7 Unexpected Design Elements That Can Enhance Your eLearning Course Branding
People need to know who stands behind the eLearning course. eLearning course branding lends credibility and establishes a sense of trust. It also helps to enhance your image, if you offer high-quality deliverables that meet learners’ expectations. But are there other ways to leave your mark than simply including your company logo? Here are 7 unexpected design elements that can help you enhance your eLearning course branding.
1. Creative And Legible Typography
There’s a fine line between creative and over the top. Unique fonts may align with your image, but they have to be legible to achieve the desired results. Pick typography that reflects your messaging and the overall tone you want to convey, then conduct some user testing. Can your online learners read the eLearning content, or do the elaborate fonts stand in the way? Another thing to keep in mind is that creative typography must be used sparingly. Stick with traditional fonts for the body text, and more innovative fonts for the headers. Peruse your eLearning authoring tool library to see which fonts they have to offer or download some brand-centric fonts online.
2. Color Scheme That Ties Into Your Logo
Simply modifying the color palette can help you tie everything together and enhance eLearning course branding. Learning the fundamentals on how to create a logo will give you the necessary guidelines on how to keep consistency with other branding elements. The key is selecting colors that mesh with your logo and keeping it simple. You don’t need to use every shade featured in your logo. Instead, pick the most prominent colors and make them the focal point. Use image editing software to obtain an exact color match so that they don’t clash. Then incorporate them into your fonts, borders, and graphics. Do a test run with the chosen colors to see if they compliment each other, paying close attention to contrast. Some shades pair well, while others overshadow. If you are still learning graphic design and branding, it can help to participate in a logo contest to hone your skills and get feedback from real companies.
3. Images Of The Workplace
Incorporate photographs of the workplace or cartoons that depict your facility. You can also shine the spotlight on top performers who serve as an example for their co-workers. This is an ideal branding strategy for corporate eLearning courses, as staff members can better relate to the content when it contains realistic imagery such as pictures of their workstations or the sales floor. Of course, you should obtain written permission from employees who are featured in your eLearning course. Another option is royalty free image sites that have more generic photos. You can always customize them if the license allows.
4. Thematic Templates
Create an eLearning course layout that showcases your branding elements and puts your best foot forward, then save it as a template for later use. This saves you the time and trouble of recreating the visual design for all future eLearning courses. As a matter of fact, many eLearning authoring tools have built-in templates that you’re able to customize. For example, add your logo, change the color scheme, and adjust the font types. Or you can create one from scratch if none of the library options suits your needs. Remember to leave plenty of space for online training activities, assessments, and more involved subject matters. Use placeholders to ensure that you have enough room to accommodate the eLearning content.
5. Organizational Anecdotes Or Real-World Examples
Include anecdotes, stories, and real-world examples from past employees or reflect on a situation that you encountered on the job. This is a subtler branding element, but it still conveys your messaging and identity, thereby enhancing eLearning course branding. Add references to your company’s history or work practices. There is a caveat to this branding technique, however. Don’t get too personal when weaving your eLearning tale. The story should help online learners relate to the online training experience and tie it into real-world applications. But they mustn’t feel uncomfortable about the level of personal details you include. For instance, avoid recounting emotions or underlying motivations that diminish the professionalism of the piece.
6. Branded Demo Videos
Produce demo videos that include your logo, colors, and images of the work environment, in the case of corporate eLearning. Once again, you can enlist the aid of employees to act out the scenes or create animated clips that show viewers how it’s done. Include links to supplemental online training resources they may find useful. The secret to successfully branding your demo video is effective blending. Embed the logo into the top corner so that it doesn’t become a distraction and feature the company tagline or website URL in the background, such as on a sign hanging on the wall behind the actors. These videos may go viral, and you want potential online learners to be able to find your eLearning site with ease, thereby increasing your eLearning course sales.
7. Custom-Tailored Infographics
Infographics are another golden marketing opportunity for eLearning companies. There is a high likelihood that online learners will share a carefully crafted eLearning infographic with their social network. However, they also increase the value of your eLearning course and build your brand image. Include all the branding puzzle pieces to blend it with your existing eLearning course design. For example, include your logo, company contact info and borders that feature your color palette, as well as images from your organization’s archives.
These branding techniques are relatively simple and straightforward, but they have the power to leave a lasting impression on your audience. In most cases, you can just make minor adjustments to your existing eLearning course layout to reflect your brand. It won’t put you over budget or force you to miss crucial delivery deadlines. And you can enhance your eLearning course branding while ensuring eLearning course consistency.
You might have great eLearning content, but is it being overshadowed by outdated eLearning templates? Read the article 6 Tips To Refresh Outdated eLearning Templates On A Budget to discover some interesting ways to upgrade your outdated eLearning templates without breaking the bank.
