LMS LMS LMS LMS LMS LMS LMS LMS FREE EBOOK THE COMPLETE GUIDE FOR CHOOSING A USER-FRIENDLY LMS THAT FULFILLS YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS Table of Contents 1 LMS User Experience: Does It Really Matter? 2 Top Advantages Of Using An LMS That Ranks High On The LMS Usability Scale 3 13 Key UX Terms That Every eLearning Professional Should Know 4 LMS User Experience And Usability: Main Differences To Consider 5 7 Insider Secrets To Find An LMS That Provides The Best LMS User Experience 6 9 Quintessential Traits Of A User-Friendly LMS 7 LMS Net Promoter Score: 5 Tips To Use LMS User Reviews/Rating To Find The Ideal System 8 8 LMS Usability Related Issues A New System Can Help You Overcome Table of Contents 9 LMS Perceived Usefulness: 7 Ways The Right System Can Improve Work Performance And L&D ROI 10 8 Tips To Improve LMS User Experience For Your Online Learners 11 7 LMS Accessibility Issues That Prompt Organizations To Replace Their Current Systems 12 7 Ways To Measure Your LMS Reliability To Check Whether It Fulfills Your Business Goals 13 8 Tips To Use An LMS Online Directory To Choose A User-Friendly LMS For Your Organization 14 7 Ways To Evaluate The LMS User Interface During An LMS Demo Or Trial 15 The LMS Compatibility Conundrum: 7 Tips To Choose A User-Friendly LMS That Fits Into Your Current eLearning Toolbox 16 Top 7 Functions Every Usable LMS Should Have 1 LMS User Experience: Does It Really Matter? If you’re in the market for a new LMS, or simply want to evaluate your current platform, usability and User Experience should be a top priority. In this article, I’ll discuss why User Experience is so essential for LMS users. Why LMS User Experience Matters For Both Front And Back-End Users Many organizations thinking about onboarding a new LMS have clearly defined expectations. This usually includes support services, reporting capabilities, and pricing structure. However, many overlook one of the most crucial aspects of owning a Learning Management System: the User Experience. A consistent and engaging UX lays the foundation for all other features and functions the tool provides. It covers everything from the platform’s navigation fidelity to its interface design. But why does LMS User Experience really matter for LMS users on both the front and back end? First Things First…What’s Involved In The LMS User Experience? The term “User Experience” refers to how your users engage with the Learning Management System. Every aspect of the LMS factors into the UX equation, from the intuitiveness of the UI to its ability to scale and adapt to your changing online training needs. An LMS that offers the complete package delivers a top-notch LMS User Experience that enables virtually anyone to utilize the tool with ease. There aren’t any navigation roadblocks or accessibility issues standing in the way. 1 Why LMS User Experience Matters For Your eLearning Team Your eLearning team relies on the LMS to develop, deploy, and monitor online training initiatives. They must be able to quickly upload online training content to ensure that users get all the information they require to bridge gaps, as well as modify existing online training materials to adapt to the evolving needs of your organization and keep up with compliance issues. An LMS that provides a sub-standard User Experience hinders their ability to achieve all these tasks. Instead, they must spend countless hours mastering the platform and dealing with a significant learning curve. Even then, they probably won’t be able to use all the LMS features and functions to the best of their ability. In many ways, the LMS becomes a hindrance to online training success instead of serving as a solid > 1 Why LMS User Experience Matters For Your eLearning Team (cont) foundation for the L&D program. For example, your team must contend with an overly complicated UI, mobile accessibility issues, or data migration obstacles. This prevents them from focusing on the development process, itself, and ensuring a high-quality online training experience for your employees. 2 Why LMS User Experience Matters For Your Online Learners At the other end of the spectrum, your online learners must use the LMS to access online training materials that are relevant to them. Their User Experience has a significant impact on knowledge retention and real-world applicability. Let’s use the example of an LMS that is more difficult to master or features an overly complex UI. Instead of the system serving as a tool that allows online learners to bridge gaps and improve task performance, it becomes a hurdle in the L&D process. First, users must figure out how to use the system effectively to get the information they require. Then circumnavigate glitches, confusing navigation controls, and a less-than-intuitive dashboard. All these challenges gradually impede their ability to acquire and assimilate the information. Not to mention, they cause unnecessary frustration and stress. Thus, they are simply unable to absorb the key takeaways in order to achieve their objectives. Online learners also link the experience to negative emotions, which may prevent them from seizing future online training opportunities. If this online training course presents so many obstacles, it’s safe to assume that other online training courses on the platform will follow suit. 3 Why LMS User Experience Matters For Your Organization’s Bottom Line A favorable LMS User Experience for your L&D team and online learners translates into better ROI. Online training is more effective, and the development process is streamlined, which not only improves satisfaction and engagement but also resource allocation.Your team can focus on what really matters instead of dealing with LMS frustrations. As a result, employees get more from the online training program, designers/ developers require less turnaround time, and admins identify and bridge gaps with greater ease. LMS User Experience matters to your organization’s bottom line because it sets the gears in motion instead of putting a wrench into the works. In fact, an LMS that provides a poor User Experience has the potential to drain your resources and diminish the quality of your entire online training program. Insider Tip To Find An LMS That Offers The Best UX Now you know what constitutes a superior LMS User Experience and why it matters for your eLearning team, online learners, and profit margin. But how do you find an LMS that is intuitive, usable and > (cont) feature-rich? Most LMS vendors offer free trials or demos that allow you to test out the platform before you buy it. This provides you with an inside look at how the LMS will perform within your organization and if it meets your requirements. Not to mention, whether it aligns with the skills and experience levels of your team. Invite all relevant stakeholders to participate in a free trial so that they can provide feedback. They can point out areas where the LMS may not be as usable as you thought based on their specific tasks or requirements. For example, it doesn’t allow your eLearning developers to integrate branding elements due to limited customization features, or your admins aren’t able to view data visualizations and highlight patterns due to a complex reporting dashboard. An LMS that delivers an optimal User Experience is crucial to the success of your online training program. It allows you to retain your top talent by providing them easily accessible support tools. It also lightens the load for your L&D team who must develop and maintain online training content with the LMS. 2 Top Advantages Of Using An LMS That Ranks High On The LMS Usability Scale Your new LMS has all the upgrades, but can your development team and online users actually use it? In this article, I’ll explore the 8 top benefits of using an LMS that ranks high on the usability scale. Why You Should Opt For An LMS That Ranks High On The LMS Usability Scale A usable LMS makes life easier for every member of your team. Administrators can monitor training gaps more effectively and provide relevant support.Your designers and developers are able to create more meaningful online training experiences without having to deal with interface obstacles, while online learners can access personalized online training resources and broaden their knowledge even if they aren’t necessarily tech-savvy. For this reason, it’s essential to find an LMS that ranks high on the Usability Scale. But if you’re still wondering why usability should be at the top of your priority list, here are 8 notable advantages to consider. 1 Improves Resource Allocation First and foremost, you’re able to allocate your resources more effectively given that your eLearning team, admins, and online learners can focus on their respective tasks instead of trying to overcome LMS navigability and UI obstacles. For example, concentrate on creating profound online training resources that meet employees’ needs right away rather than spending the first week trying to figure out the design elements and controls, and how to migrate crucial data to the new LMS platform. 2 Streamlines The eLearning Design Process Developing memorable online training resources is challenging enough.Your eLearning team doesn’t need a complicated LMS standing in the way of their work process. A usable system streamlines the design and deployment process by making each step virtually effortless. There aren’t any glitches or log-in issues. Nor frustrating navigation elements or cluttered dashboards that seem to defy logic. Users get to enjoy a headache-free LMS User Experience that works with, instead of against them. 3 Improves Learner Engagement Some of your online learners may already be apprehensive about online training. Thus, a challenging LMS just gives them one more reason to dread eLearning and click away instead of actively participate. An LMS that ranks high on the usability dimension improves engagement, as online learners can fully immerse themselves in the online training experience instead of trying to figure out the controls or pause to report glitches and troubleshoot accessibility issues. Therefore, they are more likely to interact with the online training content, be motivated and achieve their goals. 4 Simplifies Content Upkeep I’ve already mentioned how a usable LMS streamlines the design and development process. It also makes content maintenance more efficient. Let’s use the example of modifying an existing online training course to account for changes in company policy. An intuitive LMS makes it easy for your L&D team to access the template from the dashboard and then monitor the effectiveness of the new online training content. At this point, they’re able to quickly make additional modifications based on the data, such as incorporating more multimedia to boost employee engagement stats or integrate more real-world examples to bridge knowledge gaps that were disclosed through eLearning assessment results. On the other hand, a difficult LMS makes the maintenance process more stressful and time-consuming, since your team must reorient themselves with its tech nuances and quirks before they can do their job. For instance, click through a series of screens to find relevant materials because the tool lacks an at-a-glance dashboard. 5 Facilitates More Powerful Online Training Experiences Increased learner engagement and stress-free maintenance lead to more powerful and profound online training experiences. The online training content is more effective and targeted to learner needs. Likewise, your audience is more apt to participate in the online training and get the skills/knowledge they need. Learners also enjoy the online training experience fully because they can access the online training materials quickly and conveniently. 6 Makes It Easier To Identify Training Gap One of the most overlooked advantages of a usable LMS is the reporting/analytics potential. The platform enables you to identify gaps in learner performance, as well as your current online training strategy. There are data visualizations, customizable reports, and intuitive overviews that allow you to gather valuable insights. Thus, you can provide targeted support resources as quickly as possible and modify existing online training content to make it more impactful. 