Recently, we enjoyed watch the BBCs version of Around the World in 80 days starring David Tennant. We watched it on iplayer and started a couple of weeks after it had started on TV. But we almost didn’t, because of some of the really negative reviews.

But I’m rather a fan of David Tennant, so decided to watch it anyway. And we thought it was great. A PERFECT Sunday evening programme to watch as a family.

And I wondered why so many people had found it so disagreeable.

It didn’t take long to work out what the problem was – the TV version was not (it seems) true to the original book. Those who loved the book were naturally disappointed. We haven’t read the book, so took it for what it was: A gentleman’s adventure story.

We see something similar in L&D: People who are sticklers for accurate models and correct data, and those who prefer to work with an idea. It’s why so many models have been debunked recently – NOT because they are totally wrong, but because they aren’t totally RIGHT.

Take the ADDIE Model – it’s something I use as a framework for the training design process, but I don’t follow it slavishly as it was first defined way back in the 1970s. Many of the specifics defined under each stage simply aren’t relevant to modern workplaces and knowledge/people-centred jobs. But the PRINCIPLES are still good, and I’ve used them to guide my own approach.

As it turns out my own adapted approach is pretty similar to the 5 D’s which is (as far as I can tell) an updated version of ADDIE.

Things evolve – that’s normal.

OK, there comes a point where something has evolved to such an extent that we do need to call it something else: The car evolved from the carriage, and they are now sufficiently different to be classified as two completely different things.

So as a designer, I urge you to stay curious. Just because one aspect of a model or theory doesn’t hold up for you, doesn’t mean you have to dismiss it in its entirety. The great thing about our job is that we get to be CREATIVE as well as methodical, so don’t pay TOO much attention to the critics. Find something that works for you and make your own mind up.