eLearning design refers to the process of creating educational experiences that are delivered through digital platforms, often for remote or online learning. The aim is to develop courses and materials that promote effective knowledge transfer, engagement, and interaction. eLearning design encompasses various disciplines, including instructional design, user experience (UX) design, multimedia development, and pedagogy. It ensures that learners can access high-quality content through various devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, at their own pace.
Key Principles of Good eLearning Design
- Learner-Centred Approach
Good eLearning design starts with understanding the learner’s needs, motivations, and learning styles. Content should be relevant, engaging, and designed to suit different skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners. Personalised learning paths that allow learners to control the pace and sequence of content are key to enhancing engagement. - Clarity and Simplicity
Content and navigation within eLearning platforms should be straightforward and easy to follow. A cluttered interface or overly complex navigation can hinder learning progress. Designers should use simple language, clear instructions, and consistent layouts to ensure a smooth learning experience. - Interactivity
Engaging learners is crucial in eLearning design. Interactivity, such as quizzes, simulations, drag-and-drop exercises, and clickable graphics, helps to make learning more dynamic and memorable. Interaction prompts learners to actively participate in the learning process, which improves retention and understanding. - Multimedia Integration
Combining text, images, audio, video, and animations can create more engaging and effective learning experiences. Multimedia elements should be carefully chosen to support the learning objectives, not overwhelm the learner. For instance, explainer videos can simplify complex concepts, while infographics can visualise data in a digestible format. - Responsive Design
Learners may access eLearning content on different devices, so courses should be designed to adapt to various screen sizes. Responsive design ensures that content displays correctly on smartphones, tablets, and desktops, providing a seamless experience regardless of the device used. - Accessibility
Inclusive design ensures that eLearning is accessible to learners with disabilities. This includes providing alternative text for images, captions for videos, screen reader compatibility, and keyboard navigation options. Accessibility features help all learners access content without barriers. - Assessment and Feedback
Regular assessments help measure learning progress and provide learners with feedback on their performance. Incorporating quizzes, tests, and interactive exercises within the content allows learners to apply what they’ve learned and receive immediate feedback. This promotes mastery of the subject matter and keeps learners motivated. - Gamification
Gamification incorporates game-like elements, such as badges, points, leaderboards, and rewards, to motivate learners. It makes learning more enjoyable and encourages learners to progress through the material. Gamification taps into the learners’ competitive spirit and fosters engagement.
3 Best Places to Study eLearning Design in the UK
- The Open University (OU)
The Open University is a leader in distance learning and offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Online and Distance Education. The course focuses on the design and implementation of eLearning, equipping students with the skills to create effective digital learning environments. It’s ideal for those looking to work in eLearning design or online teaching. www.open.ac.uk - University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers an MSc in Digital Education, designed to equip students with the theoretical and practical skills needed for designing and implementing online learning systems. The course covers topics such as eLearning design, online pedagogy, and the role of digital technology in education. www.ed.ac.uk - University College London (UCL)
UCL’s Institute of Education provides a MA in Education and Technology. The course explores how digital technologies are transforming education and offers hands-on experience in designing and evaluating digital learning environments. The programme is ideal for those seeking to specialise in eLearning design for both educational and corporate sectors. www.ucl.ac.uk
3 Top UK eLearning Design Companies
- Kineo
Kineo is a global learning company based in the UK that specialises in custom eLearning design, learning management systems (LMS), and digital learning solutions. They work with organisations across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and government. Kineo’s innovative approach integrates interactive elements and multimedia to create engaging eLearning content. https://kineo.com/ - City & Guilds
City & Guilds is a UK-based organisation known for its professional development and training solutions. They offer a range of eLearning design services, including bespoke online courses, mobile learning, and instructional design. Their team works closely with clients to develop tailored eLearning solutions for industries such as construction, engineering, and healthcare. www.cityandguilds.com - Learning Pool
Learning Pool is a UK-based provider of eLearning solutions, offering bespoke content development, LMS platforms, and off-the-shelf eLearning courses. They specialise in designing eLearning content that aligns with organisational goals and learner needs. Learning Pool serves a wide range of sectors, including education, retail, and the public sector. https://learningpool.com/
3 Leading UK eLearning Design Experts
- Clive Shepherd
Clive Shepherd is an eLearning design consultant and expert in digital learning strategies. He has over 30 years of experience in the field of corporate eLearning and is known for his work in blended learning and instructional design. Clive is a regular speaker at conferences and an author of several books on eLearning. www.linkedin.com/in/cliveshepherd - Julie Dirksen
Although based in the US, Julie Dirksen is highly influential in the UK eLearning community. She specialises in instructional design and learning science, offering practical advice on creating engaging and effective learning experiences. Her book Design for How People Learn is a must-read for anyone interested in eLearning design. www.linkedin.com/in/juliedirksen - Donald H Taylor
Donald H Taylor is a well-known figure in the UK’s learning and development sector. He chairs the Learning Technologies Conference and is an expert in online education and learning design. Taylor regularly speaks on the future of digital learning and provides consultancy on eLearning strategies for organisations. www.linkedin.com/in/donaldhtaylor
5. Useful eLearning Design Websites / Resources
- eLearning Industry
eLearning Industry is one of the largest online communities for eLearning professionals. The website provides a wealth of resources, including articles, eBooks, and case studies on eLearning design, instructional design, and LMS platforms. It’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in digital learning. https://elearningindustry.com/ - The eLearning Guild
The eLearning Guild offers a wide range of resources, including webinars, conferences, and online publications for eLearning designers. It provides access to the latest research, best practices, and community discussions around eLearning development and implementation. www.learningguild.com - Articulate E-Learning Heroes
Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes is a vibrant online community that shares tips, tutorials, and downloadable templates for eLearning designers. The platform is known for its helpful resources on using the Articulate suite of tools, such as Storyline and Rise, which are popular for creating interactive eLearning courses. www.articulate.com