7 Boosts Online Training ROI A Learning Management System that’s easy to use has a significant impact on your bottom line.Your in-house team is able to use all the features and functions without IT issues hindering their work process. At the same time, online learners can get more benefit from the online training resources because they can access them with ease. As a result, your organization reaps the many rewards of improved online training ROI, such as the ability to invest in other aspects of business operations that can positively impact your profit margin. For example, employees spend less time training due to the enhanced usability of the LMS. This means they could spend more time on the job and be happier in the workplace, while your organization reduces its online training payroll. 8 Broadens Your Talent Pool You may be missing out on valuable training opportunities if your LMS is more challenging to use. This is due to the fact that a significant portion of your talent pool is unable to utilize the LMS platform to share their expertise or improve the existing resources. For example, the over-complex LMS prevents an experienced employee from collaborating with peers given that they have expertise in the field which they’re willing to impart but lack the necessary tech skills. An LMS that is intuitive and delivers the best User Experience has the power to transform your online training program. Especially if your current LMS is overly complicated or doesn’t offer sufficient support services. Make the most of free trials by testing out the UI and the platform’s functionality, as a whole.You can also look up online reviews and ratings to get honest and valuable feedback from past users before making your final decision.ave to say about your top choices. 3 13 Key UX Terms That Every eLearning Professional Should Know You’re in the market for a new Learning Management System that is easy to use and just right for your team’s talents. But do you know which key UX terms to look for when researching potential LMS platforms? Common UX Terms Every eLearning Professional Should Know User Experience is one of the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing a new LMS. It encompasses every aspect of the tool and the interaction with the user. When vetting the LMS vendors, it’s wise to have a vocab cheat sheet at the ready in order to verify the software’s UX value. Here are 13 common UX terms that every eLearning professional should know. 1 User Experience (UX) An umbrella term that involves every aspect of the user’s interaction with the software, such as, the user dashboard design, content and information architecture, navigation, accessibility etc. A Learning Management System that delivers a superior User Experience is easy to use, intuitive, flexible, useful and meaningful. 2 User Interface The User Interface is a key component of the LMS User Experience and one of the UX terms you need to know, as it determines how the user engages with the platform. For example, a poorly designed UI is difficult to navigate and doesn’t follow the “right “ design flow. Users must search for key features or skim multiple pages to access relevant online training materials. On the other hand, an intuitive UI allows you to quickly find the information you’re looking for, and support the real user needs and tasks; in the case of Learning Management Systems, to support learning and the administration of online training. 3 Usability UX is important for both business and users; at the heart of it is usability. There are many definitions, but the most widely accepted from both industry and academics is the one given by ISO standard: > 3 Usability (cont) “The effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction with which specified users achieve specified goals in particular environments”. • Effectiveness: the accuracy and completeness with which specified users can achieve specified goals in particular environments • Efficiency: the resources expended in relation to the accuracy and completeness of goals achieved • Satisfaction: the comfort and acceptability of the work system to its users and other people affected by its use 4 Responsive Design A responsive LMS is accessible on ANY device or browser, which improves the overall LMS User Experience. Designers create a master version of the online training content that features distinct breakpoints, which are based on online learners’ preferred devices. Then the system automatically displays the most suitable version to enhance learner engagement. 5 A/B Testing This evaluation method may come into play if you are weighing various LMS options. It involves testing two versions of the online training course or two different design elements to determine which converts or is best for your team and audience. 6 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) These are metrics that are used to evaluate the User Experience and usability of an LMS. The KPIs will differ based on the organization’s needs and online training requirements, as well as the skill sets and talents of their design/development team. KPIs must be measurable so as to weigh the effectiveness and efficiency of the platform. 7 API API (Application Programming Interface) dictates how various apps or tools interact with each other. An LMS that delivers an optimal UX will allow you to migrate data with ease, and is compatible with third-party software, as it’s able to communicate with other platforms thanks to the back-end coding. 8 Accessibility Every member of your team, including online learners, should be able to use the LMS regardless of their experience level or skill sets. Thus, accessibility is a major component of the LMS User Experience and > 8 Accessibility (cont) definitely one of the UX terms to remember. Accessibility doesn’t just pertain to mobile users, but also those with special needs. 9 Mental Model Maps a user’s thought process as they navigate the Learning Management System, which allows you to determine if the platform is user-friendly based on their specific needs and preferences. Mental modeling can help you gain more insight during usability testing by using the well-known “thinking aloud protocol”. 10 User Journey The user journey highlights every step the user makes when interacting with the Learning Management System. By evaluating each phase of the journey, you gain a better understanding of UX friction points and strengths. For example, navigation issues that may prevent online learners from accessing key resources. 11 HCI Otherwise known as the Human-Computer Interaction, HCI is an academic and professional field that pertains to technologies utilized by humans. Many UX architects use HCI principles to enhance the LMS User Experience and design more intuitive systems, as it gives them a better understanding of how users interact with the software and their behaviors. 12 Information Architecture The design of the LMS is only one aspect of the LMS User Experience. Designers and developers must also organize and categorize the information effectively within the system to improve the UX, which is the quintessence of information architecture. It covers everything from navigation controls and menus to data chunking and labeling. 13 Personas Personas help you better understand who your online learners/users are, and what they need in relation to the Learning Management System. It outlines their traits, needs, goals, and behaviors so that you can design for them and test the LMS User Experience with users that match with the personas. These are just a few of the UX terms you should commit to memory before beginning your LMS search. They can help you find the best LMS for your organization’s needs without having to overcome a significant learning curve. The issue of usability and UX design should be a top priority when evaluating new Learning Management Systems. 4 LMS User Experience And Usability: Main Differences To Consider You’re ready to invest in a new LMS that’s intuitive, flexible, and feature-rich. But do you know how to differentiate the overall LMS User Experience from its usability? LMS User Experience And Usability: How Do They Differ? There are several factors to consider when choosing a new Learning Management System. Is it going to offer the best ROI? Does it have all the features your team needs to develop and deploy powerful online training experiences? Are the support services up to par? While all these criteria are crucial, finding a user-friendly LMS should be at the top of your list. However, many users confuse LMS User Experience and usability, which prevents them from evaluating the platform to ensure that it lives up to expectations. So, let’s take a closer look at the main differences between the LMS User Experience and usability, as well as where the UI fits into the big picture. LMS User Experience Vs. Usability Think of the UX (User Experience) as an umbrella term that encompasses every element of the tool, including how users interact with the system, access information, and navigate the platform. Even the support services may factor into the equation, given that more advanced support options allow you to maximize the tool’s potential. Thereby, offering a more positive LMS User Experience. Usability is another piece of that puzzle. An LMS that ranks high on the usability scale is intuitive and involves a low learning curve.Virtually anyone can use it with little to no training. The interface has an organic flow that it’s easy to master, while the navigation is seamless and glitch-free. Thus, a usable, user-friendly LMS is more likely to provide an optimal LMS User Experience. What Are The Differences Between LMS User Experience And Usability? Usability is at the heart of UX. It is a narrower concept than LMS User Experience since it only focuses on goal achievement when using a site or platform or app. Usability is task and performance oriented, which > What Are The Differences Between LMS User Experience And Usability? (cont) means that it is focused on optimizing user task efficiency, and it is about removing problems in the User Interface. UX, on the other hand, is more experiential, subjective and emotional. Let’s take for example the ISO definition on UX: “A person’s perceptions and responses that result from the use or anticipated use of a product, system or service”. According to the above definition, we understand that UX is how a person feels when interacting with a product, in our case an LMS. We also see that UX is highly subjective, highly dynamic and context specific, and highly emotional. It focuses also on positive aspects of interaction, such as identification, stimulation, attractiveness etc. Where Does The UI Come Into Play? UI is another term that’s often confused for both the UX and usability of the LMS. But the UI is yet another element that impacts LMS User Experience. It also contributes to the overall usability of the platform, as it determines how users interact with the tool and all the features/functions it has to offer. For example, a flexible User Interface that’s simple and straightforward is more usable than one with overly complicated navigation controls or a dashboard that doesn’t logically group design components or pages. For instance, it takes your admin five minutes to locate the “user management” or “generate reports” section even though they’ve used the system for months. There’s a lot that goes into providing the best LMS User Experience. However, organizations should evaluate every element to determine if their top choice meets all the criteria. Does it offer the complete package? A highly usable system that it’s easily accessible and boasts an intuitive interface? One of the most effective ways to answer this all-important question is to test drive the platform for yourself. In fact, invite key stakeholders to do the same so that they can provide their feedback. 5 7 Insider Secrets To Find An LMS That Provides The Best LMS User Experience Is choosing the right LMS proving to be more challenging than expected? Are you still trying to find a tool that offers the best LMS User Experience at a price you can afford? In this article, I’ll share 7 insider secrets to help you invest in an LMS that delivers the complete package. How To Find A Platform That Provides The Best LMS User Experience One of the most difficult and time-consuming aspects of LMS implementation is actually finding a system that meets your needs. There are so many to choose from, but you’re in the market for a user-friendly platform that fits into your budget. It also needs to have all the features your team needs and provide employees with anytime, anywhere access on ANY device. Below are 7 tips to help you find an LMS that has it all and offers the best LMS User Experience. 