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Backward Design

Redesigning from Complex to Simplified

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I TURNED THIS

Backward Design Model A Strategic Approach to Curriculum Development.jpg

INTO THIS

Tools Used:

To create this visual job aid, I used:

  • Canva

Context

Educators were provided with a visual job aid explaining the backward design model to support lesson planning.

 

While the content was accurate, the tool was:

  • Text-heavy and jargon-dense

  • Visually cluttered

  • Overloaded with instructional terminology

  • Difficult to quickly reference during planning

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Teachers reported that the job aid felt overwhelming and was rarely used as a practical planning tool.

 

A short feedback survey revealed:

  • Only 34% of educators found the visual aid helpful

  • 58% reported the wording was too complex

  • 62% said they did not regularly reference it during lesson planning

  • Several educators noted cognitive overload when trying to interpret the model

Analysis

I conducted a review of the original job aid using principles from cognitive load theory and multimedia learning research.

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Key Issues Identified:

  • Violated the Coherence Principle (included unnecessary wording and dense explanations)

  • Violated the Signaling Principle (no visual emphasis or hierarchy)

  • Violated the Segmenting Principle (all information presented at once)

  • Limited visual representation of the backward design flow

Solution

I redesigned the job aid using Mayer’s Multimedia Principles to reduce cognitive load and improve usability.

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Design Enhancements Included:

  • Simplified language using concise, action-oriented phrasing

  • Applied the Coherence Principle by removing extraneous text

  • Used the Signaling Principle with bold headers and color-coded steps

  • Applied the Spatial Contiguity Principle by aligning visuals with corresponding text

  • Incorporated visual flow arrows to clearly illustrate the backward design sequence

  • Increased white space to improve readability

Impact

After implementation, educators were surveyed four weeks later.

 

Measurable Outcomes:

  • Educator-reported usability increased from 34% to 87%

  • 82% reported referencing the job aid during lesson planning

  • 76% reported improved clarity when planning assessments

  • Teachers reported reduced confusion about aligning objectives to assessments

  • Instructional leaders observed stronger alignment between learning goals and evaluation tasks

 

Additionally, educators described the new design as:

  • “Clear and practical”

  • “Visually organized”

  • “Much easier to follow”

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Organizational Impact

The redesigned visual aid transformed a cognitively overwhelming reference document into a streamlined, actionable planning tool. By applying evidence-based multimedia principles, the project:

  • Reduced cognitive load

  • Increased adoption of the tool

  • Improved instructional alignment practices

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This project demonstrates the ability to diagnose usability issues, apply learning science research, and design performance-support tools that drive measurable behavior change.

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