How I Use SAM and Articulate to Deliver Better eLearning Projects on Upwork

Exploring Instructional Design as a Freelancer

Over the past few months, I’ve been exploring instructional design from a freelance perspective. Many platforms exist, but I’ve settled on Upwork as my focus, mainly because it keeps surfacing in the creative and freelancing podcasts I listen to.

That led me to rethink how I approach project work. The combination that’s been working best?
Upwork + SAM + Articulate Rise.

In this post, I’ll explain how these three elements support each other and how they help me deliver agile, client-friendly, and ready-to-launch eLearning projects.

1. Upwork Freelancing: The Context

Freelance projects on Upwork rarely come with a complete storyboard or locked-down scope. More often, clients come with:

  • A goal
  • A rough idea
  • A short timeline

That means I can’t rely on rigid processes. I need a design approach that lets me:

  • Show progress early
  • Handle change without blowing up the project
  • Keep communication open throughout

That’s where SAM comes in.

2. The SAM Model: The Process

SAM (Successive Approximation Model) is an agile, iterative design approach that works exceptionally well for freelance projects. Rather than front-loading everything into a rigid plan, SAM breaks the work into three flexible, repeating phases:

  • Preparation – A “Savvy Start” where I work with the client to brainstorm ideas and sketch a quick prototype
  • Iterative Design – I refine the course structure and visuals through repeated feedback loops
  • Iterative Development – I build, test, and polish the content in progressive cycles until we land on the final version

This approach is ideal for freelance work. I can sketch a course outline, build a rough version in Rise, and get client feedback within days, not weeks.

This looped development means fewer surprises, faster approvals, and a smoother, more collaborative process.

3. Articulate Rise + Articulate Review: The Toolset

To facilitate that agile workflow, I use Articulate Rise for course creation and Articulate Review for customer feedback.

These tools help me stay responsive without sacrificing quality, which is precisely what Upwork clients value most.

Why Rise?

  • Clean, mobile-friendly design out of the box
  • Drag-and-drop blocks for fast prototyping
  • Easy to update without breaking the course

Why Review 360?

  • Clients can comment directly on the course
  • No separate docs, screenshots, or confusing email threads
  • Threaded feedback keeps everything clear and actionable

Putting It All Together

Here’s how these three components fit:

Component Role in Workflow Key Benefit
Upwork The freelance environment Fast-paced, evolving needs
SAM Model The agile design process Embraces change and delivers in iterations
Rise + Review The creation and feedback tools Enables quick prototyping and collaborative review

Final Thoughts

Freelancing in instructional design means adapting quickly, communicating clearly, and delivering work that feels polished and custom-built—because it is.

SAM gives me the framework.
Rise gives me the speed and structure.
Upwork gives me the clients.

If you are a potential client seeking a streamlined and responsive workflow—or a fellow freelancer refining your own process—I hope this breakdown is helpful..

If you’re ready to build a clear, engaging, and launch-ready course, send me a message. I’d love to connect.