Making Design Assumptions Visible

Learning designers rarely struggle because they lack frameworks. More often, they face the opposite problem: several plausible approaches appear appropriate, each highlighting different priorities, assumptions, and risks.

The Framework Selection Record is a structured decision-making tool designed to help practitioners compare learning design frameworks, examine the assumptions they bring, and document the professional judgement behind their final choice.

Rather than treating frameworks as authorities, this record helps make decisions visible, defensible, and reviewable.

Use this record to:

Compare competing frameworks or approaches
Examine what different frameworks reveal and obscure
Surface assumptions that might otherwise go unquestioned
Identify tensions, trade-offs, and accepted risks
Record the reasoning behind significant design decisions
Create a clear judgement trail for future review

Suitable for:

Learning Designers
Instructional Designers
Educational Developers
Programme Leaders
Academic Developers
Learning and Development Professionals

Includes:

Problem definition and context section
Framework comparison worksheets
Assumptions audit prompts
Trade-off and risk recording tools
Judgement and decision record
Review and reflection section
Worked example demonstrating the complete process

Why this tool is different

Most framework guides explain how to apply a model.

This record helps you decide whether a model is appropriate in the first place.

It is designed for situations where multiple approaches are defensible and where professional judgement remains necessary, even after a framework has been selected.

Product details

Editable Microsoft Word document (.docx)
Instant digital download
Individual-use licence included
Compatible with Microsoft Word and Word Online

Licence

For individual professional use. May be adapted and retained as part of personal or organisational practice. Not for resale, redistribution, publication as a template, or incorporation into another commercial product.

design assumptions

Framework Selection Record