Revolutionizing E-Learning: South West College's Innovative Website Design

Donna Strain's Award-Winning Design Brings Modernity and Ease of Use to Education

Strain's inspiration for the design was to create a site that offered information on available courses in a clear, easy-to-understand, and searchable way. The goal was to increase visitor engagement and ease of use. To achieve this, Strain implemented a flat interface, characterized by data presented in grids, extensive use of white space, and solid color palettes. The result was a minimalistic website with content that is easy to scan and process.

The unique properties of this design lie in its modernization of an outdated and complex site. The new design appeals not only to local students but also enhances interaction with the business community and international students. The site is designed to be applicable for all users, with a non-confusing interface and fast access to course searching, making it a unique offering in the e-learning space.

Strain utilized a grid layout to present content in a clear, easily navigable format, adhering to best practice web usability guidelines. The largest innovation was the use of a Kentico system, allowing for an e-commerce style course search and filtering, significantly improving the user experience.

The design project began on 7th August 2013 and finished on 21st August 2013 in Omagh. The project is ongoing, with future plans for the site including live-streamed classes, online assignments, and a LinkedIn-style CV profile section for students. This ongoing development showcases the adaptability and forward-thinking nature of the design.

One of the main challenges Strain faced was simplifying the site and producing a course search that presented information in a clear and consistent format that was easy to navigate. Despite tight timescales, the project was successfully completed in time for GCSE Results day, demonstrating the efficiency and dedication of the design team.

Strain's design for South West College's e-learning website is a testament to the power of good design in enhancing user experience and accessibility. The award-winning design has not only modernized the college's online presence but also set a new standard for e-learning websites.