Successful e-learning is about more than well-written content. It also needs to be designed around the people who will take the training. Learners have different experience, different technical conditions and different amounts of time to set aside. Some complete the training undisturbed at a desk, while others try to fit it in between meetings, phone calls and other work tasks.
Showing empathy in the development work means understanding these conditions and designing the training so that it is easy to use, easy to follow and motivating to complete. The better the training is adapted to the learners’ reality, the greater the likelihood that it leads to real learning.
Give clear instructions
A learner should never have to wonder what is expected next or how the next step works. Every moment should be self-explanatory and guide the learner through the training in a natural way.
Clear instructions, consistent navigation and immediate feedback reduce uncertainty and let the learner focus on learning instead of trying to understand how the training works. A good rule of thumb is that the user should never have to ask the questions: What does this mean? What should I do now? How do I move on?
Acknowledge progress and create motivation
Completing digital training requires both time and engagement. That is why it is important that the learner feels that progress is acknowledged along the way.
That can mean showing progression, giving positive feedback after completed moments or offering a professionally designed diploma when the training is finished. In some programmes, gamification — for example badges or points — can also help increase motivation. The goal is not to reward for the sake of rewarding, but to help the learner keep engagement through the entire training.
Create flexibility in learning
Today’s working life rarely leaves long uninterrupted periods for skills development. That is why e-learning needs to be flexible and adapted to the learner’s everyday life.
Let the learner complete the training at their own pace, pause and continue where they last left off, and repeat earlier moments when needed. The ability to take notes, save summaries or take knowledge tests several times can also contribute to better learning. The easier it is to adapt the training to one’s own situation, the greater the chance that it is actually completed.
Offer support when it is needed
Even the most carefully crafted e-learning can raise questions. That is why the learner should always be able to get help without having to leave the training.
Support can be offered in several ways, for example through a knowledge base, frequently asked questions and answers, instructional films, chat or clear examples. For many users, help directly in the training is considerably more valuable than having to wait for a reply by email. Fast and easily accessible support reduces frustration and makes it easier to keep focus on learning.
Empathy creates better learning
Empathy is one of the most important principles when developing digital training. It is not about simplifying the content, but about making the training accessible, clear and motivating for the people who will use it.
When e-learning is designed around learners’ needs and conditions, both the user experience, completion rate and the chance that the knowledge is actually put into practice increase. Training does not become successful solely because the content is high quality. It becomes successful only when learners feel that it is easy to use, relevant to their work and worth the time they invest.