1 Assess In-House Skills, Talents, And Experience Levels A common mistake that many organizations make during their LMS search is going into the process “blind”. In order to find an LMS that offers the optimal LMS User Experience, you have to know who your users are. What are their skill sets and experience levels? Are they already familiar with learning technologies or are they less than tech-savvy? You can conduct surveys and interviews to develop a complete profile of your user groups. Then use this data to create a must-have list of UX criteria. 2 Define Your LMS User Experience Criteria There are two steps involved in the criteria creation process. First, you must define what a positive LMS User Experience means for your eLearning developers, admins, and corporate learners. A favorable LMS User Experience encompasses a broad range of factors. From the users’ personal preferences, prior experiences and goals to their level of tech familiarity. The second step for developing effective LMS selection criteria is to evaluate the needs of your organization. For example, the system must offer you the ideal level of support to improve functionality and the overall LMS User Experience. It must be equipped with the right reporting capabilities so that you can track goals and desired outcomes. All of this falls under the umbrella of the LMS UX. 3 Get Your eLearning Team Involved In The Selection Process Your in-house eLearning team is going to use the LMS to deploy and monitor your online training initiatives. As such, they are critical judges of whether your new system provides high levels of LMS User Experience. They should be involved in every step of the selection and testing process. Get their input so that you can identify which platforms align with their needs and abilities. 4 Research Online Ratings And Reviews From Past Users A great way to get the inside scoop about the overall LMS User Experience is to hear it from past users who are already familiar with the platform. This comes in the form of online ratings and reviews that allow you to gain insight about your new LMS’ UX value.You can also learn a lot about the system’s features and functionality, as well as whether it’s really worth the investment. eLearning Industry’s online directory features reviews and a rating system so that you can compare LMS solutions, as well as view the top 20 systems that provide the best LMS User Experience. 5 Invite Online Learners To Try Out The Tool Your back-end L&D staff are just one half of the equation. Online learners will also be impacted by the LMS user experience. They must be able to access online training tools and interact with the system to achieve their goals. A negative user experience not only prevents them from reaping the full benefits of your online training program, but also make its less likely that they’ll actively participate in future online training courses. Thus, you should get their feedback early on and invite them to test out the tool before sealing the deal with the vendor. Running some usability testing sessions with online learners can give a great input that can save you much money. 6 Evaluate The LMS Vendor Behind The Tool Speaking of LMS vendors, it’s also wise to vet the vendor who stands behind the tool, as the LMS User Experience doesn’t just pertain to the UI, accessibility, and usability. Support services, product upgrades/ updates, and other crucial factors play a crucial role. For example, a vendor who prides themselves on offering the latest technologies and advanced support services is more likely to deliver the optimal LMS User Experience. It’s in the DNA of the product, instead of merely an afterthought or buzzword to attract new clients. 7 Launch Test Projects To Gauge The UX Firsthand Reading about the LMS User Experience online and test driving during a free trial can help you gauge the UX. But the best way to evaluate the platform is to mimic real-world scenarios. In this case, develop sample projects so that you can experience the systems’ navigation design, accessibility, and overall usability for yourself. For example, invite your team to get involved in usability testing sessions that could focus on several aspects of the LMS User Experience, from the design of basic user journeys to the aesthetics of the dashboard. After that, try to run a couple of evaluation workshops that will help the team to build consensus, prioritize and act on the findings. These 7 tips can help you choose an LMS that delivers an amazing LMS User Experience for EVERY member of your team, regardless of their experience or skills. Keep in mind that you can always provide online training tutorials and other support resources for those who need more IT assistance. Which allows you to invest in a tool that offers all the necessary features and functions, even if it does require more tech know-how. 6 9 Quintessential Traits Of A User-Friendly LMS Are you in search of an LMS that’s easy to use, intuitive, and scalable to your organizational needs? In this article, I’ll highlight 9 quintessential traits of a user-friendly Learning Management System. Key Traits Every User-Friendly LMS Should Have What does it take to make an LMS truly “user-friendly”? The term is used quite often to promote products, but the truth is that it can mean different things to different users. It all depends on their background, tech experience, and job duties. However, there are 9 key traits that all user-friendly LMS platforms have in common. 1 Stress-Free Start-Up Online learners, developers, and LMS admins should be able to use the tool from day one, even if they aren’t familiar with the platform or it’s robust features. Stress-free start-up also applies to the actual LMS implementation of the system. A user-friendly LMS is easy to download, set up, and customize to suit your needs. It may not offer a broad range of personalization options, but it should still be relatively simple to switch elements on the dashboard or incorporate your logo, for example. 2 Personalized Flexibility This user-friendly LMS trait ties into the idea that the term “user-friendly” is different for everyone. But an intuitive tool gives every member of your team that opportunity to carry out their job responsibilities on a single platform. It’s flexible and scalable. The features allow for a wide range of applications so that your admins, developers, and online learners get maximum benefit. 3 Reliability/Consistency Users should be able to rely on the system every time they log in, knowing that they won’t have to deal with time-consuming software glitches or any other IT hiccups. That also goes hand-in-hand with consistency. The LMS User Experience must be the same every time, regardless of where, when, or how they access the platform. For example, the navigation controls should still be simple and consistent on their mobile device. 4 Intuitive UI Design The User Interface is a crucial component of the LMS user experience. A user-friendly LMS features a UI that’s easy to master and user-centered. Every member of your team can access the functions or resources they need to achieve their goals instead of having to stumble through a dashboard that’s disorganized and cluttered with unnecessary graphics. Another important UI consideration is the layout and customization. Are you able to drag and drop various elements to suit your needs? For example, shift the placement of the “report management” tab for quicker access. 5 Easily Accessible Your back-end developers and front-end users shouldn’t have to deal with complicated log-ins to access the LMS platform. Likewise, they must be able to get the information they need or make the necessary content modifications quickly and convenient on any device or browser. A user-friendly LMS makes accessibility a high priority so that every member of your organization can concentrate on the online training content. 6 Aesthetically Pleasing The visual appeal of the platform also plays an important role in the LMS User Experience. User-friendly Learning Management Systems are free of clutter and feature a well-organized layout. Everything is where it should be to guarantee that admins, developers, and online learners alike can reach their LMS destination with ease without having to search the system for minutes on end, trying to find the analytics dashboard or relevant online training tools. 7 Streamlined Navigation The most user-friendly LMS platforms make it easy for developers and admins to carry on with their usual workflow without having to accommodate over-complex controls. Likewise, online learners have the ability to move through the course content with ease and fully immerse themselves in the online training experience. 8 Low Maintenance Upkeep is another important consideration when selecting a new Learning Management System. This applies to both content maintenance and software upgrades/updates that optimize functionality. An LMS platform that offers an optimal LMS User Experience must be low maintenance on both fronts. This way you can focus on the development end of things and monitoring online training effectiveness and employee performance instead of having to worry about data migration issues and constantly downloading manual updates or > 8 Low Maintenance (cont) add-ons. For instance, a user-friendly LMS doesn’t force you to convert all of your new online training materials into a different format. 9 Support Services Support services are often omitted from user-friendly LMS checklists. However, they have an impact on every aspect of the platform’s functionality. For example, you can quickly access online training tutorials and walkthroughs to use specific features. Thus, developers are able to tackle tech challenges in order to use the tool more effectively and create more engaging online training content. Community forums and vendor tech support are two other support options to consider. How Do You Evaluate The Usability Before Investing In An LMS? It would be impractical to simply purchase an LMS product without testing its usability, interface design, and accessibility. There are two helpful ways to support you evaluate the LMS tool beforehand. The first one is to research online reviews and ratings. The second is to take advantage of free trials or demos and put it to the test: run a simple usability testing with typical users (admins, instructors, learners) from your company. This also allows you to quickly diagnose problem areas that you can discuss with the LMS vendor. For example, a free trial reveals that the dashboard lacks certain functions you need to achieve your objectives. However, through talks with the LMS vendor, you learn that there are add-ons to expand the dashboard and scale it to your requirements. Keep this list on hand during the LMS selection process to determine which tool is best for your team. This is by no means an exhaustive list, as every organization must define what “user-friendly” LMS means for them. However, it’s a good starting point for those who want an intuitive tool that’s flexible and involves a low learning curve. 