Action Mapping: Complete Guide For Instructional Designers

Working in corporate isn’t easy. Their world revolves around achieving higher customer satisfaction scores and improved sales performance. But the bigger question is, “How do we achieve this?”

Well, businesses usually put on their A-game while designing customer products, but what they usually ignore is employee confidence and competence. 

Numerous studies have shown that by imparting high-quality training and learning resources, employees can be smarter, more productive, and ready to take on emerging challenges. These effective corporate training courses can be prepared using the technique of action mapping, a pragmatic instructional design approach developed by Cathy Moore in 2008. 

It enhances learning effectiveness and ultimately leads to better ROI on training investments. 

Recently, a client successfully used action mapping to design a training program that boosted their recurring annual revenue by $30,000 in just 90 days. They achieved this by defining clear business goals, identifying specific sales actions, and designing targeted practice activities. 

The training incorporated essential resources like educational videos, templates, and live coaching sessions. This equipped sales teams with the necessary skills and knowledge, resulting in measurable revenue growth.

Are you curious to know more? Let’s cover everything you need to know about action mapping. Also, we will learn how you can use this practical technique to create effective Emergency Action Plans (EAP) for your business organization.

What is Action Mapping?

Action Mapping is an “instructional design approach” created by Cathy Moore. It aims at developing engaging learning experiences that directly improve workplace performance. The method focuses on designing training materials that align learning activities with business goals to ensure relevant outcomes.

The Origins and Development by Cathy Moore

Cathy Moore, a renowned instructional designer, developed Action Mapping as a response to traditional training methods that often emphasize information delivery over practical application. Moore's approach arose from the need to create more efficient training programs that result in measurable performance improvements, rather than merely increasing knowledge.

The Underlying Principles

• Focus on Actions, Not Information
• Core Idea:
• Action Mapping shifts the focus from what learners need to know to what they need to do.
• The approach begins by identifying the specific actions employees need to perform to achieve business goals.
• Application:
• Training content is designed around real-world tasks and behaviors.
• It ensures that learners apply what they learn directly to their jobs.
• Activities and scenarios are crafted to mimic actual workplace situations
• This enhances the relevance and effectiveness of the training
• Alignment with Business Goals
• Core Idea:
• Action Mapping ensures that every aspect of the training is directly linked to business objectives.
• The process starts with identifying clear business goals, which then drive the design of the training program.
• Application
• By aligning training with business goals, organizations can ensure that their investment in training leads to tangible improvements in performance and productivity.
• This alignment also helps in measuring the success of the training program by assessing its impact on business metrics.
• Emphasis on Practical Application
• Core Idea:
• The method prioritizes practical and hands-on learning experiences over theoretical knowledge.
• Learners engage in activities that replicate real job tasks
• This helps them develop skills they can immediately use in their work.
• Application:
• Interactive elements are integral to Action Mapping
• Some common examples of such elements are:
• Simulations
• Role-plays
• Real-world problem-solving exercises.
• These practical applications reinforce learning and build confidence
• Also, these enhance competence in performing job-related tasks

Do you wish to create effective LMS courses for your business within minutes? Yes, that’s possible with Calibr.AI’s innovative product, Calibr Craft. Start your free trial today and step into the world of AI-powered course authoring. No credit cards are required!

What is the Action Mapping Process?

The action mapping process is divided into multiple steps. Let’s understand them:

1. Identify the Business Goal

• Start by defining a clear, measurable business goal that the training aims to support.

1. Identify What People Need to Do

• Determine the specific actions employees need to take to achieve the business goal.
• Focus on observable behaviors and tasks.

1. Identify Why They Aren't Doing It

• Analyze the barriers preventing employees from performing the desired actions.
• These could be related to 

1. Skills
2. Knowledge
3. Motivation, or
4. Environmental factors
5. Design Activities That Help People Practice the Actions

• Create realistic practice activities that address the identified barriers.
• Ensure these activities are directly related to the actions employees need to perform.

1. Develop the Necessary Information

• Provide only the essential information that supports the practice activities.
• Avoid overwhelming learners with unnecessary details.

What are the Benefits of Action Mapping?

