How can you create a seamless user experience in E-Learning software?

All good but you can't account for every person who may take up that course, especially if you're starting a new course. That's where learner feedback comes into play, and closing the feedback loop. This is where you'll learn more about your learners' needs and expectations. You therefore have to be willing to listen, learn, and make any necessary changes. Then you have to close the feedback loop by informing the learner of your actions/plans, and there might even be a need to set about revising learner expectations as part of this process. We are in a learning and teaching environment so we need to lead by example.

Things that are useful in designing e-learning softwares: (1) support Android Auto and Apple Carplay, because a considerable number of e-learners prefer to learn on the way to work or back home. (2) support auto translation to Arabic and other languages. (3) consider face to face following up courses for top performers . (4) introduce a loyalty program so those with high points or levels can get extra benefits such as face to face learning opportunities or reduce prices or certain badges next to their profiles (5) make e-learning experience highly satisfactory by providing screen sharing, starting from last stop, voice speed control, screen capture, subtitles, course material downloading, quizzes and multiple choice with feedback.

Knowing the learner persona, their wants/needs, and their goals will help designers understand and articulate the learning outcomes. Getting this right will allow for the designer to apply backward design principles to ensure that all interactions tie in to the objectives and outcomes.

In my experience to create a user-friendly e-learning software, keep it easy to navigate, look consistent, and work well on different devices. Make sure users understand how to use it, engage them with interactive content, allow personalization, and ensure accessibility. Speed matters, so optimize loading times, and offer user support options. Regular updates based on user feedback are key to providing a seamless e-learning experience.

The learning content should be easy to digest, offers immersive learning experience, opportunity to interact with an element of gamification to test the skills learnt. Additionally, platforms ability to release quizzes or quick tutorials at intervals should help the learner build retention power of the concept and keep the mind engaged. Learner will also feel the need to go back to the course to brush up or improve on their skills. The course structure and experience should be relevant both in terms of business needs and industry trends so the learner feels genuinely interested and motivated. The navigation and functionality of the system should be easy and swift so that learner spends time efficiently and effectively in learning.

Don't invent the wheel: if there are universal icons or navigation methods, use them. It will make your design more intuitive and user-friendly!

At every single window, page, segment... there has to be a clear next step. At every single window, page, or segment they need to know why they are there, and they need to be able to accurately predict (or be explicitly told) where they go next. Story helps with this, as it frames, and aids in prediction/context.

Indeed while there may be several in-built tools and widgets to help simplify the navigation, but there's no harm in designing and developing a UI that's simple and intuitive. Intuitive applications throws back to what learners may have seen, perceived and experienced earlier, and thus helps use that experience going fwd. That's why you'll notice a lot of tech-savvy audiences dont need user guides etc to navigate across similar applications (such as leave management, payroll, procurement, learning management etc). While novice learners may require a lot of hand-holding, self exploration, user guides, sometimes even walkthroughs etc to help them navigate across the elearning solution.

Simplifying navigation is a fundamental principle in creating a seamless e-learning experience. I design it like a well-structured roadmap, with clear signposts. The menu is intuitive, content is organized logically, and learners can easily find what they need. It's like driving on a well-marked highway – no unnecessary turns or roadblocks. This way, learners can focus on learning, not getting lost in the software. Simplifying navigation aligns with the principles of cognitive load theory. This theory suggests that learning is most effective when the cognitive load on the learner is minimized, allowing them to focus on understanding and retaining the content.

I think this is sometimes underestimated. Poor navigation can leave a learner feeling frustrated, which can detract from or even negatively impact the learning experience. Including plenty of user testing, particularly with users that have little to no design experience can help authors identify what works and what’s missing.

In addition to all these mentioned here, we also need to ensure if the content is digitally mobile and accessible too. We must do everything to ensure the elearning content meets these standards. for example, we may include alt+text for all imgs, vids to automatically play in any resolutions, provide captions and transcripts for videos, include toc at the beginning, reduce scrolls in content, and so on.

Content that takes longer time to load or is not optimized for low speed connections will not meet the purpose of reaching the masses. Learners may lose interest if there are frequent and continuous breaks.

If you have a learning technologies team, it's best to bring them into the process as early as possible. They can provide various options to support your delivery idea/structure, particularly around visualisations and formats that are best suited to the LMS platform being used and other tools available to you. They have a lot of expertise and are sometimes left out of the development process until the very end, to the detriment of a course in my opinion.

Purposeful assessments and checks for understanding are an essential component of strong content. To support a personalized user experience, it can be helpful to resurface past mistakes. If learners struggle with particular assessments, the product can keep track of these. Then, the user can be prompted to revisit their mistakes. This will give the learner opportunities to practice skills that are most challenging for them.

Optimizing content is a crucial element in creating a seamless e-learning experience. It draws from principles of constructivist and connectivist learning theories. Constructivist theory emphasizes active learning and the construction of knowledge by the learner. When content is optimized, it is designed to engage learners, encourage exploration, and promote critical thinking. This aligns with the constructivist approach, where learners are actively involved in building their understanding of the subject matter.

Think about interactivity if it REALLY adds up to the learning experience of that content or lesson. I you're just adding a quiz because it's been a while on the course since there's no quiz, there's a problem. We want learners to learn and make learning an active process, not create mechanisms that only make a passive learning environment.

