Designing for Impact
How the 9 Events of Instruction Drive Business Results
Published on 3/17/2025
Hello again! Your friendly former art teacher turned instructional designer here to share about my most recent deep dive into learning theory. If you have been in this field long, you know the tried-and-true method of utilizing Gagne’s 9 Events for structuring your courses. In this breakdown, I want to consider the perspective of both the learner AND the person hiring you to create a thoughtfully crafted training experience.
Here at FōKUS, we pride ourselves on being able to help learners to retain the information in the most time effective manner possible through our thoughtful design and construction of the course/training.
Let’s revisit each of these 9 events and frame it in terms of meeting both the learner AND clients’ needs:
-
For the Learner
Make sure your training grabs learners’ attention right away—so they’re mentally present and curious from the start.
For the Client
This ensures your investment in training doesn’t go unnoticed—learners are engaged from the beginning, increasing the likelihood of meaningful participation and results.
-
For the Learner
Clearly communicate what they’ll gain from the training, so learners know why it matters to them.
For the Client
When learners understand the “why,” they’re more motivated to learn—leading to better outcomes aligned with your organization’s goals.
-
For the Learner
Help learners connect new content to what they already know, making it easier to absorb and apply.
For the Client
This accelerates learning and reduces time spent reteaching basics—saving your organization time and money while boosting effectiveness.
-
For the Learner
Deliver your core material in a clear, engaging, and structured way, using visuals, stories, and interactions.
For the Client
Well-presented content keeps learners engaged and focused, which leads to better knowledge retention and on-the-job performance—maximizing ROI.
-
For the Learner
Guide learners through new concepts with examples, tips, and strategies—so it feels supportive, not overwhelming.
For the Client
This helps reduce learner frustration and dropout rates, ensuring your training investment delivers consistent, high-quality learning experiences.
-
For the Learner
Give learners opportunities to apply what they’ve learned, so they can build confidence and skill.
For the Client
When learners practice in safe, structured ways, they’re more likely to perform well on the job—reducing errors and improving business outcomes.
-
For the Learner
Include feedback that helps learners correct mistakes, reinforce strengths, and stay motivated.
For the Client
Timely feedback leads to faster skill development and stronger performance—helping your team achieve results sooner.
-
For the Learner
Incorporate checks for understanding so you know whether your training is truly working.
For the Client
Assessments give you measurable data to track effectiveness, identify gaps, and prove the value of your training investment.
-
For the Learner
Build in strategies that help learners remember and use what they’ve learned on the job—not just pass a quiz.
For the Client
This ensures lasting behavior change, so the training has a real impact on your business—not just in theory, but in practice.
Exploring this content as a new designer was incredibly helpful because it is so important to consider all of the different perspectives impacted by your course design and execution. At the end of the day, this approach helps us design a course that doesn’t just look good, but one that actually works—so that people learn faster, remember more, and apply it confidently.
Until next time, keep designing with intention, purpose, and your learners—and clients—at the heart of every experience!
Have a topic that you want us to cover?