In digital solutions, the demands of consumers should always come first. While the most critical feature of every digital solution is usability, regardless of the product, this is especially true with digital learning. It doesn’t matter how many resources the system offers if students can’t find them.
The importance of data security, extensive feature lists, and back-end compatibility cannot be overstated. However, suppose users have a negative experience with the system because it is difficult to use them and are incompatible with the programs they are used to. In that case, students will not engage, and the system will go wrong.
Students demand a lot from digital solutions since companies like Netflix and Apple have raised the bar for everyday usage. They anticipate being able to get what and when they want. The user experience is determined by how easy it is to complete activities and locate information.
Positive experiences facilitate student adoption and engagement. On the other hand, users are unlikely to return for further training if they have had a bad experience. Over one-third of students cannot locate the required information when utilizing their LMS. It’s no surprise that user experience is a significant priority for 80 per cent of companies looking to implement new technology.
Users are more likely to notice usability when there is a problem. Poor user experiences are frequently the result of a vendor’s ambition to offer an extensive list of features while neglecting what consumers truly want. As a result, if your LMS provides terrible user experiences, the involvement level will be minimal. It will be challenging to meet the learning objectives, and there will be minimal investment returns.
An LMS must foster a culture of ongoing improvement and learning to fulfil today’s learning demands. It should make material readily available whenever one needs it on any device and for any reason, including performance assistance, compliance preparation, or continuous professional improvement.
Here are some crucial questions to ask whether you’re an organization representative looking for a new LMS or an eLearning enterprise or systems integrator looking for a collaboration with an LMS provider to create upper edge consumer experiences:
- Does the system provide students with a unified browser and mobile app?
- Can trainees access microlearning and eLearning programs and other digital information like PDFs and videos, even while they are offline?
- Does the system offer sophisticated consumer-grade search and browsing features, allowing students to locate information quickly?
- Is it possible for administrators and students to execute duties naturally and swiftly regardless of their location?
- Is the system capable of providing a customized learning experience?
- Does the system give helpful information about students’ capabilities and shortcomings, allowing for fully individualized and optimal learning experiences?
- Is it possible to swiftly post a variety of information aimed at specific people or groups of students?
- Is it possible for the system to provide external learning activities and continuous professional development in one place?
- Can extra resources be uploaded to augment learning activities?
- Will students need to be taught how to utilize the system, or is it genuinely intuitive?
- Does the system assist students in determining what they should do next to maximize their time and make appropriate plans?
The poor design creates negative user experiences similar to kids at a sweetshop who cannot access the goods on the shelf. Make strategic decisions on your future LMS to avoid unneeded frustration. Happy holidays!