There are many different instructional design models with the majority being variations of a generic process model known as ADDIE. ADDIE is an acronym for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation. These are the major activities of the instructional design process.

Each step of an instructional design model provides necessary information for the completion of the next step. Although on paper the process appears to be linear, most practicing instructional designers will agree that each step is recursive, meaning that after completing one step, you may go back to a previous step and revise and refine.

• During analysis, the instructional designer clearly articulates an instructional problem and takes a close look at the audience (learners), including an evaluation of the learners' characteristics, skills and knowledge, and the instructional context.
• During design, the instructional designer generates clearly articulated learning outcomes and objectives, assessments, and a plan for learner activities. Learning content is determined at this time.
• The actual creation of the materials identified in the design phase takes place during development.
• During implementation, the instruction is delivered to actual students.
• Evaluation of the course occurs at the end of the implementation and generally includes a review of the effectiveness of the instruction, materials, and delivery.

In some instances, the instructional design process is used to help create new courses. In other instances it is used to revise existing courses or to help transfer them into other formats, such as converting a face-to-face course into an online course.