7 LMS Net Promoter Score: 5 Tips To Use LMS User Reviews/Rating To Find The Ideal System One of the best ways to determine if a tool is right for your organization is to gain insight from past users. In this article, I’ll share 5 tips to use LMS reviews and ratings to find the “ideal” Learning Management System, as well as discuss the importance of its LMS Net Promoter Score. What LMS Net Promoter Score Is And How To Use It To Find The Ideal System Finding an LMS that’s a perfect fit for your online training program is no easy feat. Especially when there are so many products on the market and you’re working with limited resources or a tight timeline. Fortunately, you can use others’ firsthand experiences to narrow down your choices and avoid buyer’s regret. Let’s look at how the LMS Net Promoter Score factors into the vetting process, followed by 5 tips on how to use LMS user reviews and ratings to find the best LMS. Understanding LMS Net Promoter Scores An LMS Net Promoter Score (NPS) is usually determined by a single question. Instead of a text-based response, users are asked to rate it on a numerical scale. Usually from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most favorable grade. For example, the respondent may be asked “how likely are you to refer this LMS to a colleague based on your overall LMS User Experience?” Their numbered response is then placed on a promoter spectrum: • Promoters: 9/10 scores. These users are likely to recommend the LMS to others and continue using the platform in the future. They often become loyal brand advocates. • Passives: 8/7 scores. Respondents who may use the tool again in the future, but aren’t necessarily ready to recommend it to colleagues. They typically found more pros than cons with the platform. However, their reaction isn’t strong enough to turn them into advocates. • Detractors: Scores that fall between 0-6. These individuals weren’t impressed by the tool or found major faults with the system and/or vendor. > (cont) The LMS Net Promoter Score is determined by first calculating the percentage of both promoters and detractors. The passives don’t fall into either category. However, they are still counted as participants. The final step is to subtract the detractors from promoters. This number is important to LMS buyers because it provides a clear overview of the overall satisfaction rating. LMS solutions with a high NPS are more likely to be a sound investment, given that they have a proven track record. But it’s also essential to consider the question that was asked of participants. For example, queries regarding tool recommendations or the LMS User Experience carry more weight than those that pertain to specific behaviors/emotions, such as asking whether the user was “happy with the support services”. 5 Tips To Use LMS Reviews To Find The “Ideal” Platform 1 Clarify Your LMS Needs Beforehand For platforms that have been around for some time, you’re bound to find numerous reviews and ratings from past/current users. Which means that you need to determine what’s important to your organization so that you can focus on relevant reviews. For example, ones that contain specific keywords that pertain to the LMS features/functions you require. 2 Pay Attention To LMS User Experience Scores The eLearning Industry’s LMS directory features three key performance overview ratings: usefulness, usability, and customer experience, as well as the percentage of likelihood to recommend. This gives you a more holistic view of what the platform has to offer and if it’s left a favorable impression on past users. Weigh the scores for each category against your own LMS requirements and business needs. For example, you need an LMS that ranks high on the usability scale, since your team is relatively inexperienced with learning technologies or you want to be able to deploy the platform quickly without having to overcome a steep learning curve. 3 Weigh The Pros And Cons Against Your LMS Selection Criteria Many rating/review systems give users the opportunity to share what they liked and disliked about the LMS platform. For example, the system featured amazing support services and reporting capabilities. However, it was a bit lacking in the customization or brand integration department. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses based on your specific LMS criteria so that you can find a solution that fulfills your business needs. 4 Consider The Reviewer’s Profile eLearning Industry’s LMS ratings/reviews are accompanied by the reviewer’s basic info. That includes the user’s industry, company size, level, focus (such as education or program management), and experience using the software (i.e. more than 1 year as a user and member of the deployment team). This gives you a complete picture of the reviewer and what they look for in an LMS. As an example, they are an HR manager who used the tool to manage their online training program and deploy compliance online training courses. Thus, their review/rating may be more relevant if you have similar LMS needs or expectations. 5 Look For Ratings Backed By Detailed Reviews People who feel particularly strong about a product are more likely to leave a detailed review. Either they had a positive experience with the software or were dissatisfied with the LMS User Experience or functions. Ratings that are backed by reviews give you more information about the benefits and drawbacks of ownership. A simple star rating or percentage is OK to start. But written, more deep thought and explanations by prior users can help you determine if the tool is right for YOUR online training needs and budget. LMS user ratings and reviews give you the unique opportunity to explore the pros and cons of the tool before making your final decision. Thus, you can cross under-performing platforms off your list, such as those that don’t align with your objectives. The eLearning Industry’s LMS directory features ratings and reviews for the top LMS platforms so that you can weigh your options. 8 8 LMS Usability Related Issues A New System Can Help You Overcome Is your current LMS creating confusion among your L&D team? Are your corporate learners able to access online training resources with ease, or does the LMS platform make them hop over tech hurdles? In this article, I’ll highlight 8 LMS usability related issues that a new system can help you overcome. LMS Usability Related Issues A New Platform Can Help You Resolve Learning Management Systems should be intuitive and easy to use. There’s already enough mystery surrounding these tech tools. Especially among inexperienced audiences who are unaware of what goes on behind the scenes.You don’t need to add even more ambiguity to the equation by implementing an LMS that is overly complex and requires vast IT knowledge. A tech-oriented LMS also hinders your eLearning team by making their professional lives more difficult. Below are 8 LMS usability issues that a new platform can help you resolve. 1 Confusing User Interface Design We’ve all had to deal with software that’s its own worst enemy. Every function seems to work against itself, thanks to the poor UI design.You try to access an item on the dashboard and cannot locate the icon, the link is broken, or realize that nothing is properly labeled. It’s confusing, to say the least. But a new platform that’s user-friendly can give you the power to quickly generate LMS reports, easily manage online training content, or access the quiz creator. Usable LMS platforms feature a streamlined design that’s intuitive and doesn’t require extensive training to master. 2 Glitches Or Bugs That Hinder Accessibility It seems like every click forces you to troubleshoot a glitch instead of bringing you one step closer to achieving your objectives.You want to spend your time developing memorable online training content, not stepping into the role of tech support. For example, helping online learners log into the system when their username or password suddenly doesn’t work. An LMS that ranks high on the usability design spectrum is free of major glitches or bugs that hinder accessibility. The vendors understand the importance of continually evaluating the system with users, checking for issues, and offering support when problem do arise. 3 Inability To Integrate The Platform With Third-Party Tools You have a full toolbox, but your LMS only works with a handful of other apps/software. It suffers from major compatibility issues. Thus, you need to work around them, purchase replacements, or invest in a new system that plays well with others. In some cases, you may find that your current tool also makes it challenging to migrate data, given that it doesn’t support the most common formats. 4 Mobile Learners Are Left In The Lurch Your on-the-go users can’t access the online training materials or receive the same benefits as PC/laptop learners. Usable Learning Management Systems are accessible on any device or browser. That includes mobile devices with slow internet connections or smaller screens. In any case, your new LMS should be responsive so that it automatically adjusts the layout to accommodate the user’s device and context. 5 Inflexible Features And Functions The Learning Management System may have all the features you need, but they have their limits. For example, the reporting capabilities are only able to track the most basic metrics, such as group performance or completion rates. However, different members of your team are unable to use it to track their respective goals or objectives. A system that ranks high on the LMS usability scale can offer you flexible features and functions that have multiple applications. A common symptom of an inflexible LMS is that certain groups or departments rave about the functionality, while others feel it’s lacking. This is due to the fact that some of your team members are able to benefit from the features that are designed specifically for their job duties or tasks, but simply aren’t robust or versatile enough to accommodate other L&D responsibilities. 6 Outdated Technology That Diminishes The LMS User Experience Your current LMS once ranked high on the list of popular platforms. All your colleagues gave it glowing recommendations and it sported the latest technology. But now that cutting-edge tech is outdated and, as a result, the LMS User Experience is compromised.You need a new LMS that not only meets all your requirements, but has a user-centered orientation. The technological infrastructure should allow you to overcome the most common IT challenges that plagued teams in the past because the LMS vendor places a high priority on forward-thinking technologies and trends that make the platform more effective. 7 Every Log-In Brings Something New (Not In A Good Way) One of the most common traits of a highly usable LMS is that it’s consistently intuitive. Every time you log into the system, you know that you’re going to get the same user experience.> 7 Every Log-In Brings Something New (Not In A Good Way) (cont) The same cannot be said for overly complicated systems with obstacle-ridden UIs. In this case, you know that every log-in is going to bring something new and time-consuming to resolve. Fortunately, a new usable LMS will always live up to expectations and not have any unwanted tech surprises in store. 8 New Or Inexperienced Users Have Trouble Mastering The Functions The hallmark of a usable LMS is that virtually anyone can use it from day one. It may require some video tutorials or demos to become familiar with the functions. But there’s still a low learning curve. If your new or inexperienced users have trouble navigating the LMS or accessing online training materials, this is a telltale sign that it’s time for a new system. An intuitive platform requires no prior experience or programming knowledge. Even those who aren’t tech-savvy are able to use the basic functions with minimal training. These 8 LMS usability obstacles have the potential to diminish the value of your online training program and increase employee turnover. However, you can overcome these notable challenges by investing in a new, user-friendly LMS. In fact, it’s best to create a list of cons that you’d like to remedy so that you know where to focus your LMS research efforts. 