The first phase of ADDIE is Analyze. Its purpose is to determine the nature of the problem, identify the gap, understand the learners and environment, and gather the evidence required to decide what solution is appropriate.

The executive has already requested training, but low customer-survey ratings do not automatically prove that a knowledge or skill deficiency is the underlying cause. Analysis establishes what data should be collected to investigate the problem—for example, call-quality information, customer feedback, employee performance data, process requirements, manager observations, or existing competency measures.

Subject matter experts, schedules, budget, and timelines may all be important later in project planning and development. However, the central value of the Analyze phase is ensuring that decisions are based on relevant evidence rather than assumptions.

Once appropriate data is collected and interpreted, the TD professional can determine whether training is required, what learners need to accomplish, and what content and performance objectives should guide the subsequent design.

Study Guide Topics: Instructional Design; ADDIE Analyze phase; data collection; needs analysis; problem diagnosis.

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