High-Level Design
An early design view that outlines the overall structure, learning approach, major content areas, activities, and experience before detailed design and development begin.
High-Level Design
Shape the solution before designing every detail.
A high-level design gives the project team an early view of what the learning solution is expected to become. It connects what was learned during analysis with the design decisions that will guide more detailed work.
It may describe the overall structure, major topics, learning approach, practice opportunities, delivery methods, and other important design choices — without trying to define every screen, activity, or piece of content yet.
Set the Direction
High-level design turns early project thinking into a visible plan.
The document or design view should make the proposed learning experience understandable before the team gets deep into detailed content and production.
- Clarifies the overall learning approach and experience.
- Shows how major topics, lessons, or components may be organized.
- Identifies important opportunities for practice, application, feedback, or support.
- Connects business, performance, and learner needs to major design choices.
- Gives stakeholders something concrete to review before detailed design begins.
Typical Contents
Include the decisions that help people understand the proposed solution.
There is no single required format. The contents should reflect the size, complexity, and needs of the project.
Right Level of Detail
Show enough to make decisions — but do not design the entire solution too early.
High-level design sits between analysis and detailed design. It should be specific enough to create alignment while still leaving room to refine the details.
High-Level Design
Defines the overall structure and experience.
Captures major design decisions.
Helps stakeholders review direction.
Leaves detailed execution for later.
Detailed Design
Specifies individual content and interactions.
May include scripts, storyboards, screen plans, facilitator details, or exact activities.
Provides what developers or facilitators need to create or deliver the solution.
Use the Design
Treat high-level design as a decision point, not just a document to complete.
Its real value comes from helping the project team discuss the proposed solution while changes are still relatively easy to make.
- Review whether the design supports the business and performance need.
- Confirm that the scope and structure are realistic.
- Check that the experience makes sense for the audience and work context.
- Identify major gaps, assumptions, risks, or dependencies early.
- Gain alignment before detailed design and development require significantly more time and effort.