Six Mistakes Instructional Designers Make with UI/UX

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Why Instructional Designers Should Borrow from Traditional UI/UX Practices

If you're an instructional designer, you already know the power of creating engaging and effective online courses. But have you ever thought about looking into the world of digital and web design for some inspiration? It turns out, traditional UI/UX processes can teach us a thing or two about designing online learning experiences that are user-friendly and visually appealing.

Now, don't worry. We're not suggesting that you become a full-fledged web designer overnight. But, by incorporating some tried-and-true UI/UX principles, you can take your instructional design skills to the next level. It's like a superhero team-up—only without the flashy costumes and capes. Well, unless you're into that sort of thing. No judgment here!

In this article, we'll explore six common mistakes that instructional designers make when it comes to UI/UX. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, these tips will help you avoid pitfalls and create online courses that are both effective and enjoyable for your learners. So, buckle up, grab a cup of coffee (or beer-- let's take advantage of working from home), and let's dive into the world of UI/UX!

Mistake 1: Ignoring User Feedback

Picture this: you've spent countless hours crafting what you believe to be the perfect online course, and you can't wait for learners to dive in. But then, reality hits. Your users are struggling with the interface, getting lost in the content, and—(insert your favorite curse word here)—leaving negative feedback.

What happened?

My friend, it's possible that you fell into the trap of ignoring user feedback.

Don't beat yourself up. It happens to the best of us. But when it comes to UI/UX, user feedback is like a magical crystal ball that gives you insight into what's working and what's not. So, how can you tap into this fountain of wisdom? Here are a few methods to help you collect and incorporate user feedback:

1. Surveys: These handy tools allow you to gather specific information about your users' experiences. Try sending out a survey after learners complete a module or the entire course. Ask targeted questions about navigation, content organization, and overall satisfaction. And hey, who doesn't love sharing their opinion?
2. Usability tests: It's a bit like watching someone try to assemble IKEA furniture—only more informative. Usability tests involve observing users as they interact with your course, noting any difficulties they encounter along the way. You can conduct these tests in person or use remote testing tools. Just be prepared to take some notes (and maybe grab some popcorn).
3. Focus groups: These group discussions can offer valuable insights into your users' perceptions and preferences. Invite a small group of learners to share their thoughts on your course design, interface, and content. It's like a book club, but for eLearning. And who knows, you might even make some new friends!

Remember, as an instructional designer, your main goal is to create a seamless learning experience for your users. By embracing user feedback, you'll not only avoid common UI/UX mistakes but also foster a deeper connection with your learners. So go ahead, lend an ear, and let your users guide you toward eLearning greatness!

Mistake 2: Overlooking Accessibility

Ah, accessibility. It's one of those buzzwords that gets thrown around a lot in the eLearning world, and for good reason. Ensuring that your online courses are accessible to all learners, regardless of their abilities, is not just a legal requirement in many cases—it's also the right thing to do.

Plus, who wouldn't want to make their course available to as many learners as possible?

However, even the most well-intentioned instructional designers can sometimes overlook accessibility issues. So, to help you avoid being that person at the eLearning party who forgets to bring the non-alcoholic drinks, here are a few common accessibility concerns and their solutions:

1. Color contrast: Not all of your learners will be able to perceive colors in the same way, so make sure your text and background colors have sufficient contrast. Avoid using color alone to convey information—like having red text for wrong answers and green for correct ones. Trust us, your colorblind learners will thank you.
2. Font size and style: Tiny, intricate fonts might look fancy, but they can be a nightmare for people with low vision or dyslexia. Stick to larger font sizes and simple, legible typefaces. Remember, you're designing an online course, not a wedding invitation.
3. Keyboard navigation: Some users rely on their keyboard to navigate websites, so ensure that your course is fully functional without a mouse. This includes providing visible focus indicators, logical tab order, and keyboard-accessible menus. Think of it as giving your learners the VIP treatment, no velvet rope needed.

By keeping accessibility in mind, you'll create a more inclusive learning environment and reach a wider audience. And hey, isn't that what we're all here for? So go forth, be a champion of accessibility, and make your online courses a welcoming space for learners of all abilities!

My friends at ELB offer a great eLearning Accessibilty checklist. (Name and email are required to access).

Mistake 3: Failing to Create a Consistent Design

Have you ever been to one of those restaurants with a menu that's all over the place? You know, the ones that serve pizza, sushi, and tacos all at once?

Sure, it might be fun for a night out, but when it comes to your online courses, consistency is key. Think of your course like a well-curated dinner party: everything should feel cohesive and complementary, not like a hodgepodge of random dishes.

When we talk about consistency in UI/UX, we mean creating a unified experience across all aspects of your course, from visual elements and layout to interaction patterns.

A consistent design not only looks professional but also helps learners navigate your course with ease. After all, nobody wants to spend their precious learning time trying to figure out where the "next" button disappeared to!

So, how can you whip your course design into shape and achieve that sought-after consistency? Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Style guides: Create a style guide that outlines your course's color palette, typography, iconography, and other visual elements. This will serve as a handy reference for you (and any collaborators) and ensure that everything stays on brand. It's like a fashion consultant for your course!
2. Reusable templates: To maintain consistency in layout and structure, develop a set of templates for different types of content (e.g., text, video, quizzes). This will not only save you time but also give your learners a sense of familiarity as they progress through the course. Plus, who doesn't love a good shortcut?
3. Design systems: For larger projects or teams, consider implementing a design system that combines style guides, reusable components, and documentation. This will help everyone stay on the same page and create a harmonious learning experience, no matter how many cooks are in the kitchen.

