022
If you're new to instructional design, it's tempting to start with what's fun, such as videos, games, tools and slides.

00:03:42.022 --> 00:03:46.776
But the power of backwards design is that it grounds you in purpose first.

00:03:46.776 --> 00:03:52.974
This approach helps you to do the following Number one stay aligned with learning outcomes.

00:03:52.974 --> 00:03:55.820
Number two avoid content overload.

00:03:55.820 --> 00:03:58.730
Number three learning outcomes.

00:03:58.730 --> 00:03:59.752
Number two avoid content overload.

00:03:59.752 --> 00:04:00.756
Number three build meaningful assessments.

00:04:00.756 --> 00:04:03.842
And finally, number four create a more impactful learner-centered experience.

00:04:03.842 --> 00:04:08.762
When you designed with the end in mind, you're not just throwing content at learners.

00:04:08.762 --> 00:04:12.161
You're guiding them on a journey toward real understanding.

00:04:12.161 --> 00:04:18.500
So if you're just getting started, remember start with the why, then figure out the how.

00:04:19.610 --> 00:04:28.240
As a recap, we covered what backwards design is, a breakdown of the three stages in the model and why backwards design matters in instructional design.

00:04:28.240 --> 00:04:35.656
You're welcome to check out the interactive diagram that covers the key details covered in this episode, which is provided in the show notes.

00:04:35.656 --> 00:04:44.791
In addition, you can visit the companion blog site for more details and to leave a comment about how you have utilized this model in your projects.

00:04:44.791 --> 00:04:55.531
Now, if today's episode has helped bring some clarity or inspiration to your instructional design journey, please share the episode with a friend or colleague who is just starting out.

00:04:55.531 --> 00:04:59.141
Chances are they're navigating the same questions.

00:04:59.141 --> 00:05:03.240
The content in this episode might just be the encouragement they need.

00:05:04.471 --> 00:05:18.641
As I conclude this episode, here's an inspiring quote by Stephen Covey Begin with the end in mind, because when we design backwards, we're really designing forward For impact, for growth and always for love.

00:05:18.641 --> 00:05:23.040
Thank you for taking some time to listen to this podcast episode today.

00:05:23.040 --> 00:05:25.355
Your support means the world to me.

00:05:25.355 --> 00:05:34.117
If you'd like to help keep the podcast going, you can share it with a friend or colleague, leave a heartfelt review or offer a monetary contribution.

00:05:34.117 --> 00:05:39.612
Every act of support, big or small, makes a difference and I'm truly thankful for you.

Backward Design: Start with the End in Mind

Listen On

Recent Episodes

Related to this Episode

Backward Design: Start with the End in Mind