The Importance of UX in E-Learning Courses

Melissa Wichman (Morris), Director of Learning Technology and Library Services, Doane University

Melissa Wichman serves as the Director of Learning Technology and Library Services at Doane University in Nebraska, a liberal arts institution with campuses in Crete, Lincoln and Omaha. In this leadership role, she guides a team of instructional designers, learning technologists and library professionals dedicated to advancing teaching, learning and research through the strategic use of technology and academic resources.

With over 20 years of experience in education, Wichman collaborates with faculty and leadership to enhance learning experiences and student success. She leads initiatives to evaluate and implement emerging technologies, supporting innovative teaching practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Through her work, Wichman plays a vital role in shaping the future of education at Doane University, integrating technology, pedagogy and library resources to create dynamic, student-centered learning environments.

Through this article, Wichman discusses how user experience shapes the quality and effectiveness of online learning, highlighting that good UX is not cosmetic but foundational to how students engage, learn and persist in a course.

User experience (UX) translates pedagogy into practice. It is about crafting an online learning environment that not only looks pretty but also makes learning feel effortless, engaging and fun! UX is more than a design consideration; it is central to how effectively students learn online.

In e-learning, good UX means creating digital environments that are intuitive, accessible and engaging, allowing learners to focus on what truly matters; learning.

Enhancing Engagement

A well-designed UX keeps learners motivated and focused. When navigation is intuitive, and content flows logically, learners spend less time figuring out what to do next and more time immersed in learning. Clear menus, consistent layouts and responsive design contribute to a sense of control and achievement. In addition, interactive features such as progress trackers and discussion prompts help sustain attention and make learning more enjoyable.

Put It Into Practice:

● Create a module overview page that gives students a quick “what’s coming this week” roadmap.

● Keep page layouts consistent; when students know what to expect, they stay focused.

● Sprinkle in interactive moments like polls, scenario questions, or embedded practice quizzes.

● Turn on “Mark as Done” so students get that satisfying dopamine hit of checking things off.

Improving Accessibility

Inclusive UX ensures that e-learning courses are accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities. Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and WCAG accessibility standards creates an inclusive learning environment that supports diverse needs and learning preferences. Providing captions for videos, alt text for images and proper color contrast supports this diverse learning community.

Put It Into Practice:

● Add captions or transcripts to videos. Bonus: they help all learners, not just those with hearing needs.

● Write meaningful alt text that actually describes the image’s purpose.

● Check color contrast. Your future self (and your students) will thank you.

● If your LMS has one, use the accessibility checker before publishing anything.

● Offer students options: discussion post or video reflection, article or podcast. UDL is all about choice!

Supporting Learning and Retention

UX directly affects how learners process and retain information. Cognitive science shows that well-organized, visually balanced design reduces mental strain. Clear organization, consistent design and minimal cognitive load allow learners to focus on the content rather than the interface.

Put It Into Practice:

Break long lectures into short, focused videos (think 6–10 minutes, a Netflix episode length is not the goal!).

● Use visual dividers, icons and headers to create breathing room on your pages.

● End each module with a “Key Takeaways” box.

● Add quick, low-stakes quizzes to reinforce concepts without the pressure.

● Use callout boxes like “Pro Tip,” “Remember,” or “Common Mistake” to guide students’ attention.

Building Confidence and Trust

When the design feels seamless and reliable, students are more confident in their ability to succeed and more likely to complete the course. In addition, a positive user experience builds trust in the course design and the institution, leading to higher satisfaction and better completion rates.

Put It Into Practice:

● Start the course with a “Start Here” module so students aren’t wandering around lost on day one.

● Provide step-by-step instructions for every assignment. No guessing means no surprises.

● Use automated quiz feedback to reassure and guide.

● Keep due dates predictable. Your students will celebrate consistency like it’s a holiday.

Reflecting Institutional Quality

Online courses often represent the first interaction students have with an institution. A course with clear design, professional aesthetics and seamless functionality reflects a commitment to academic quality and student success. Poor UX, conversely, can harm credibility and learner trust.

Put It Into Practice:

● Apply institution-approved templates for a polished, consistent experience across all courses.

● Check links regularly. Broken links are the UX equivalent of stepping on a Lego.

● Integrate library resources, such as subject guides or databases, right into modules.

● Add a short welcome video to humanize your presence and set a professional tone.

Why It Matters

A course with strong UX reflects intentional teaching design; lessons flow logically, activities connect meaningfully to objectives and learners feel guided and supported throughout. In this way, UX becomes a form of teaching itself, one that communicates care, clarity and a commitment to student success.

Cognitive