Project Estimation Rules
The "Project Estimation Rules" presented in this tool are based upon the "best guesses" of
experienced instructional designers. There is a lack of science in these estimates, but at least
they give you a place to start in estimating the time and resources needed for an interactive
multimedia development project. Many important development aspects are not included in these
"rules of thumb," e.g., authoring time and video or graphics production time.
Instructions:
1. The use of the word “rules” may be a bit strong for this tool. However, when faced with the
difficult task of estimating the size and scope of a project, it can be useful to consider some
“rules of thumb” that other instructional designers use to estimate what might be involved in an
instructional development project.
2. “Rules of thumb” are provided for the following types of products:
a. Reading Materials
b. Audio and Video Scripts
c. Format Sheets for Interactive Training
d. Introductions and Summaries for Audio, Video or Interactive
Segments
e. Instructor Orientation Materials
f. Lesson Plan Notes
g. Overhead Transparencies or Flip Chart Visuals
h. Exercises
i. Quizzes
Project Estimation Rules of Thumb
(Adapted from Greer, 1992*)
Here are some rules of thumb that some “old hands” in the training business use to estimate the
amount of materials required for traditional and interactive training courses:
a. Reading Materials:
Rule:Up to 20 pages for each hour of trainee reading. An experienced instructional designer will
spend approximately one hour per page of finished reading material.
Explanation:These include anything that trainees are asked to read, e.g., class handouts, text of
workbooks, etc. Exercises and quizzes are not included.
b. Audio and Video Scripts:
Rule:About 1 1/3 pages of script for each minute of audio, 2 pages of script for each minute of
video. Storyboards take more pages per minute. A page of script for audio can be written by an
experienced script writer in one hour, a page of video script in 90 minutes, and one storyboard
takes an average of 30 minutes.
Explanation:If your own designers are writing their own scripts, use these rules of thumb. If you
are subcontracting the script writing out to media producers, simply tell them how many minutes
you will need.
c. Format Sheets for Interactive Training:
Rule:Ten or more format sheets may be required for each minute of interactive training material
used by trainees. Experienced designers can produce four format sheets per hour. Storyboards
for video or animation sequences may take more pages per minute at a rate of production of one
storyboard per thirty minutes.
Explanation:Formatting your intended interactions for CBT or interactive multimedia is essential
for formative review and accurate communications with other members of a design team such as
programmers and graphic artists.
d. Introductions and Summaries for Audio, Video or Interactive Segments:
Rule:About a 1/2 page for each introduction or summary
Explanation:These "set-ups" or reviews may be required in trainee and/or instructor materials,
especially when the segment is lengthy or the material complex. Explanations of how to get
started with interactive training materials are especially critical. An experienced designer will
write an introduction or summary in an hour.
e. Instructor Orientation Materials:
Rule:10 to 15 pages for a one day course
Explanation:This material describes the general instructor skills required, facilities and set-up
requirements, overall expectations regarding the orchestration of events during the course, etc.
An experienced designer will write orientation material at the rate of one page per hour.
f. Lesson Plan Notes:
Rule:About 10 pages for every hour of lesson plans
Explanation:Lesson plans should include:
• clearly stated objectives
• detailed lecture notes
• ideas for getting and maintaining trainee attention/motivation
• references
• recommendations for remedial or enrichment
An experienced instructional designer will write lesson plans at the rate of one page per hour.
g. Overhead Transparencies or Flip Chart Visuals:
Rule:About ten per hour of instructor led presentation or demonstration
Explanation:This is a difficult one to estimate because some complex content may require
substantially more visually. It is a good idea to examine those used in similar courses before
making a final estimate. An experienced instructional designer can produce two overhead
transparencies or flip chart visual per hour. Often the instructional designer will sketch out the
illustration and a graphic artist will produce the final product.
h. Exercises:
Rule:Up to 5 pages of material for each trainee exercise
Explanation:Exercises include hands-on activities such as role-playing, in-basket exercises,
assignments, and drill-and-practice materials. Experience designers design exercises at the rate
of one page per hour.
i. Quizzes:
Rule:One page for every two test items.
Explanation:A general rule of thumb is to have at least two test items for each objective
provided that the objectives are behavioral based and defined very carefully. Quizzes are much
more difficult to prepare than most instructional designers realize. Quizzes often requires the
assistance of test, measurement, and/or evaluation specialists to assure that the quizzes are
reliable and valid. Allow at least 30 minutes of professional time for each test item.
*Greer, M. (1992). ID Project Management: Tools and techniques for instructional designers
and developers. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology.
