Bits of Psychology - Ego and Learning

Kevin Rose, founder of Digg, shares some of his research and insights in this video 9 Ways to Take Your Site from One to One Million Users.

The first point he makes is about Ego. He hits the nail on the head when he asks us to consider whether what we offer does anything to increase users' self-worth. There is much research to support this. This is good business practice and has much to do with user uptake of any offering. I think we should keep this in mind when we develop learning resources or any programme in which learner participation is crucial. In order to develop engaging and effective learning, we need to connect with learners and cultivate learning dispositions. He examines the Twitter story and why Followers work and how simple rewards and perks can make all the difference. Definitely worth thinking about in this world where the locus of control in education and training is now shifting and learning is a social activity. You can read a little bit more about psychology and understanding the people you design for here, How to Understand Your Users with Personas.

Adobe Tools

This is a good site for you if you're interested in learning something about web design tools from Adobe.

Design, Illustration and Photography

Ever heard of Moleskines? You can find out more at this site!

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Designing for Usability

Not everyone knows what an Instructional Designer does. I am often asked to clarify. People rarely guess it's anything to do with learning or even E-learning. I also often trip on the word 'instructional'. So now, I've started using the term E-learning Architect. Sounds much better, and at least they know it's about E-learning! Of course, Learning Designer sums it all up rather nicely as well. Content specialist is rather drab. It is a lot more than just content! Then what about Learner Experience Enhancer? Or Learner Journey Coordinator? Or simply Learning Analyst? But it's more than just analysis, it's also about translating that analysis into a real experience.

Well, call it what we will, the design of instruction on the web must always be based on a thorough understanding of learner psychology, and web usability. It's also about layout, graphics, interactivity, navigation and above all, learner engagement. At the end of it all, the experience must add to or change the learner in some way. Rule number one: Understand your audience and their changing needs.

To learn more about design, usability and the user experience visit these links that offer resources and good insights into user testing of Websites:


http://www.big.uk.com/knowledgebase/research/web_user_testing.htm

http://www.gotomedia.com/resources_olia.html

You'll also get some great insights on communicating design, the pathos and ethos of design and richness from Uday Gajendar at:

http://www.boxesandarrows.com/view/what-does-rich-mean