9 LMS Perceived Usefulness: 7 Ways The Right System Can Improve Work Performance And L&D ROI Do you need a new LMS that’s easy to use, feature-rich, and costeffective? In this article, I’ll explore 7 ways the right system can help you improve work performance and benefit your bottom line. LMS Perceived Usefulness: How The Right System Can Improve Work Performance And L&D ROI LMS perceived usefulness pertains to the impact the system has on a team member’s job performance or productivity. For example, how much your admins will benefit from the tool’s reporting features, given that it will help them track employee progress more efficiently. It is also one of the pillars of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which was introduced by Davis, Bagozzi, & Warshaw in 1989. According to TAM, LMS perceived usefulness encompasses both the attitude or pre-existing beliefs toward the software, as well as its intended use. Ease of use also plays into the perceptions that users have regarding the Learning Management System. Thus, it’s a crucial factor to consider when selecting a new LMS for your online training program. Here are 7 ways that the ideal LMS can improve work performance and your L&D ROI. 1 Employees Can Access Training Support Resources On Any Device Your employees should be able to get the online training materials they need whenever they need them. The right LMS gives them access to vital resources on any device or browser, thanks to responsive design features. Thus, they are able to improve work performance and focus on skill gaps whenever it’s most convenient. This also offers a better return on your investment, given that employees are more productive on the job and spend less time in formal training. This is particularly important for “moment of need” support resources that employees must be able to access on the job. 2 Streamlines The Design And Development Process By Enhancing Usability A crucial component of LMS perceived usefulness is how it will impact your L&D team’s workflow. A user-friendly LMS will improve work performance and allow your L&D team to develop and deploy > 2 Streamlines The Design And Development Process By Enhancing Usability (cont) online training courses more effectively. As a result, they can offer your employees continual support and create new online training resources that meet their evolving needs, rather than being forced to work with an LMS that requires a significant learning curve, or provides an inconsistent User Experience every time they log in to the platform. 3 Admins Can Monitor Employee Performance And Skill Gaps With Ease Reporting and analytics are a standout feature of Learning Management Systems, which gives admins the ability to track individual performance and the overall effectiveness of the online training program. The right system can help your HR managers and supervisors pinpoint areas for improvement, such as skill and knowledge gaps, then offer supplemental training tools to those who require further additional support. They can continually monitor performance through reports and data visualizations to verify employee’s progress. 4 Improves Employee Participation By Removing Navigation Roadblocks A high percentage of employees already dread online training because they perceive it to be tedious and time consuming. Not to mention, irrelevant to their personal goals and objectives. However, the ideal system can help boost participation by removing navigation roadblocks and personalizing the L&D process. They don’t have to worry about confusing controls or IT bugs preventing them from getting the information they require. Instead, they can just focus on improving their skills and building their knowledge. 5 Support Services Help Users Maximize The Features And Functions An LMS that’s worth the investment provides you with the ideal level of support so that you get the most from the platform. For example, the vendor offers phone support with experienced techs, or a forum where you can access online training tutorials and get tips from other users. Support services allow you to maximize the usability of the features and functions. Thereby, improving your ROI and enabling your team to use the tool for their respective job responsibilities. This enhances the felicity derived from the platform, thanks to the fact that users can discover new and improved applications for the software. For example, how to improve the role assignment functionality of the tool to create personalized training paths. 6 Reduces Employee Turnover Rates This benefit applies to both your front and back-end users. Admins and developers are more satisfied with the LMS because it helps rather than hinders their work process. They can simply log into the platform and take care of tasks without having to overcome accessibility issues or complicated dashboards that make it > 6 Reduces Employee Turnover Rates (cont) difficult for them to locate vital reports or training modules. Employees who participate in online training can quickly get the resources they need to be more confident in the workplace and improve work performance. This translates into higher employee retention rates, which means a decrease in new hire onboarding costs.You get to retain your top talent and keep cultivating their skills, instead of investing time and resources into finding replacements. 7 Allows Organizations To Gather Actionable Feedback With Intuitive LMS Reporting The perfect LMS for your organization gives your HR managers and admins the metrics they need to gather actionable insights. There are data visualizations to help them spot patterns and determine if there is an issue with the strategy or individual performance. They can also customize LMS reports and delivery methods to ensure that they have access to relevant analytics in a timely manner. In some cases, they might even be able to pin certain metrics to their dashboards in order to keep a close watch on gaps and training goals. Keep in mind that LMS perceived usefulness and real-world use are two entirely different things.You might perceive the tool to be intuitive and performance-boosting. However, you must test drive the platform to see if it achieves the desired results and delivers a good User Experience. References Davis, F. D., Bagozzi, R. P., and Warshaw, P. R. 1989. “User acceptance of computer technology: A comparison of two theoretical models.” Management Science, 35(8), 982-1003. 10 8 Tips To Improve LMS User Experience For Your Online Learners Do you want your online learners to embrace your new LMS and actively participate in the implementation process? In this article, I’ll share 8 tips to improve LMS User Experience and maximize online training benefits. How To Improve LMS User Experience For Your Online Learners Many LMS buyers automatically think of their admins and content developers in regard to the overall LMS User Experience. However, your online learners must also be able to use the tool to access vital online training materials, regardless of their experience level. This involves everything from the navigation controls and learner dashboards to the content delivery method. Let’s delve into 8 top tips that can help you improve LMS User Experience for every member of your geographically dispersed team. 1 Provide LMS Online Training Tutorials And User Support Resources Certain members of your team may need additional support to utilize the LMS effectively. Even those who are tech-savvy require online training tutorials and walkthroughs to refresh their memory. Especially if they’ve never used the LMS before or aren’t familiar with the information architecture. Provide them with ongoing support resources that show them how to navigate the platform and access the online training content.You might even consider more rudimentary walkthroughs for those who are new to online training. For instance, bite-sized online video demos that highlight the login process. 2 Test Their Tech Familiarity Your employees probably hail from different backgrounds and cultures. Their tech experience spans the entire spectrum. For this reason, you need to test their familiarity with learning technologies, not just the Learning Management System. Doing so allows you to create distinct user profiles so that you can customize the LMS User Experience for each subset of online learners without making anyone feel excluded or singled-out. As an example, employees who have never used an LMS may require basic controls and functions. Like a simplified dashboard that helps them wade into the eLearning waters until they gain more experience. > 2 Test Their Tech Familiarity (cont) Then they can move on to more advanced or interactive online training resources and activities that take them out of their tech comfort zone. 3 Incorporate Your Branding Elements Branding is a prerequisite if you are looking to improve LMS User Experience. Not only does it provide a cohesive and well-organized UX but also allows employees to take pride in ownership. Their company has gone the extra mile to incorporate branding and improve the aesthetics.You can also brand the LMS by department or user group to make it even more personalized. For instance, customer service employees get their own version of the platform that showcases all relevant online training resources in a centralized dashboard. 4 Gamify The LMS Experience Gamification is a great way to tie the LMS User Experience together with a common theme and improve employee motivation. Online learners have the opportunity to do several online training activities (e.g. unlock content, earn badges or move onto the next level etc.), which might motivate them to do their best and will improve LMS User Experience. It also connects all online training activities, modules, and courses through a gamified LMS infrastructure. For example, the entire LMS User Experience can be transformed into a retro game show, complete with lightning quiz rounds of a point-based reward system. 5 De-Clutter The Navigation Controls Employees simply don’t have time to deal with confusing navigation controls that create accessibility roadblocks. It’s wise to de-clutter your layout and use familiar icons and metaphors so that online learners can quickly get the information they need. Check for broken links and buttons that lack clear labels. Learners should know exactly how to access relevant materials without having to sift through countless pages of online training content. For this reason, you might consider an LMS with a built-in search function. 6 Make The Most Of User/Group Profiles Role assignments are often used for administrative LMS tasks, such as granting certain permissions to department heads or managers so that they can access their subordinates’ reports. However, you can also use this feature to improve LMS User Experience for online learners. Divide your corporate learners into groups based on their job duties, departments, or positions. Then assign separate learning paths or recommendations to each subset. Every employee is able to improve their performance and productivity > 6 Make The Most Of User/Group Profiles (cont) by focusing on their own gaps and objectives instead of having to peruse the entire course catalog to search for online training resources that pertain to their job description. 7 Ensure The System Is Multiplatform-Friendly Staff all across the globe should be able to enjoy the same LMS User Experience, no matter what device or browser they prefer. A multiplatform-friendly system allows you to deploy responsive online training that accommodates everyone’s needs, instead of creating navigation problems for mobile learners who want to benefit from moment of need support tools. An LMS that gives users the option to download online training content for offline viewing is another LMS User Experience tip. 8 Test With Online Learners, Collect Feedback And Ask For Recommendations Employees are in a unique position to tell you what works about the current system and what’s lacking. It is best to conduct LMS usability tests and gather their feedback and determine what a favorable LMS User Experience means for them. This is primarily based on their backgrounds, preferences and experience levels. You can also ask for recommendations regarding platforms they’ve used in the past and how they felt about the UX. Their input gives you a good indication of what they’re looking for in a tool and how to personalize the LMS experience. Your online learners already have a lot on their plate. Between balancing their work obligations and personal lives, the last thing they need is an LMS that makes online training more stressful. Thus, you need to choose a system that offers the best LMS User Experience so that every member of your staff stays fully engaged instead of dreading the next online course due to an overly complicated UI or challenging navigation controls. 