Each engagement point (especially those early on) must lead the learner to something of substance, otherwise it will impact the value that the learner places on future activities. I find it effective to communicate the connection between each activity, and then use each activity to build into the next activity, which will take the learner into a deeper degree of knowledge or application. Intentionality in content makes all the difference.

Interactivities are the trickiest elements in any elearning solution - why? because you'd want your learners to understand what's expected of them, and respond in the way you'd want them to - for whatever reason to track or grade responses, to ensure personalized debriefs and most importantly meet learning outcomes. The more complex an interactivity is, the more user guidance will be required (thumb rule). For example, when I'm creating complex branching scenarios (where outcomes lead to more situations and responses), I prefer doing a very draft wireframe in ppt first, getting a buy in from all stakeholders and then fine tuning it for actual development, and then I dont lose the wireframe, it stays in the archive for future maintenances.

Enhancing interactivity in e-learning is like infusing energy into a room. I prefer to add in quizzes, discussions, simulations, and interactive elements to make learning engaging and participatory. Just as an animated conversation keeps everyone involved, interactive e-learning keeps learners actively engaged with the content. It's about creating a dynamic and immersive learning experience.

Es importante que esta interactividad no sea solo en una dirección. Es importante que haya feedback y que el trabajo no sea solo individual, yo incluiría trabajos en equipo, coevaluaciones,...

In my experience, the use of prototypes goes a long way whether usability is at its best when learners are using E-Learning software. These prototypes can start with simple features get feedback and then move onto more testing and improvement on functionality. After you go through the process you will find that improvements are easy to make if they are done incrementally!

That's the point: putting yourself in the learners' shoes and pretending to be a learner could give us a good and hands-on understanding of the user experience. Moreover, setting a goal and keeping the goal in mind can create coherence in the design.

To recommend more empirical methods of testing, please always test elearning and virtual instructor courses/videos on mobiles (and maybe even different browsers) and see that the courses are playing and loading alright (no truncations, no buffering, responsiveness etc). Set up a separate/dedicated QA team to run all these checks and report bugs for closure.

Sometimes, I've observed instructional designers inadvertently craft course designs that become overly complex and verbose, all in the pursuit of creating a high-quality module. However, the primary aim should be to captivate learners rather than deter them with intricate branching or overly elaborate language. Our focus should be on developing relatable and relevant content. The key is to provide clear instructions coupled with intuitive and responsive navigation.

Les deux premières phrases ne sont pas claires. Je propose : "L'ergonomie reflète la facilité d'utilisation de votre logiciel d'apprentissage en ligne par les apprenants. Un problème d'ergonomie peut affecter la qualité de l'expérience vécue par votre utilisateur et réduire l'efficacité et l'efficience de l'apprentissage. En testant et en optimisant l'ergonomie de votre logiciel, vous vous assurez de la satisfaction et de la fidélité de vos apprenants."

Staying up to date with e-learning standards and trends is essential, akin to following the latest fashion trends. I ensure that our e-learning design aligns with established standards like SCORM or xAPI, while also keeping an eye on emerging trends such as microlearning, AI-driven content, or mobile optimization. This way, we create a seamless user experience that's both compliant and engaging, much like staying stylish while adhering to the latest fashion standards.

To craft an exceptional user experience in E-Learning software, it's imperative to adhere to industry, domain, and audience-specific standards and trends. Standards, safeguarding quality, accessibility, compatibility, and security, form the backbone. Embracing evolving practices and technologies is crucial, shaping learner expectations. Drawing from personal experience amplifies the insight. Additionally, consider factors beyond, like user feedback and innovative methodologies. Stay updated through research, publications, events, and communities. This approach ensures a seamless UX, fostering excellence and recognition. #Elearning #UXDesign #Innovation #StandardsAndTrends

Adopt a widely accepted UX model for collaborative internal review and establish an organizational standard. Establish a shared language with design guidelines akin to a branding style-guide - but encompassing every aspect of the e-learning lifecycle. Ensure all stakeholders are on-board, including absolutely anyone who contributes material to LMS etc. Expect this document to evolve and change over time, host it online as a wiki if possible - fostering discussion and collaboration. This process will require significant workshopping. Embrace these experiences as they will also illuminate the deeper structures of your organization and it's values.

One critical aspect to consider is the need for continuous improvement. In the ever-evolving landscape of e-learning, it's vital to gather feedback from learners and evaluate the effectiveness of your design. Like a skilled craftsman who hones their skills over time, a learning designer should adapt and refine their approach to create even more effective and engaging e-learning experiences. This iterative process ensures that the e-learning content remains relevant, engaging, and valuable to learners.

When was the last time you clicked NEXT to continue in real life? That says it all. Build familiar experiences so people can focus on the content.

Follow visual communication and graphic design principles like alignment, contrast, balance, etc. These concepts, when used correctly, provide ease of navigation and elevate the experience of the user.

Impact. How does your learning go beyond the actual screen, and how does your learning go beyond the date it's scheduled to finish. Only by finding ways into their actual work products can you achieve this, otherwise it's just a theoretical exercise, which can certainly trigger learning, but not fully consolidate it.

It also helps to create an environment for users where they can experience 'hands-on' learning without the consequences of entering data into a live system. I create lessons with an incredible platform, Assima Train, that creates a simulation that is entirely based on the software platform without the risk of having a brand new employee make a mistake in the software.