App-based mobile learning will be one of 2019’s most lucrative mobile learning trends, contributing substantially to the industry’s projected growth and worth of $70 billion. However, not all mobile learning apps will prove lucrative if they aren’t designed and developed with the user in mind.
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Here are 8 design elements you’ll want to make sure your mobile learning apps have in 2019.
1. Easy-to-Use Navigation
When designing a mobile app, make sure its navigation is simple to use and understand from the beginning for all users. Include static menu bars where appropriate, as well as menus that can expand when needed.
Focus on primary and secondary navigation features, where secondary navigation features are minimized or invisible when they aren’t necessary, and consider implementing card-based user interfaces; image grids or matrixes; and landing pages with icons, lists, maps, tabs, etc., where and when it’s most convenient for the user or learner.
2. Functional Minimalism
When it comes to designing a mobile app, simplicity is key. Don’t overload the user with too many buttons, information, or images at one time. When and wherever possible, declutter your mobile app’s user interface so that it only highlights what the user needs to know or see.
3. Minimal User Input
Don’t require users to type in information or submit forms unless it is necessary to their learning experiences—and even then, only require user input sparingly. Instead, focus on having users click buttons and swipe screens.
And especially don’t require users to input a lot of information the second they open a learning app for the first time. They will open the app wanting to start engaging with the learning content right away, so let them.
4. Chunked Information and Tasks
Include progress bars as learners complete a learning module or course so they know how far along they are and how well they’re doing. Also, be sure to chunk course content into bite-size modules with bite-size content so learners don’t become overwhelmed or bored and so it’s easier for them to learn while they’re on the go.
5. Well-Known Categories and CTAs
Use common categories and call to actions (CTAs) to guide your learners as they use your learning app to eliminate confusion. For example, use common categories like “get started” and “learn more” and course content levels like “hard” and “easy.”
6. Visuals Emphasizing Importance
Use bright colors and other distinct visual elements to call attention to certain items on a mobile screen. For example, bright lettering can indicate an important term to remember, and a large dot or icon could indicate content a user should pay attention to or click on as he or she learns.
7. Back Buttons and ‘Undo’ Features
Users make mistakes all the time and can easily tap the wrong icon or image, so allow them to go back to previous screens easily and undo mistakes when it doesn’t interfere with their learning process or module assessments.
8. User Experience (UX) Anticipation and Feedback
Above all else, make sure your learning mobile apps consider user needs and feedback because if your mobile apps aren’t catering to their users, your users will not use them.
In addition to the information highlighted above, if you want to design the best mobile learning apps possible, consider the information highlighted in “9 Essentials Your Workplace Learning Apps Need in 2019,” as well.