Skip to main content
This term fits / Making change workMethodologies

Action Mapping

Definition

A streamlined instructional design process developed by Cathy Moore that focuses on measurable business goals and the specific actions employees must take to achieve them. Action Mapping challenges traditional content-heavy approaches by designing only the practice and information learners truly need.

Where it fits in the SDI system

Turn a new process, system, role, or expectation into relevant practice, communication, job support, and evidence people can use in the work.

SDI practitioner lens

From definition to decision

Action mapping forces a team to connect a business result to the specific actions people must take. That discipline helps separate a knowledge problem from barriers involving process, incentives, tools, authority, or environment.

01 / Decision it should inform

Use it before designing training when stakeholders are prescribing content but have not yet defined the behavior or business measure that must change.

02 / What to watch for

If the map begins with topics to cover rather than actions to perform, the project has already returned to a content-first design.

Related ideas, client examples, and next steps

Carry the change from intent into day-to-day performance.

Continue with the ideas, evidence, and SDI support that are directly relevant to this page. When a link does not add useful context, it is intentionally left out.

Read practical guidance

Why Instructional Design is Important in 2021You either got it or you don't. The best eLearning courses in the world are nothing without the right presentation.Effective Change Management Strategies Are Not One Size Fits AllOrganizations managing major change initiatives must develop a deep understanding of employees to ensure successful adoption. Change outcomes depend on employees' "skill and will" to change.Developing Talent is Just as Important as Any Other Core Function of Your BusinessCompanies often face the challenge of balancing numerous core functions to achieve success. However, despite their limited resources, developing and upskilling employees should never be overlooked.

Explore relevant help

See how SDI applies action mapping to a defined performance need, operating context, and evidence standard.

Explore talent consulting

Turn the term into a decision

What would “Action Mapping” change in your organization?

Clara can translate the definition into ownership, evidence, and the next question worth asking without treating the term as a solution.

Back to Full Glossary