The Impact of UX on the Quality of E-Learning Experiences
Details: Written by Eleanor Lodge
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As technological development continues and we enter the age of the “metaverse”, educators around the world are increasingly recognising the significance of ensuring the health of a digital experience and the user receiving it.
User Experience (UX) is a growing field of expertise and the culmination of years of evolutions with digital, product and marketing design practices converging into the discipline. Through research, planning, process design, product design, interaction design, graphic design and testing, UX reviews digital content as part of a bigger picture.
The responsibility of educators in providing quality through UX
As digital technology progresses as does the importance of providing a healthy online experience. A recent study conducted by The Skills Network has revealed that 39% of Gen Z’s are now learning through social media and 38% are learning through video content. Similarly, research has found that the younger generations prefer to learn through a variety of digital platforms, from laptop, phone and tablet, through to virtual reality!
The Generational Divide, a report by The Skills Network exploring the variances in generational learning preferences reveals a depth of insight into the needs of all learners regardless of age. The report sheds light on a gap in educational content, highlighting the dated methods of development in the modern learning landscape.
For those working in education, the variance in learning preference and the growing demand for digital learning resources is calling for tighter control over the quality of online content. As the digital health agenda grows as does the responsibility of educators in ensuring their students receive high quality and safe online experiences, regardless of platform and device.
A strong user experience generates the highest quality online content and for those working in the e-learning and education space, driving this agenda forward is no longer a choice, it is the responsibility of all educators to ensure the highest quality and accessible online learning experience for all, an experience dependent on the quality of UX.
The benefits of UX on quality
The demand for high quality user focused content not only benefits the quality of the student’s learning, but is fundamental for organisational survival and success in the modern digital age. With the competition for the highest quality user experience only growing, a swift focus on this practice is now economically crucial.
The misconception of the relevance of UX to the wider organisational function is dated, while UX continues to remain relevant to traditional user interfaces such as website and app, the integration of UX design in every type of digital interaction and touchpoint must be prioritised.
A strong UX designer reviews and refines every element of the digital user’s journey through a process deeper than how it looks. UX ultimately ensures the development of a seamless and efficient online experience, providing a quality of learning experience far greater than simply the aesthetic.
Through research data and insight, a UX designer can understand and tailor digital content to the needs of each student, streamlining the usability processes.
The link between UX, quality and accessibility
As the pandemic has catapulted learning into the digital domain, with e-learning now the mainstream, the need for an empathic user-focused digital learning experience is high. At The Skills Network, our recently launched re-brand is focusing on this theme, with UX key to our provision.
The Skills Network is creating the opportunity for self-improvement for all people, benefitting students, business and the wider economy, regardless of ability or lifestyles.
Following The Skills Network launch of its new website last January, we provide the evidence of the importance of this approach to content and resource development and subsequently provide the highest quality, innovative and useable learning provision for all.
Arguably the most important tool at a UX designers’ disposal is empathy, understanding the varied needs of the user and considering themes such as cognitive ability, social situation, background and motive. Through an empathic approach, UX designers can create an experience where accessibility is the focus, benefiting all stakeholders.
Good UX design is about more than simply making things look and feel great, it provides a quality of an experience greater than ever before possible, focused around real people and The Skills Network looks ahead to lead in these developments.”