Learning Design Strategy Curriculum, Framework, or Roadmap? Why Naming Matters in Learning Design Category: Learning Design Strategy Clients often ask for a framework.What they usually need is a curriculum. The distinction matters more than it seems. The Problem with “Frameworks” Frameworks are abstract by design. They explain relationships and concepts, but they rarely answer: What should be learned first? What comes next? How do we know someone is ready to progress? When learning initiatives rely only on frameworks, teams end up interpreting instead of executing. What a Curriculum Actually Does A curriculum is concrete. It: Defines sequence, scope, and depth Aligns learning to outcomes, not topics Makes expectations visible to learners and stakeholders Most importantly, it creates shared understanding—across SMEs, designers, instructors, and learners. Roadmaps Aren’t Enough Either Roadmaps show direction, not capability.They answer when, but not how well. In performance-focused domains like AI, analytics, or enterprise tools, that gap becomes costly. Precision Builds Trust Using the right language signals maturity in learning design.When you say curriculum, you are committing to: Progression Assessment logic Practice alignment That clarity is what turns learning initiatives into systems rather than experiments. June 22, 2020 francisdavid.dce@gmail.com