Appearance (Create 1.1.3)

 Who hasn't heard the aphorism "You can't judge a book by its cover"?  Growing up, we've all been taught that appearance doesn't matter, that it is content that's important, that what's underneath is what counts.  To an extent, this idea is true.  Surely we should not evaluate people or works or objects solely on appearance.  But it's false to suggest that appearance doesn't bear some importance, especially when it comes to websites and other types of visual media. The appearance of a site is the user's first impression of the site, and if that site is too noisy, too cluttered with junk and ads and music that plays without the user electing to play music, then the user is much more likely to have difficulty navigating the site.

When online educators are selecting platforms through which to deliver content and host synchronous sessions, they must consider the appearance of the site in addition to the features available.  A site with a clean interface, softer colors, and a more pleasing aesthetic overall will likely be much more navigable.  Take the two screenshots, for example, from CK12 and Cool Math Games.

The CK12 site (top) is clean and uncluttered.  The user can easily figure out how to navigate the site because the buttons are prominently placed.  The design is aesthetically pleasing and inviting.

The Cool Math Games site (bottom), in contrast, is hard on the eyes, cluttered, busy, and full of ads.  While the content available through the site may be quality, the design is distracting to the user.  The colors are garish and the site would be difficult to look at for any extended period of time.

While we want to strive for simplicity in web design, we need to avoid creating a site that is overly simplistic.  It's the job of the educator and designer to toe the line between creating a site that is boring and providing one that features mixed media that will appeal to the user.  A site devoid of any variety of media may seem dull to the student. 

For examples of sites that have a clean, interesting approach, check out:

• Open Study
• Canvas
• Mountain Heights Academy
• BigBlueButton

For examples of what not to do when designing content for online learning, check out:

• Evangel Cathedral
• Arngren
• Chili's Brinker Nation
• First Baptist School 

Of course the content is the most important part of a website, but if the site has an ugly or obnoxious appearance, or it it does not appeal to its audience, delivering that content effectively will be difficult.