One of the major benefits of action mapping is improved performance. By focusing on practical actions, employees can quickly apply what they learn. This application leads to immediate improvements in job performance. Additionally, it helps in:

• Enhanced Engagement
• Interactive and relevant activities increase learner engagement and motivation.
• Measurable Impact
• Clear alignment with business goals allows for the measurement of training effectiveness and its impact on organizational performance.
• Real-World Relevance
• By simulating real-world tasks, learners can see the direct relevance of the training to their job roles
• This direct reliance increases their interest and involvement.
• Improved Retention and Application of Knowledge
• Learners practice real actions they need to perform on the job
• This helps in better retention of information.
• Furthermore, engaging in hands-on activities reinforces learning
• This reinforcement makes it easier for learners to recall and apply knowledge in actual work scenarios.
• Goal-Oriented Training
• Action Mapping ensures that training activities are directly tied to business goals
• It leads to measurable improvements in performance.
• Focused Content
• By prioritizing actions over unnecessary information, training programs become more concise and focused
• This reduces the time and resources needed to deliver them.
• Cost-Effective
• The emphasis on practical, impactful training activities ensures that resources are spent on what truly matters for performance improvement
• This leads to better ROI on training investments.

When to Use Action Mapping?

Action Mapping is particularly effective in certain scenarios. It is essential to note that this technique is not suitable for all types of training projects. Let’s understand in detail when to use Action Mapping:

Some Ideal Scenarios

Scenario I: Projects Requiring Behavior Change

• Focus:
• When the primary goal of the training is to 
• Change specific behaviors 

or

• Improve performance through actionable steps.
• Example:
• A customer service training program whose primary goal is to improve the way employees handle customer complaints.
• Sales training is designed to enhance the techniques used by sales representatives to close deals.
• Why It's Ideal:
• Action Mapping emphasizes practical activities and real-world application
• Both are essential for effective behavior change.

Scenario II: Training that Needs to Be Aligned with Specific Business Goals:

• Focus:
• When training objectives need to be tightly aligned with 
• Strategic business goals 

and

• Measurable outcomes
• Example:
• Compliance training, where the objective is to ensure all employees follow new regulatory guidelines to avoid legal issues.
• Leadership development programs to increase the number of internal promotions within a specified time frame.
• Why It's Ideal:
• Action Mapping ensures that every aspect of the training is directly linked to achieving specific business goals
• This makes it easier to measure the impact of the training on the organization’s performance.

When not to use Action Mapping?

Action mapping is not a preferred approach in situations where detailed content coverage is critical. In other words, when the training needs to cover a comprehensive amount of detailed information that learners must memorize and understand deeply.

For Example:

• Academic courses where a thorough understanding of theoretical concepts is required, such as a biology course covering cellular processes in detail.
• Technical training for engineers involves learning complex mathematical formulas and principles.

Why It's Limiting?

Action Mapping focuses on actions and practical application rather than extensive content coverage. Hence, this approach might not provide the depth of information needed in scenarios where detailed knowledge is essential for the learner’s success.

What do you mean by Action Mapping in Project Management?

As discussed above, action mapping is primarily a learning design method developed by Cathy Moore. However, it can be effectively applied in project management to ensure that:

• Training and development initiatives are closely aligned with business objectives 

and

• They lead to tangible performance improvements.

The main purpose of using action mapping in project management is to design and implement training programs that directly impact job performance and contribute to achieving organizational goals. This approach ensures that training is not just informative but also transformative.

What are the Differences Between ADDIE and Action Mapping?

For the unaware, The ADDIE model is a traditional instructional design framework. It outlines a systematic approach to designing and developing training programs. ADDIE stands for:

• (A) Analysis:
• Determine the learning needs, goals, and objectives.
• (D) Design:
• Plan the instructional strategy, including 
• Content
• Activities, and
• Assessments.
• (D) Development:
• Create and assemble the content and learning materials.
• (I) Implementation:
• Deliver the training to the target audience.
• (E) Evaluation:
• Assess the effectiveness of the training and make the necessary adjustments.

