6 Tips for Creating a Great eLearning User Experience (UX)

1. Designing for every device

There are now more smartphone users than those using a desktop. And these smartphone users expect their eLearning to be accessible and delivered to the device of their choice. Since mobile devices often display content differently from desktop computers, you need to think about the eLearning UX for all devices. And since learners may start the course on a desktop, but finish it on a tablet or mobile device, the course needs to automatically adapt to whatever device is being used.

2. KISS (Keep it Simple Stupid)

You might be tempted to include as much information in your courses as possible, but subjecting your learners to an overload won’t help your engagement levels. A course packed with content, overloaded with images and with no clear direction, will be confusing. Instead, include only what is important, make key information stand out and remember to have plenty of white space – these things will make your content easier to digest.

3. Predictability

Whilst it may initially be obvious that clicking on a button will do something, what happens if you change its appearance? While you might think this will keep things interesting, it can inadvertently have the opposite effect. For the best eLearning user experience, your course should be intuitive. Learners should be able to find the topic or lesson they want and titles and clickable images should be clear.

4. Accessibility: Designing for all

It’s important to create courses that meet accessibility standards so that anyone can use them. Take into account the needs of learners with cognitive, physical, visual and auditory impairments when designing your eLearning. Also, ensure resources are adaptable and work across as many devices as possible.

5. Goal-driven

What motivates your learners and keeps them engaged? Interactions such as a progress bar, or areas that celebrate an achievement, such as passing an assessment, give your learners a sense of accomplishment and leave them feeling satisfied. You could also add gamification to certain elements of your course, e.g., badges, or the ability to challenge co-workers. But if the overall course design needs to be improved, it’ll probably take more than just gamifying certain elements to create the best eLearning UX.

6. Get user feedback

Regular communication with your learners is vital in helping you measure the success of your course. Asking them for feedback will help you identify what’s working well and what needs to change. So you can work towards delivering a great user experience in your eLearning.