In short, a consistent design makes for happy learners and a more polished online course. So, channel your inner Marie Kondo and start tidying up your UI/UX. Trust us, your learners will thank you for it!

Mistake 4: Overloading Users with Information

Picture it: Sicily, 1912. (Extra points if you get the Golden Girls reference!)

Actually: You're at a Vegas buffet, and your plate is piled high with mountains of carby food. It looks amazing, but after a few bites, you realize you've bitten off more than you can chew. This is what cognitive overload feels like, and it's a common pitfall when it comes to UI/UX in online courses.

When you're passionate about a topic, it's tempting to cram in as much information as possible. After all, you want your learners to become experts, right? But in reality, this approach can leave users feeling overwhelmed and make it harder for them to retain information. It's like trying to drink from a firehose—a little bit intense, to say the least.

So, how can you avoid drenching your learners in a torrent of information? Here are a few strategies for managing content and keeping cognitive overload at bay:

1. Chunking: Break up your content into smaller, digestible pieces. This can be as simple as using bullet points, numbered lists, or short paragraphs. Think of it like serving tapas instead of a massive steak—small bites are easier to savor and digest.
2. Progressive disclosure: Rather than bombarding users with everything at once, reveal information gradually as they progress through the course. This allows learners to focus on one concept at a time and build their knowledge incrementally. It's like unwrapping a series of smaller gifts instead of getting one giant, overwhelming present.
3. Clear headings: Organize your content with clear, descriptive headings that make it easy for users to scan and find the information they need. This not only helps learners navigate your course but also gives them a sense of control and autonomy. Plus, who doesn't love a good, informative heading?

By being mindful of cognitive overload, you'll create a more enjoyable learning experience for your users—one where they can savor each bite of information without feeling stuffed. So go ahead, loosen that metaphorical belt, and let your learners take their time to digest your course content. They'll be grateful for it!

Mistake 5: Neglecting Mobile and Responsive Design

You've just settled in for a cozy evening of Netflix on your phone, only to find that the show you've been dying to watch is only available on desktop.

Frustrating, right?

Well, that's how your learners feel when they try to access your online course on their mobile devices, only to find it's not mobile-friendly. Talk about a buzzkill!

In today's fast-paced world, more and more people are turning to their phones and tablets for on-the-go learning. That's why it's essential to ensure your online courses are as mobile-friendly as your favorite streaming service. Enter responsive design—the superhero of the eLearning world, swooping in to save users from endless pinching and zooming.

So, how can you make your online courses more mobile-friendly? Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Touch-friendly buttons: When designing for mobile devices, keep in mind that fingers are less precise than cursors. Make sure your buttons and clickable elements are large enough and spaced out, so your learners don't accidentally tap the wrong thing. It's like playing Whac-A-Mole, but without the risk of smashing your screen.
2. Prioritize content: On smaller screens, real estate is precious. Focus on the most important information and eliminate any non-essential elements or distractions. Think of it like packing for a weekend trip—you only want to bring the essentials, not your entire wardrobe.
3. Streamlined navigation: Simplify your course navigation to make it easier for users to find what they're looking for on a smaller screen. Consider using collapsible menus or a progress bar to help guide learners through the course. Remember, a smooth journey is a happy journey.

By embracing mobile and responsive design, you'll create a more flexible and convenient learning experience for your users. And who knows, you might even win the hearts of a few binge-watchers looking to learn something new during their next Netflix break! So go ahead, give your online courses the mobile makeover they deserve, and watch your learners' satisfaction soar.

Mistake 6: Not Prioritizing Usability Testing

Have you ever tried out a new recipe, only to realize halfway through that you've made a critical error? Maybe you accidentally doubled the salt or left out a key ingredient. (You can never have enough garlic!)

You might be able to salvage the dish, but it's not quite what you envisioned. This, friends, is what it's like to launch an online course without conducting usability testing. Sure, it might be "edible," but it's not living up to its full potential.

Usability testing is like the taste test of the eLearning world—it helps you identify and fix any issues before your learners dig in. By observing how users interact with your course and gathering their feedback, you can fine-tune your UI/UX and create a truly delectable learning experience. Trust us, your learners will thank you for it!

Not sure where to start with usability testing? Here are a few methods to help you whip your course into shape:

1. Heuristic evaluation: This involves having a UI/UX expert review your course based on established usability principles (called heuristics). Think of it like having a celebrity chef critique your cooking—intimidating, perhaps, but oh-so-enlightening.
2. Cognitive walkthrough: In this method, you or a colleague walk through the course, taking on the role of a learner and identifying any potential usability issues. It's a bit like role-playing, but without the costumes (unless you're into that—no judgment here!).
3. User testing: This is where you invite real users to test your course and provide feedback. You can conduct in-person sessions, use remote testing tools, or even offer incentives for participants. After all, everyone loves a good freebie!

By making usability testing a priority, you'll be able to refine your UI/UX and create a learning experience that's as smooth as butter. So go on, channel your inner Julia Child, and give your online courses the usability testing they deserve.

Bon appétit!

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