The comparison between ADDIE and Action Mapping is like a battle between traditional and modern approaches. Let’s evaluate both the parameters of flexibility and its iterative nature:

ADDIE

• Less Flexibility
• The linear nature can sometimes be rigid
• This makes it less adaptable to changes once a phase is completed
• Structured Iteration
• Iterative feedback usually occurs after the implementation phase
• It often happens through formal evaluations.

Action Mapping

• High Flexibility
• Allows for frequent iterations and real-time adjustments throughout the design process.
• Rapid Prototyping
• Encourages creating quick prototypes and refining them based on immediate feedback
• By doing so, it promotes an agile development process.

When to Use ADDIE?

The ADDIE model is suitable for large-scale projects where comprehensive analysis and detailed documentation are crucial. Additionally, it is ideal for:

• Industries where formal documentation and thorough evaluation are mandatory, such as healthcare or finance.
• Developing extensive training programs that require careful planning and structured delivery

When Should You Use Action Mapping?

The technique of action mapping is best for training programs aimed at:

• Changing specific behaviors

and

• Improving performance through practical application

Furthermore, it is suitable: 

• For projects that need rapid development and implementation with frequent iterations.
• Training needs to be closely aligned with business objectives and deliver measurable outcomes quickly.
• For fast-paced and agile environments where training needs to be adaptable and responsive to immediate feedback.

Also, action mapping is popularly used to prepare an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). When prepared by following this technique, an EAP is not only comprehensive but also practical. It remains aligned with organizational goals and effectively prepares personnel for emergency response. Let’s understand this concept in subsequent sections. 

What is an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)?

An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a structured and documented procedure. It outlines actions to be taken by employees, occupants, and management in response to various emergencies or critical incidents. 

The primary purpose of an EAP is to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals within a facility or organization during unexpected events. Let’s study some of its key components:

Key Components of an Emergency Action Plan

• Evacuation Procedures
• Clearly defined routes and procedures for safely evacuating the premises during emergencies, such as 
• Fires
• Earthquakes, or
• Chemical spills.
• Emergency Notification
• Protocols for promptly notifying emergency services (911) and internal personnel about the situation.
• Designated Responsibilities
• Assignments and responsibilities for key personnel, such as 
• Evacuation coordinators 

and

• First-aid providers
• This ensures orderly and effective responses.
• Assembly Points
• Designated outdoor assembly areas where employees and occupants gather after evacuating 
• Emergency Contacts:
• Contact information for emergency response agencies, key personnel, and management responsible for decision-making during emergencies.
• Utility Shutdown Procedures:
• Instructions on how to safely shut off utilities, such as 
• Electricity
• Gas, and
• Water
• This prevents further hazards or damage.
• Special Considerations:
• Plans for individuals with 
• Disabilities
• Special needs, or
• Non-English speakers
• This ensures they receive necessary assistance during evacuations.
• Training and Drills:
• Regular training sessions and drills to familiarize employees with the 
• EAP
• Evacuation procedures, and
• Their roles during emergencies.

What Elements an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Map Should Show?

Creating an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) map involves incorporating several key elements to ensure safety and clarity during emergencies. Let’s see what the EAP map should include:

• Primary and Secondary Evacuation Routes
• Clearly mark paths to guide people to safety.
• Highlight main and alternate routes to prevent congestion and ensure safe evacuation
• Mark Emergency Exits
• Indicate all available exits with distinct symbols or colors.
• Ensure exits are unobstructed and accessible.
• Safety Equipment Locations
• Fire Extinguishers:
• Mark the locations of all fire extinguishers throughout the facility.
• First Aid Kits:
• Identify where first aid kits are stored.
• Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs):
• Show the placement of AEDs for quick access during cardiac emergencies.
• Designated Safe Areas
• Specify outdoor or indoor assembly points where people should gather after evacuation.
• Ensure these areas are safe from hazards and large enough to accommodate everyone.
• Gas, Electricity, and Water Shutoff Locations
• Mark where to shut off utilities to prevent further danger during emergencies like fires or leaks.
• Important Phone Numbers and Contacts:
• Include contact information for 
• Emergency services
• Building management, and
• Other relevant authorities.

How to Improve Map Design and Clarity?