11 7 LMS Accessibility Issues That Prompt Organizations To Replace Their Current Systems Finding a replacement Learning Management System can be a time-consuming and costly endeavor. However, there are some challenges that may justify the expense. In this article, I’ll highlight 7 LMS accessibility issues that prompt many organizations to replace their current systems. LMS Accessibility Issues That Signal It’s Time For A New System Business expenses can be difficult to approve, especially digital ones.You probably have to jump through flaming hoops to get upper management or stakeholders to agree to the purchase. But there are some obstacles that can support your business case. Namely, LMS accessibility issues that prevent your corporate learners and L&D staff from fulfilling their goals, such as getting the online training resources they need to improve on-the-job performance. Below are 7 LMS accessibility issues that signal it’s time to look for a replacement LMS. 1 Complicated Or Glitched Logins Without a well-designed login interface, trainees can’t access the LMS. If it’s clunky, glitchy, or hard to use, they won’t try the third time. Considering it may have been a challenge to convince your team to use the LMS, this setback can be a deal-breaker. Besides, a poor log-in structure leaves your LMS open to hackers. Ultimately, complex login processes deter your employees from accessing the platform and getting the information they need, which has a direct impact on your online training ROI. 2 Inability To Adjust User Settings Within an online training framework, users have different roles. A manager may require deeper content immersion than an intern, while an administrator might need back-end access that could potentially break the LMS if mangled by junior staff. Sensitive information also needs to be held back from unauthorized users. If your Learning Management System is unable to create these access divisions, it could have catastrophic results for data security. Another benefit of being able to adjust the user settings is that you can assign personalized learning paths or catalogs. > 2 Inability To Adjust User Settings (cont) As such, employees always have access to relevant online training resources that pertain to their job duties and goals. For example, the LMS enables you to create user groups based on department or position, then assign specific online training resources to help them build vital skills. 3 Confusing Navigation Controls Create An Accessibility Roadblock Trainees should have the ability to carve their own learning path. They can jump between online training modules, skip areas they’re familiar with, and get additional content when they need it. This way each trainee can tailor the online training course to their specific needs. It shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. However, confusing or inconsistent navigation and complex information architecture can stand in the way of employee growth. For example, they are unable to access support online training resources when they need them most, which has a direct impact on their performance. 4 No Built-In Communication Tools To Facilitate Knowledge Sharing Access to in-house expertise is a vital part of online training success. Trainees, online instructors, and a dministrative staff require the ability to share information across the board. They should have email access, chat functions, and self-testing modules, all tracked and monitored. Without effective communication channels, there’s no way to assess performance, offer feedback, or escalate issues within the LMS. These systems include virtual keyboards, notifications, and alerts. Access to built-in communication tools facilitates knowledge sharing and allows your team to get more from the online training experience. 5 Overly-Complex Data Migration, Modification, Or Integration The best type of LMS is one that can be customized in-house. This means your course development team can use the basic course framework to add relevant online training material. The LMS needs to offer them easy, intuitive tools for uploading files, creating documents, and enhancing data. Otherwise, they will have to outsource these tasks to the software developer, which costs extra time and money. Likewise, trainees may have to fill in forms or select multiple choices as they complete assignments. They might also need to interact with simulations. These data input scenarios need to be smooth and functional to minimize the drop-off rate. If they’re too hard to use or have too many errors, online learners will get frustrated, give up, and move on. 6 Lack Of LMS Support Resources That Enhance Accessibility There are various modes of LMS guidance. A trainee may need reference material from an appendix or additional lessons on a subject. > 6 Lack Of LMS Support Resources That Enhance Accessibility (cont) They might need technical assistance retrieving forgotten passwords or accidentally deleted assignments. They might want to offer direct feedback to a superior, or to the software developer. A good LMS needs a safe, efficient, discreet way for all this to happen. Options include chatbots, pop-up helpers, forums, contact forms, or help buttons. 7 Users Are Unable To Access The Platform On ANY Device This is the most common LMS accessibility issues that prompts organizations to switch to a new LMS. Especially those that are still using a Learning Management System that was introduced before the responsive design revolution. The LMS should grant EVERY user the same opportunities to access crucial online training materials. Even those who are using a mobile phone or tablet. A responsive LMS allows you to develop and deploy online training anytime, anywhere, as it automatically adjusts the master version of your online training content to fit the users’ screen size and resolution. Accessibility is arguably the most important feature of any LMS. If trainees can’t easily find, engage with, and consume the online training content they need, then the LMS is moot. If your system has problems with the log-in, then your cause is defeated before it can even begin. User settings should be customizable to maintain security and confidentiality. The Learning Management System should also allow branding and personalized learner journeys. It must be easy to input responses for assignments, and to receive alerts and notifications. eLearning content developers need easy ways to build and improve online training material. Above all, it must be effortless to seek and receive technical, navigational, or practical help from the software manufacturer. 12 7 Ways To Measure Your LMS Reliability To Check Whether It Fulfills Your Business Goals The right LMS can help you realize your business goals and retain your top talent. But a poor UX has the potential to hinder LMS implementation success. In this article, I’ll explore 7 ways to determine whether your LMS is delivering the best User Experience. Does Your LMS Fulfill Your Business Goals? How To Measure Your LMS Reliability Companies invest in Learning Management Systems to give their employees easy access to online training materials and improve workplace productivity. However, the ultimate goal is to transform their L&D program into a lean, mean goal-achievement machine. Every online training activity, module, and “moment of need” resource is intended to support the desired behaviors and outcomes. However, a system that falls short on usability and accessibility may be working against your company’s objectives. Not to mention, it’s bottom line. Here are 7 tips to measure your LMS reliability and UX to see if meets your team’s needs and fulfills your business goals. 1 Conduct Evaluation Workshops With Your Admins To Identify UX Sticking Points Throughout Their Workflow Chances are, your admins already know what they don’t like about the current LMS. Particularly regarding the usability, User Interface, and accessibility of the platform. They’ve worked with the system every day, which means they can give you the inside UX scoop.You can organize co-design and evaluation workshops to discover and highlight the sticking points in the LMS User Experience that tend to interrupt their workflow. Such as navigation issues that prevent them from viewing vital LMS reports or modifying online training content, or the fact that they can’t pin important functions to the dashboard for quick access. 2 Evaluate Learner Data To Identify Undisclosed Pain Points LMS reports give you the ability to track every step online learners make in order to identify undisclosed UX pain points and LMS reliability issues. For instance, employees take longer than expected to complete the health and safety compliance online training module.You could conduct surveys and observations through usability tests to reveal that the navigation controls are the root of the problem. Or maybe a complicated > 2 Evaluate Learner Data To Identify Undisclosed Pain Points (cont) UI that requires more advanced tech experience. As a result, the LMS reports helped you discover that the system is actually hindering employee engagement and knowledge retention, thereby preventing you from realizing your business goals and objectives. 3 Weigh LMS Metrics Against Sales Stats And Customer Satisfaction Ratings Business reports can help you shed light on UX issues, especially when you weigh them against LMS metrics. For example, your customer satisfaction stats have been steadily declining since you implemented the new online training program.You trace this back to low participation scores in the LMS among your customer service team. LMS user satisfaction surveys reveal that they are finding the UI difficult to use and have trouble with the navigation controls. This back-tracking approach allows you to determine which aspects of the User Experience are lacking based on business reports and other external KPIs. 4 Use Gamification To Identify Problems Related To UX Gamification isn’t just a fun and engaging way to improve employee motivation. It can also help you monitor the User Experience and gather valuable feedback. For example, you award your employees a badge every time they complete an online training activity. But your most recent LMS reports reveal that only a small percentage have achieved their sales training simulation badge. After a closer inspection, you learn that it’s not an issue with the content quality or real-world applicability. Instead, users are finding it difficult to access the simulation on their mobile devices, which boils down to the LMS User Experience. 5 Perform A Tree Testing To Check The Quality Of Information Architecture Tree testing is a usability technique for evaluating the findability of topics in the platform and LMS reliability. It is also known as “reverse card sorting” or “card-based classification”. Tree testing is performed on a simplified text version of the platform structure without the influence of navigation aids and visual design. After performing tree testing you can answer important questions, such as if certain labels make sense to your online learners and other types of LMS users, if the online training content is grouped logically, and if online learners can find the information they want easily and quickly. 6 Use Instruments Like SUS With Usability Testing It’s also wise to use validated data collection instruments e.g. standardized usability scales like System Usability Scale (SUS) after performing usability tests. The SUS helps you quantify the perceived User Experience and results are presented with a score between 1 and 100. It involves 10 easy questions that participants must answer using a 5-point scale, from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree”. Here are the authentic questions: • I think that I would like to use this system frequently. • I found the system unnecessarily complex. • I thought the system was easy to use. • I think that I would need the support of a technical person to be able to use this system. • I found the various functions in this system were well integrated. • I thought there was too much inconsistency in this system. • I would imagine that most people would learn to use this system very quickly. • I found the system very cumbersome to use. • I felt very confident using the system. • I needed to learn a lot of things before I could get going with this system. 7 Perform Expert-Based Reviews And Heuristic Evaluations An alternative way to identify LMS reliability and usability problems, and evaluate UX is to perform heuristic evaluation or UX expert reviews. A UX expert review is an analytic method by which one UX expert or multiple evaluators independently examine an interface against a set of principles and rules, called heuristics. Although this is NOT a substitute for doing a full usability test, it is still a quick and effective method to assess and evaluate LMS UX quality quite early in the development process and quite often without the involvement of real users. Does your current LMS pass the test, or is it time to look for a new system that can deliver a better User Experience? Finding a replacement can be a daunting task, especially since there are so many solutions to choose from. However, an online LMS directory is a great place to start your search. 