Student Perceptions of the Visual Design of Learning Management Systems - Volume 48 - Fall /Automne 2022

Oct 15, 2026

Research addresses how learning management system (LMS) interface visual design influences learning experiences, noting that evidence remains limited. This study uses a survey (N=46) to examine students’ perceptions of the visual design of postsecondary institutions’ LMS and how those perceptions relate to learning experiences. Students report well-organized course homepages, while LMS colors are viewed as moderately to very important yet do not directly enhance learning or memory. Positive visual perceptions align with higher satisfaction with grades, and expected end-of-term GPA shows a negative correlation with perceived color benefits.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages22

Reading Time55 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Background

Volume 48 (3) Fall /Automne 2022 Student Perceptions of the Visual Design of Learning Management Systems Perceptions des étudiants à l'égard de la conception visuelle des systèmes de gestionde l'apprentissage Brenda M. Stoesz, University of Manitoba, Canada Mehdi Niknam, University of Manitoba, Canada Abstract Research on the impact of the visual design of the user interface of learning management systems (LMS) on learning experience is sparse. The purpose of this study was to conduct a preliminary examination of students’ perceptions ofthe visual design of their postsecondary institutions’LMS and their learning experiences using survey methodology (N = 46) . Students generally agreed that the course homepages were well organized and that the LMS colours, while deemed moderately to very important, did not enhance learning or increase the ability to remember course content. However, more positive perceptions ofthe visual appearance ofthe LMS were associated with greater satisfaction with grades. Expected end of term grade point average was negatively correlated with the degree to which students perceived that colour enhanced their learning. Students reported a greater satisfaction with the contribution ofthe LMS to learning correlated to the number of school terms they had used an LMS, their LMS proficiency, and their perceptions about the visual appeal ofthe LMS design. Together, these results suggest that exploring the impact of LMS colour and other dimensions of visual design on student engagement and learning are important and have practical value for LMS developers, instructional designers, and instructors. Keywords: Colour ; Learning management system; Online education; Technology ; Visual design ; Visual perception Résumé Les recherches sur l'impact de la conception visuelle de l'interface utilisateur des systèmes degestion de l'apprentissage ( SGA) sur l'expérience d'apprentissage sont rares. Le but de cette étude étaitd'effectuer un examen préliminaire des perceptions des étudiants à l'égard de la conception visuelle du CJLT/RCAT Vol. 48 (3) SGA de leur établissement postsecondaire et de leurs expériences d'apprentissage à l'aide d'une technique d'enquête (N = 46) . Les étudiants ont généralement convenu que les pages d'accueil du cours étaient bien organisées et que les couleurs du SGA, bien que considérées comme modérément à trèsimportantes, n'amélioraient pas l'apprentissage ou n'augmentaient pas la capacité de se souvenir du contenu du cours. Cependant, des perceptions plus positives de l'aspect visuel du SGA ont été associées à une plus grande satisfaction à l'égard des notes. La moyenne pondérée cumulative prévue de fin de session était négativement corrélée avec la mesure dans laquelle les étudiants percevaient que la couleur améliorait leur apprentissage. Les étudiants ont déclaré être plus satisfaits de la contribution du SGA à l'apprentissage en corrélation avec le nombre de sessions universitaires qu'ils avaient utilisés un SGA, leur maîtrise du SGA et leurs perceptions de l'attrait visuel de la conception du SGA. Dans l’ensemble, ces résultats suggèrent que l'exploration de l'impact de la couleur du SGA et d'autres dimensions de la conception visuelle sur l'engagement et l'apprentissage des étudiants est importante eta une valeur pratique pour les développeurs de SGA, les concepteurs pédagogiques et les instructeurs. Mots-clés : Couleur ; Système de gestion de l'apprentissage ; Éducation en ligne ; Technologie ; Conception visuelle ; Perception visuelle Introduction Approximately 2,183,973 individuals were enrolled in courses at Canadian postsecondary institutions in the 2019-2020 academic year (Statistics Canada, 2022) . Before the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 30% of students were completing online courses (EduConsillium, 2015), but atthe height of the pandemic, 92% of students were taking at least one course online (Doreleyers & Knighton, 2020). Moreover, many courses with fac

FAQs

What was the study’s main purpose?

To examine students’ perceptions of the visual design of the LMS and how those perceptions relate to learning experiences, engagement, and achievement outcomes.

How many students participated in the survey?

The study used survey methodology with N=46 students.

What relationship did students report between LMS color and learning?

Students generally believed LMS colors were moderately to very important, but they did not enhance learning or increase the ability to remember course content.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Mafia Boss