As we turn our focus to developing all the learning materials and experiences outlined in our course maps, we consider how we can most effectively apply the guiding principles of web design to our Canvas course sites.

Guiding Principles of Web Design

Effective course design supports student learning and improves outcomes. Positive impacts on student learning occur when course design is guided by key principles and theories: consistency, usability, findability, cognitive load theory, and chunking.

• Consistency in web design is the systematic application of similar design elements and structures to create a cohesive user experience. Consistency helps improve usability, reduces user frustration, and is associated with positive user experiences.
• Usability is a measure of how easy and effective a product or system is to use. Usable course sites are predictable, easy to navigate, and accessible. They reduce frustration and navigation errors, allowing students to focus on learning course content rather than get lost in poorly designed interfaces.
• Findability is the measure of the ease with which information or tools can be found in an interface. Courses with strong findability are organized in a predictable manner, use consistent labels and naming conventions, remove or hide unused tools, and place items in expected locations.
• Cognitive Load Theory provides a framework for understanding the limitations of working memory and how instructional materials should be designed to optimize learning (Yablonski, 2024).
• Chunking is the process of organizing complex information into smaller, more manageable pieces so it is easier for learners to understand and retain (Yablonski, 2024).

View the course design infographic or read the white paperThe Impact of Course Design on Student Learning

What impact do these strategies have on student learning?

Applying these web design principles can have significant positive effects on student learning.

When courses are designed with consistency in mind, they benefit students by reducing learnability, or the amount of time it takes to learn how to use the site. When navigation and other site structures are consistent, students can devote their cognitive resources to course content. Students show a preference for consistently organized courses (McMulla et al, 2022; Scutelnicu, 2019). Frustration is reduced and users report more positive experiences. Consistency in a single course site increases student motivation, learning, and retention (Joosten & Cusatis, 2019; Muljana & Luo, 2019). These impacts are increased when there is a baseline level of consistency across courses at an institution (Means et al, 2021; Scutelnicu et al, 2019; Borgemenke et al, 2013).

When courses are designed with usability in mind, they can reduce cognitive load (Fuller, 1995), reduce student errors in accessing content(Penha et al, 2014, Connors, 2013), and reduce frustration, leading to more meaningful engagement and focus on learning tasks (Abu-Dalbouh (2022). Effective usability is generally linked to improved user satisfaction, leading to an enhanced overall learning experience (Yablonski, 2024).

When courses are designed with findability in mind, learning outcomes are improved. Students spend less time looking for materials and information and more time focused on course content. Conversely, poor findability is linked to lower student reports of self-efficacy and motivation (Simunich et al, 2015; Placencia and Muljana, 2019).

When courses are designed with cognitive load theory in mind, extraneous load is reduced, ensuring that students are not overwhelmed by content and can effectively process and retain information (Ong and Tasir, 2015; Kun et al, 2023, Zhao, 2023).

When courses are designed with the chunking principle in mind, student attention is improved, allowing students to stay focused and process information more effectively (Harris et al, 2021). Chunking also improves navigation and information retention (Rajanen et al, 2021) resulting in clearer learning pathways that reduce confusion and promote engagement (MacKenzie et al, 2017).

How can I apply these principles to my course site?

You’re likely already applying some of the design principles in your Canvas sites. Here are a few strategies and the principles they support to consider:

Quality Assurance Course Rubric

While the guiding principles of web design are intended as general guidance, the standards below are provided as more specific action items when developing a course site. The standards were adapted from the Quality Matters standards for higher education.

Expand the panels to read the standards for each section.

Course Design Checklist

The Course Design checklist can be used in tandem with the Quality Assurance: Course Rubric as you develop and build your online course site. Use the checklist to ensure you have completed all tasks necessary to ensure your course meets the Quality Assurance standards.

View the full Online Course Design Checklist

This checklist was adapted from the 12-Step Checklist for Meeting Quality Matters Standards developed by New Mexico State University.

Sources

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