13 8 Tips To Use An LMS Online Directory To Choose A User-Friendly LMS For Your Organization How do you find an online training system that benefits every member of your team AND your business’ bottom line? In this article, I’ll share 8 tips to use an LMS online directory to choose a user-friendly LMS for your organization. How To Use An LMS Online Directory To Choose A User-Friendly LMS For Your Organization Whether you’re looking for a replacement platform or finally making the switch from traditional training, finding the right LMS can be stressful.You know what your organization is looking for and how much you’re willing to spend. But where do you even begin the search for a well-designed and usable system that meets all your requirements? Here are 8 tips to use an LMS online directory to select a user-friendly LMS that has all the features you need. 1 Filter The Search Results By Use Case The quality of User Experience your new LMS offers greatly depends on the intended use. Why do you need the tool in the first place to achieve the desired outcomes? eLearning Industry’s directory allows you to filter your search by use case, including academic learning, employee training, extended enterprise, and customer training. As such, you’re able to narrow the results with a click to find a tool that aligns with your team’s talents and expertise. For example, a Learning Management System that offers all the features and functionality your staff needs to deploy effective “channel training” resources. 2 Identify Essential Features Your Team Needs To Achieve Their Objectives Take the search filtering a step further by selecting specific features that your developers, admins, and online learners require. For best results, gather feedback from your team beforehand to clarify their objectives. This allows you to narrow the directory listings based on relevant LMS selling points, ranging from gamification and report scheduling to certification expiration and self-registration. Another perk of this search filter is improved resource allocation. > 2 Identify Essential Features Your Team Needs To Achieve Their Objectives (cont) You can find a user-friendly LMS that only offers the features you need to achieve your business objectives instead of going over budget. Especially since each listing includes a detailed breakdown of all features and functions the tool has to offer. 3 Analyze User Reviews And Ratings Users who are already familiar with the tool can offer valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the system. Namely, whether it’s usable and offers a positive LMS User Experience. The reviews also feature a user profile, which allows you to determine whether the respondent’s needs are similar to your own. This includes their industry, company size, and primary focus. For example, a user who has the same level of LMS experience and intended use can offer greater insight, as opposed to a reviewer with a completely different use case. 4 Weigh Each Scoring Component Individually eLearning Industry’s directory features a built-in scoring system. This score is based on a variety of crucial factors, including system usability, perceived usefulness, and the Net Promoter Score (NPS). All these elements are factored into the total score, which is based on a weighted algorithm. The ratings/reviews also feature customer experience and “likelihood to recommend” scores. Take a closer look at each individual component to see how the system stacks up against your business needs. 5 Evaluate The UX Pros And Cons Of Each Platform Wouldn’t it be great if you could quickly evaluate the strong and weak suits of the system? Our LMS online directory gives reviewers the opportunity to share what they liked best and disliked most about the tool. Thus, you can conveniently view the pros and cons of each platform. Look for reviews that mention elements of the LMS UX, such as ease of use or accessibility. Then determine if the benefits are worth the investment or the drawbacks are a deal-breaker. For example, a user mentions that the Learning Management System is difficult to navigate for inexperienced users or the UI involves a steep learning curve. Thus, you may need to re-evaluate whether the tool is a good match for your team based on their skills and expertise. 6 Narrow Down The Choices By Spec Support To Avoid Compatibility Obstacles You don’t want to invest in a new LMS only to discover that it doesn’t mesh with your existing software. One of the perks of using an LMS online directory is that you get to size-up the specs before making your final decision. This ranges from support specs and platforms to deployment type.You can even quickly evaluate their support services to determine if the vendor offers the assistance you need to maximize functionality. For example, whether they provide an online FAQ and user community. 7 Compare The Top Tools’ Usability And UX Our LMS online directory offers an added perk, which is the ability to compare your top contenders’ features at a glance.You can compare up to 3 tools at once to see how they fared in 5 crucial areas: user satisfaction, performance review, pricing, overview, and features.You can also get a free quote from each vendor and visit their sites to learn more about their product. 8 Peruse The List Of The Top 20 LMS Solutions That Deliver The Best UX eLearning Industry’s online directory also features a top 20 list to help you choose the ideal system for your organization’s needs.You’ll find the 20 most intuitive, user-friendly LMS platforms on the market today. The rankings are based on key components of the overall LMS User Experience, including the system usability scale, perceived usefulness, and the Net Promoter Score. A free LMS online directory can help you save time when looking for a user-friendly LMS by quickly compiling a list of top candidates. The key is using all the filters, rating/reviews, and comparison checklists to your advantage.You can also use the directory to research an LMS platform you’re already considering to determine if it’s worth a test drive. 14 7 Ways To Evaluate The LMS User Interface During An LMS Demo Or Trial You’ve scheduled your LMS free trial or demo, but do you know how to ensure that the UI is user-friendly? In this article, I’ll share 6 tips evaluate the LMS User Interface during your LMS demo and avoid buyer’s regret. How To Evaluate The LMS User Interface During An LMS Demo Or Trial Free trials are essential before you invest in a new LMS. These demos are a great way to determine if the LMS suits your needs and offer a significant ROI. Having a well-planned evaluation saves you time in the selection process so that you can determine which solution offers the best UX. One of the crucial components of the overall LMS User Experience is the LMS User Interface. To get the most out of your LMS evaluation, you should know exactly what to look for in the UI design. Here are 6 ways to put your prospective platform to the test during an LMS demo or trial. 1 Identify Which Features & Functions Align With Training Objectives And User Needs For a successful LMS User Interface evaluation, you must know the features that suit your training needs best. What must the LMS you purchase have to warrant ease of use? Take some time to create a list of these essential features and functions. For instance, the capability to deliver online training in different languages improves LMS User Interface (UI). Also, write down what you need to see about these features during the free trial. During the LMS demo, have the vendor walk you through every important functionality that you need to know about. Where necessary, ask for typical user scenarios to enable you to get a good grasp of essential functionalities. 2 Involve Representatives From All Groups Have a team to debrief you on their expectations about an LMS and give them the chance to test drive the tool. This involves online learners, administrators, and eLearning content developers. Having a team helps you gauge if the LMS User Interface matches the skill sets and experience level of your users. It is important to note that too many people might confuse the process or give conflicting opinions. > 2 Involve Representatives From All Groups (cont) Therefore, involve a couple of representative users for each group that will be using the Learning Management System. Ideally, you should also invite people who have technical knowledge on how the software operates and fully understand the work processes involved. 3 Use Real Data And Typical User Tasks To Test Ease Of Use For Your Team Come up with authentic user tasks, use real data and upload online training content and user data. Check if the LMS allows easy integration of data and if it is compatible with other software. It should also be quick and easy to assign user roles. Testing these factors during the LMS demo allows you to select the LMS that accommodates their specific needs and skill sets. Conduct a mini usability testing session to see if there are any deal-breakers regarding the LMS User Interface. For example, your admins believe that the dashboard is overly complicated and they aren’t able to quickly access reports that pertain to business goals or training gaps. 4 Test The Support Services Offered To test support services, you need to know the level of support that your team requires. As a rule, the less experienced your team is, the more support they require. Some LMS vendors offer support at no extra cost. Others offer basic support like FAQ and charge a fee for advanced support. Which support services resonates with your budget best? Excellent support services improve your LMS UI by enhancing the functionality of the tool. Moreover, they offer your teams the opportunity to perform better in training. For example, if they encounter a navigation glitch or are unable to access certain functions on the dashboard, vendor support is essential. 5 Assess Customization Features Ask yourself if the LMS supports customization of online training content. Are the color schemes, designs, and fonts easy to modify? Does the LMS allow you to incorporate branding elements and customize dashboards? Answering these questions enables you to evaluate the LMS User Interface before sealing the deal. Also, determine if the LMS supports personalized training. For example, whether the LMS has a usable UI that is easily accessible and allows online learners to choose their own path. Brand integration is another crucial UI customization option to consider. 6 Develop A Sample Project Sample projects give you the opportunity to see how the LMS UI works in a practical environment. During this project, test out all the LMS features that you deem important. Examine how the LMS handles extreme tasks and then use the reporting capabilities to analyze the results. In doing so, you will be able to determine how the analytics stack up. 7 Consider ALL Levels Of Tech Experience It’s not just your tech-savvy design team who will use the LMS, but online learners who may be less experienced. Thus, it’s crucial to consider their needs, as well and invite them to try out the tool. Then solicit their feedback to determine if the platform is, in fact, usable for every member of your team. This can also help you determine if additional LMS resources are required. For example, less experienced staff members may be able to master the tool if there are online training tutorials or guides to show them how. When evaluating LMS User Interface during an LMS demo, it is important to do typical user tasks and then ask questions and follow up with vendors. Get your team involved in the LMS demo or trial, as they can offer you a more practical perspective of the tool’s functionality. Last, but not least, gauge the entire LMS User Experience that the platform has to offer so that you know what you’re getting into. That includes usability, accessibility, information architecture etc. 15 The LMS Compatibility Conundrum: 7 Tips To Choose A User-Friendly LMS That Fits Into Your Current eLearning Toolbox Millions of organizations are going digital for their online training and administrative needs. But can you find a new, user-friendly LMS that works seamlessly with what you already have? The LMS Compatibility Conundrum: How To Choose A User-Friendly LMS That Fits Into Your Current eLearning Toolbox Purchasing the latest and greatest software on a whim just isn’t good business. It may be faster, slimmer, and shinier, but it’s also an added expense. Sometimes, expenditure is relevant. Other times, getting tools that clash with what you already have will cost time and money.You have to onboard the new LMS software, and it might have glitches that cancel out your active eLearning toolbox. Before you make any purchase, you need to test it for efficacy, relevance, and compatibility with your current digital framework. Here are 7 tips to choose a user-friendly LMS that meshes with your current eLearning toolbox. 