It is true that content is the most important aspect of any eLearning course, but without a carefully constructed layout eLearning courses just won’t offer the learners a truly effective learning experience.
Graphics are amazing because they can easily summarise huge amounts of written information in a small space, and in an aesthetically pleasing way!Without great UX design and appealing graphics, learners will simply switch off. So in this article, I will share few tips for using graphics in eLearning:
Choose graphic as per learners profile: Graphics do not follow the ‘one-size-fits-all’ criteria. There are many factors like age, education, professional, cultural background etc to be considered as it affects the learner sensibilities. Understanding the learner and learner needs is thus crucial while designing graphics, as it helps to steer clear of what the learner might NOT like or understand.The ultimate goal of graphic design is to draw attention to the most important elements of the eLearning course and to make the subject matter more relevant for the learner.
Use fewer graphic elements and avoid clutter: Stick with a specific color palette and style so that you can minimize learners’ confusion. Don’t clutter the slides of eLearning course with too many images which will take away learner’s motivation and interest. Figure out the right kind of graphic to use depending on the subject matter to make the course more cohesive and well organized.
Use charts and graphs to convey complex information: Charts and graphs are useful ways to help a learner understand complex material. Using icons that relate to the subject matter can help aid in memory retention by having a reinforcing element. By using visual communication, complex information can be learned easily.
Use clear and readable fonts: The selection of fonts for any eLearning course is very curcial as it conveys the overall tone of the course. For creating a professional look and feel of the course, use the font styles that are clean, crisp and minimalist. Also ensure the font size is readable. For informal courses, stylish fonts can be used to bring more innovation and creativity, but make sure that learners are bale to reacd the necessary information properly. Many a times, details for fonts, colors etc are provided by the client and we need to work accordingly.
Keep navigation simple and straightforward: One of the most basic, yet powerful, graphic design tip for eLearning is keeping navigability streamlined. Don’t hide the NEXT button just for the sake of design, or create symbols that are so innovative and creative that the learners won’t be able to realize that this is in fact a navigation icon. Learners should be able to navigate through the eLearning course without any frustration or confusion involved
Using graphics in eLearning can add a more engaging and visually friendly element to the learner experience. It helps to break the content and making the learning more memorable.
