ElevatEdVideoSolutions.com
Backwards Design Starter

Where would you start?

You manage a small neighborhood store. You hired three new cashiers last month, and customers are starting to complain about long wait times and wrong change. You decide to create training for the team.

A new cashier at a checkout counter with a trainer nearby
New cashiers are on the floor, and the checkout line is slowing down.

What should you do first?

The Framework Step 2 of 7
The Framework

Design from the end, not the beginning

Most people design training like this: gather content → figure out how to teach it → hope it works. Backwards design flips the order on purpose.

Start Here

1. Outcome

What will they do successfully on the job?

Then Ask

2. Evidence

How will you know they can do it?

Only Now

3. Content

What do they need to learn to get there?

Why this order matters: When you start with outcomes, every decision has a filter. Before adding any content, ask: "Does this help my employee reach the outcome?" If not, cut it.
Stage 1: Outcomes Step 3 of 7
Stage 1 Practice

Writing a real learning outcome

A good outcome describes a behavior you can observe — not a topic or a feeling. Sort each statement into the correct column.

Strong outcomes answer: What will the employee do successfully on the job? In what situation? To what standard?
Drag each statement into the correct column

✓ Strong Outcome

Items placed here will appear below

× Needs Work

Items placed here will appear below
Statements to Sort

Stage 2: Evidence Step 4 of 7
Stage 2 Practice

Matching outcomes to evidence

Before you build any training, decide how you'll know it worked. Tap an outcome to select it, then tap its match in the assessment methods below.

For small businesses: evidence doesn't have to be formal. A checklist, a role-play, or a quick observation all count — as long as they reflect real job performance.

Outcomes — tap one to select

Assessment Methods — tap to match

Stage 3: Content Step 5 of 7
Stage 3 Practice

Keep it or cut it?

What this activity is about Once you have a clear outcome, Stage 3 is about deciding what content actually belongs in your training. The rule is simple: if a piece of content doesn't directly help the employee reach the outcome, it doesn't belong — no matter how interesting or useful it might seem in general. This activity gives you practice applying that filter.
The outcome for this training "Process a return transaction correctly using the POS system without manager assistance."

Review each content idea below. Tap Keep if it directly supports the outcome, or Cut if it doesn't belong in this training. After checking, you can correct any wrong answers and re-check.

Your Turn Step 6 of 7
Your Turn

Apply it to your business

Think of a real training need on your team. Use the three stages to sketch your backwards design plan.

Write it as a behavior you could observe. Works for new hires too.

What would you see or hear that tells you the training worked?

Only include what connects directly to your outcome.

Summary Step 7 of 7
Your Plan

Your backwards design summary

This is the plan you built by starting with the outcome, choosing the evidence, and then deciding what content belongs.

1. Outcome

2. Evidence

3. Content

Need help turning this into employee training?

ElevatEd Video Solutions helps small businesses develop clear, focused employee training that supports real on-the-job performance.

Contact Angie Learn more about employee training
Angie Berk