Below are some tips that can help you improve the quality of map design: 

• Symbols and Legend
• Use standardized symbols and include a legend for easy interpretation of the map.
• Color Coding
• Use different colors to differentiate between various elements, such as
• Exits
• Equipment locations, and
• Routes.
• Orientation:
• Ensure the map is oriented correctly with clear labels for directions (north, south, etc.).
• Visibility:
• Place maps in strategic and visible locations throughout the facility.
• Ensure maps are at eye level and illuminated if necessary.

How to Design EAP Maps Using Action Mapping Principles?

To design an EAP map using Action Mapping techniques, you need to prepare a visual representation that clearly communicates:

• Emergency procedures
• Evacuation routes
• Assembly points, and 
• Key safety information

Let’s learn how to design an EAP map using Action Mapping principles:

Step I: Identify Emergency Scenarios

Begin by identifying the potential emergency scenarios relevant to your organization (e.g., fire, earthquake, chemical spill), Each scenario can require different evacuation routes or procedures.

Step II: Map Out Evacuation Routes

Identify and map primary and secondary evacuation routes for each emergency scenario. Use different colors or symbols to distinguish between routes and indicate the direction of travel.

Step III: Mark Emergency Exits and Safety Equipment

Clearly mark:

• Emergency exits
• Fire extinguishers
• First aid kits
• AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators), and
• Other safety equipment on the map

You can prefer using symbols and a legend for clarity.

Step IV: Designate Assembly Points

Specify designated assembly points outside the building or facility where employees should gather after evacuating. Ensure these points are easily identifiable on the map.

Step V: Highlight Utility Shutoff Points

Mark the locations of:

• Gas
• Electricity, and
• Water shutoff points on the map

Always remember to include instructions on safely shutting off these utilities in an emergency.

Step VI: Include Emergency Contacts

List important emergency contacts, such as:

• Local emergency services (fire, police, medical)
• Facility managers, and
• Internal emergency response team members are on the map.

Step VII: Consider Accessibility Needs

Ensure the map considers accessibility needs, such as accessible routes for individuals with disabilities. Mark accessible exits and routes prominently on the map.

Step VIII: Use Clear Symbols and Legends

Use universally understood symbols and a clear legend to explain the meaning of each symbol or icon used on the map. This enhances understanding and quick reference during emergencies.

Step IX: Review and Iterate

Review the EAP map with key stakeholders, including:

• Safety officers
• Facility managers, and
• Employees

Finally, incorporate feedback and make necessary revisions to improve the clarity and accuracy of your EAP. 

Conclusion

Action Mapping is an instructional design approach developed by Cathy Moore. By focusing on real-world application and engagement, it enhances learning effectiveness and performance outcomes. This method contrasts with traditional models like ADDIE, which focus more on flexibility and iterative development. 

Furthermore, Action Mapping is ideal for projects requiring behavior change and rapid adaptation. That’s because it focuses on relevance and practicality. It is for this reason that several business organizations also use it for designing an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) map.

The action mapping approach advocates using clear visuals and straightforward symbols so that the map effectively communicates essential information like evacuation routes, emergency exits, and safety equipment locations. 

Are you looking to deliver high-quality corporate training sessions to your employees? Look no further than Calibr.AI It is an AI-powered LMS tool specifically designed to create courses within minutes. Try it out for free!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is action mapping?

Action mapping is an instructional design approach developed by Cathy Moore in 2008. It focuses on practical actions over theoretical knowledge and aligns training directly with business goals.

2. Is action mapping an effective approach?

Yes, action mapping is an effective technique to develop engaging and effective learning experiences. That’s because it enhances learner engagement, aligns training with business objectives, and improves performance through hands-on learning.

3. Does Calibr.AI offer a trial version?

Yes, Calibr.AI, a modern AI-powered LMS tool, offers 30-day free trial periods. During this period, you can access all the features and functionalities without incurring any cost. You can simply start your free trial by visiting Calibr.AI and clicking on “Try for free.”.

4. Why develop an EAP using action mapping principles?

Developing an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) using action mapping ensures clarity and relevance in emergency response procedures. Such an EAP is usually more effective and substantially enhances safety and preparedness.