Introduction:
A course that looks good is easier to learn. The visual structure plays a decisive role in determining whether learners can find their way around, absorb content, and stay motivated. In this article, we’ll show you how you can use a few rules to create clear, visually appealing courses with Lessonator.
Why is visual structure so important?
- It helps with orientation
- It reduces cognitive overload
- It increases motivation to learn
- It improves understanding
Design is what makes learning readable.
– Lena Richter, Instructional Designer
The most important design principles
| Principle | Meaning & implementation |
|---|---|
| Consistency | Recognizable elements: same colors, fonts, layouts |
| Use white space | Enough space between text, images, and interactions |
| Structure | Paragraphs, bullet points, clear hierarchies |
| Set focus | Highlight important information (e.g., bold, color, icon) |
| Readability | No walls of text, simple language, short sentences |
Visualization with Lessonator
With the Lessonator editor, you can design your content clearly—even without any design knowledge:
- Modular page types (text, image, video, quiz, info boxes)
- Simple drag-and-drop to rearrange
- Automatic responsive design (also works on mobile devices)
- Option to incorporate images, icons, and videos in a targeted manner
- Clear style without distractions, focus on learning content
Best practices
- Each page pursues only one goal or topic
- Use icons to promote recognition (e.g., “Note,” “Attention,” “Example”)
- Use colors sparingly and purposefully
- Use subheadings and progression (e.g., progress bars)
Test: How effective is your course?
Ask yourself after previewing:
- Can I grasp what it’s about at first glance?
- Is the text easy to read (contrast, size, line spacing)?
- Are there any visual elements that distract or confuse?
Conclusion
Visual design is not an end in itself—it is a crucial part of didactics. With a few simple principles and the intuitive features of Lessonator, you can turn your course into a learning experience that is not only strong in content but also visually compelling.