1 Start With Features Think about your LMS requirements in comparison with any eLearning and operational tools you’re already using. Can your current software be adjusted or tweaked to cover additional functions? You might even list the must-have features that you’re already utilizing. Armed with this shopping list, explore what’s on the market. Look for an LMS that offers everything you need, then see if they mention LMS compatibility with your current software. This will cut down your options immensely. It will require a transition, but if it reduces your overall cost, it’s worth a glance. 2 Ask Your Current LMS Provider Customer support isn’t just for glitches and billing. They can give you all kinds of helpful information, if you just know what to ask. Suppose you’ve noticed a feature is missing from your active CRM or automated billing software.You could ask them if they offer it elsewhere, or if they know a related product that does. By the same token, they can tell you if they know of any user-friendly LMS that works well with their > 2 Ask Your Current LMS Provider (cont) software. Many developers work on multiple products, so it’s possible their firm produces an LMS that is relevant to your organization. They may even customize it for you since they’re familiar with your requirements. Likewise, you can also ask the LMS vendors you’re considering whether their platform supports third-party tools you already own or even include it in your LMS request for proposal. 3 Check For Partner Software Your primary shopping spot for LMS is online. As you browse your target site, look for their affiliates and partners.You’re keeping an eye out for specific patterns. They should have testimonials from reliable companies. They might also have mentions, recommendations, or links to a product you’re already using. This is a clear sign that their tools can work together without countering each other’s functionality. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a package deal. It could offer preferential prices to users who already have your current tools. 4 Sign Up For Newsletters And Social Media Groups We often sign up for mailing lists and product updates without giving it much thought. But it can be an effective way of spotting key resources. Run through your corporate email, unsubscribing from any fluffy content. Then go on a deliberate hunt for relevant industry mailers.You can ask colleagues for recommendations. Being on the right lists will keep you up to date on new LMS and can even get you discounts. As an early adopter, you get a better price, or even a beta deal.You can also join social media groups and pages where you can find out about recent partnerships or ask other users their opinions regarding LMS compatibility. 5 Do A Test Run LMS sites have detailed descriptions of their tools and features. However, you won’t know how suitable it is until you try it out. Fortunately, many LMS products offer a free trial before you sign on. Some may require a credit card on file. The idea behind this model is to automatically bill you once the LMS trial is over. If you must provide your payment details, remember to cancel the trial if you choose not to buy. During the LMS free trial or demo, develop a sample project that requires commonly used tools. Invite your team to try out the system in a practical context. Then gather their feedback to see how well it meshed with existing software. If they encountered any LMS compatibility issues, bring them up with the vendor to see if they can be easily addressed. 6 Research Online Reviews And Ratings Online reviews and ratings from past/current users are a great way to vet the vendor and the LMS’s compatibility. Users can shed light on which tools they used with the system and if any replacements were required.You can also delve into the other aspects of the platform, such as how easy it is to migrate your data or the overall LMS User Experience. Don’t just stop at the Net Promoter Score or satisfaction rating, though. Be sure to read detailed reviews so that you get the complete picture and avoid buyer’s regret. 7 Use An Online Directory To Scope Out The Specs An online directory can help you determine if your tool of choice supports the desired delivery formats and complements your existing software. As an example, eLearning Industry’s LMS directory highlights the platform’s supported specifications (AICC, SCORM 1.2. etc.), browsers, and even use cases. Investing in a user-friendly LMS for your organization is a smart move. But it can be costly if you don’t do it right.You want your Learning Management System to blend in with the software you’re already using. Otherwise, it could end up being redundant, or worse, counter-productive. Start by listing the features you already have so that you don’t double up. Then talk to the software providers you’re already using. They can advise you on what works well with their product. Finally, take a free trial to see how it fits into your current set-up. 16 Top 7 Functions Every Usable LMS Should Have What’s the point of an LMS if no one gets any benefit from using it? If you’re buying a new LMS, how do you make sure it’s user-friendly for every member of the team? In this article, I’ll explore the 7 best functions that every intuitive LMS should have. What Are The 7 Top Functions Every Usable LMS Should Have There are countless factors you need to consider when purchasing a new LMS.You must satisfy multiple stakeholders: senior leaders, your L&D team, IT and online learners. It’s easy to get swamped, thinking about value for money and Return On Investment. Evaluating the features, though, doesn’t need to be so complicated. There are a few functions that are must-haves when you’re thinking about LMS User Experience and overall usability. Below are 7 top priorities for a new LMS so that you can keep everyone happy and fulfill your business goals. 1 Intuitive User Interface Your eLearning team will need to find the system easy to use. Designers will want to make sure they have all the necessary design elements at hand. This includes the ability to customize branding, graphics, and navigation. The team must also be able to easily access day-to-day reporting, using dashboard-style analytics. Individual learners should feel equally confident using the tool and access a personalized view of their performance and progress. A personal learning path, showing their learning goals, courses completed, and upcoming online training is a powerful motivator. A social element to online training is another important consideration, so your LMS should interact seamlessly with your existing social learning and collaboration tools. 2 Smooth Data Integration Since we’re on the subject of seamless interaction, it’s essential that your usable LMS works smoothly across existing organizational systems.You may need to integrate the LMS with talent management, compliance or HR tools. Make sure your LMS demo includes an element of integration to satisfy your HR colleagues. When in doubt, share your compatibility concerns with the LMS vendor to see if your existing software meshes with their system. 3 Effective Content Management Content management is the backbone of a well-designed, usable LMS.You must be able to create and manage online training resources without hesitation. It should be easy to organize online training resources into a meaningful learning path, as well as share them across courses or learning paths. Don’t forget easy data migration! Everything you have now is extremely valuable, so can you upload your existing online training resources smoothly and reliably? 4 Responsive Mobile Learning Support Essential for using the LMS across multiple platforms and devices, responsive LMS is the new norm. Make sure that your IT environment (mobile, desk and home-based) can display your LMS in exactly the same way. One of the major benefits of eLearning over classroom training is the ability to study anywhere, anytime. This can only happen if every element, from navigation to interactive functionality, works on any device. Don’t forget to check iOS vs Android, and Windows vs Mac! 5 Flexible Online Testing And Assessment Options Online testing and assessment are crucial when reporting against learning objectives. There are interesting, engaging and fun – yes, fun! – ways of testing that an online training course has been absorbed and understood. A usable LMS will allow you to report on online tests that have been completed as mini-quizzes, games and interactive comic-style click-throughs. These make the online learner retain the information in a unique way and are the cornerstone of a user-friendly LMS.You’ll want to make sure that compliance and skills-based online training courses come with the ability for online certification. Learners should be able to download and retain proof of completion for their personal development records. And compliance teams will need to be able to report on the completion rate for these types of online certifications at a moment’s notice. 6 Easy, Customizable And Accurate Reporting Tools The reporting capability of an LMS against your learning objectives is an essential function when selecting a tool. Reporting on completion of learning items, progress through learning paths and online assessment results should be easy and fast.Your LMS support team should be able to pull reports at an organization level, as and when needed. Individual learners should be able to follow their own progress and managers should be able to track their teams. 7 Role Assignments And Adjustable User Profiles The LMS should make it stress-free to define roles for your users and deliver targeted online training content based on their profiles.You must also be able to adjust those profiles with ease so that every member of your organization gets relevant online training resources. As an example, you divide your customer service staff into a separate group within the system and then assign goal-centered online training courses, activities, and resources. This function also allows you to ensure that only certain members of your team have access to sensitive data. For instance, only department heads are able to view employee reports and personal information. A well designed, usable LMS is something that’s easy to expect, but difficult to define. After all, there are multiple groups of LMS users and each has different requirements. The technical data integration capabilities are most important to some, whereas the look and feel are essential to others. A good LMS implementation will incorporate the views and expectations of all of these groups. The team then needs to focus in on the priority functions, those that ensure the system delivers the effectiveness targets. Framing this functionality in terms of ROI is the best way to ensure your stakeholders support your project. The right features that align with user needs and tasks will make sure the eLearning environment delivers value to online learners and HR teams alike. Want to know which LMS software ranks higher in User Experience? This Top 20 LMS list has been planned following a holistic approach based on input from actual users who are willing to share their experience with the LMS. The reviews have been verified one by one by eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/directory/software-categories/ learning-management-systems/best/user-experience Want a quick way to qualify LMS vendors in order to find the ones that better match your needs? Click the link below to qualify the Top 5 LMS Vendors and get an LMS Quote tailored to your needs in less than 3’. https://elearningindustry.com/lms-quote https://twitter.com/elearnindustry https://www.facebook.com/eLearningIndustry