Using Figma to Explain Reverse Designing a Curriculum

Figma is a tool that allows me to make graphics that clarify what I am trying to say. For example, a reverse designed is a complicated concept. When I try to explain it in writing, it goes something like this:

You have to start with the objectives. What are the core targets you want your learner to be able to hit? Then you go through your curriculum and see how your material measures up to the objectives. Do the materials align? Do the assessments align? Are there low-stakes opportunities to practice the target skills as well as high stakes chances to practice the target skills? If not, build the objectives into the curriculum.

That’s one way to explain the concept. But here is another:

Image displays 7 shapes. Top shape is an oval that says “Objective.” Beneath objective, a left square states “Break the objective into target skills,” with “Target Skill A.” and “Target Skill B.” next to it. Beneath that, a box that says “Provide videos, paragraphs, diagrams explaining the skill,” and next to it are 2 diamond shapes saying “Learning Material for A.” and “Learning Material for B.” Shapes for “Target Skill A” and “Learning material for A” are both black with white text. Shapes for “Target Skill B” and “Learning material for B.” are gray with black text.

Image displays 7 shapes. Top shape is a green oval that says “Objective: create a good cup of tea.” Beneath objective, a green left square states “Break the objective into target skills,” with boxes saying “Boil Water.” and “Steep tea.” next to it. Beneath that, a green box that says “Provide videos, paragraphs, diagrams explaining the skill,” and next to it are 2 diamond shapes saying “Video/reading on how to boil water” and “Video/reading on how to steep.” Shapes for “Boil Water” and “Video/reading on how to boil water” are both blue. Shapes for “Steep tea” and “Video on how to steep.” are purple.

The images above are snapshots of the full Figma, which can be viewed here. Remember that paragraph where I explained a reverse designed curriculum? Figma has allowed me to describe the process using text, steps, shapes, and colors. It has also allowed me to create a fill-in-the-blank version of the diagram that instructors can use.