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Creating compelling eLearning isn’t rocket science, but it does require careful navigation around some common obstacles. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you’ve probably encountered at least a few of these challenges. The good news? Every design mistake has a solution. Let’s explore the most frequent pitfalls and transform them into opportunities for better learning design. 

1. Flying Blind: The Audience Oversight

Before starting course creation, it’s essential to understand your learners thoroughly (eLearning Industry, 2014). 

  • Conduct surveys or interviews to gather insights about your learners’ needs and preferences 
  • Use learner personas that bring your audience to life 
  • Map your content to their real-world challenges and goals 

2. The Content Avalanche

Ever tried drinking from a fire hose? That’s how learners feel when faced with information overload (Edly, 2023). Instead: 

  • Trim the fat – keep only what truly matters 
  • Chunk complex topics into digestible bites 
  • Create clear learning pathways that build knowledge step by step

 

3. The Passive Learning Trap 

Nobody wants to sit through the digital equivalent of a three-hour lecture. Make your content come alive: 

  • Sprinkle in knowledge checks that actually make people think 
  • Use real-world scenarios that mirror workplace challenges 
  • Create opportunities for learners to learn by doing, not just reading  

 

4. The Visual Mess

If your course looks like it was designed in 2005, you’ve already lost half your audience. Here’s the fix: 

  • Embrace white space – let your content breathe 
  • Include relevant images and graphics to support the content and break up text 
  • Use visuals that enhance learning, not just decorate 

 

5. The Desktop Dinosaur Dilemma 

Your learners are on the move – is your content keeping up? Modern solutions demand: 

  • Responsive design that works brilliantly across all devices 
  • Touch-friendly navigation  
  • Content that flows seamlessly whether on mobile, tablet or desktop  

6. Hazy Navigation

Confusing navigation can frustrate learners and hinder their progress. 

  • Design a clear menu structure with intuitive labels for each section. 
  • Include navigation tips or an introductory tutorial to guide learners through the interface. 
 

7. The Silent Treatment

Learning without feedback is like cooking without tasting – a recipe for disaster. Timely feedback is crucial for reinforcing learning and helping learners improve. 

  • Provide automated feedback for quizzes, explaining correct and incorrect answers 
  • Offer personalized feedback on assessments to address individual learner needs 
  • Include progress markers that celebrate small wins 

8. The ‘Wing It and Hope’ Approach

Launching without thorough testing? That’s asking for trouble. To avoid technical glitches and errors: 

  • Test the course on multiple devices and browsers to identify compatibility issues 
  • Run a pilot test with a small group of learners to gather feedback and address any issues 

Tips to Avoid These Mistakes 

  • Get properly acquainted with your learners – their needs, not your assumptions 
  • Trim content until it’s lean and purposeful 
  • Make engagement your north star – if it’s boring, bin it 
  • Test on every device you can lay your hands on 
  • Keep navigation simple and intuitive 
  • Make feedback meaningful and actionable 
  • Test, test, and test again 

Looking Ahead 

Let’s be honest – we’re all going to make mistakes in eLearning design. It’s part of the journey. What matters is learning from these stumbles and using them to create better learning experiences. Whether you’re wrestling with content overload or trying to nail that perfect navigation structure, remember that every challenge is an opportunity to improve. 

The secret isn’t perfection – it’s progress. Start with one area, make it better, then move on to the next. Your learners will thank you for it. 

References 

  • eLearning Industry. (2014). 10 Big Mistakes In eLearning Design And Development To Avoid 
  • Edly. (2023). eLearning Design Mistakes: What to Avoid? 

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