Designing simplicity: usability perspectives on Learning Management Systems

This paper presents an experimental Learning Management System (LMS). The usability aspect of its functions serves as the main focus of this system because the potential for usability problems seems to be especially severe in LMSs, due to their ability to implement complex features and intricate interactions. In order to establish a more efficient e-learning environment, an LMS should have intuitive interfaces and clear information design, allowing learners to concentrate on learning and instructors on learning strategies. The proposed LMS includes all the important functions of delivering learning material, tracking learning activities and managing community tasks, yet by following recent usability techniques it manages to hide all this complexity. Moreover, providing a comprehensive idea of content organization and management along with a simple navigation tool, it allows learners to focus on their learning activities without excessive hassle and instructors, especially those unfamiliar with Information Technologies, to profitably exploit their learning resources.