App Design Trends in EdTech: Onix's Pro Tips

This article focuses on the latest education app design trends. We will provide tips that aren't just about making things look nice – they're about creating experiences that users love, bringing them back for more, and propelling your edtech app to success.

 

Consider this: A well-designed educational app doesn't just grab users' attention. It also retains them. But if an app is a mess, navigating through it can be a nightmare, and users may abandon it altogether.

 

That's why ensuring the design is spot-on is crucial for keeping users engaged and encouraging return visits.

 

In this article, we 

 

• explore the relationship between aesthetics and functionality. 
• navigate through the intricacies of designing educational apps.
• beyond surface-level appeal, we uncover the core principles and app design trends in EdTech.

An example of Onix team work: a language learning app design

 

Key highlights:

 

• Mobile learning is projected to reach $274.82 Billion by 2031.

 

• It's crucial to carefully design your mobile learning app. Why? Because it's what keeps users engaged, returning, and satisfied. Happy users are more likely to stay loyal and spread the word, leading to increased adoption.

 

• $1 invested in UX design brings an ROI of approx $100.

 

• Investing in skilled design specialists ensures that your edtech app not only looks great but also functions seamlessly, making learning a breeze for users.

EdTech App Design Trends: Tips From Onix's Designers

Did you know users typically spend about 5.5 to 6.7 minutes per app session? That's valuable time for them to engage with your products and services!

 

To help you keep users coming back for more, we consulted with our designers for some education app design trends and tips on designing a learning mobile app.

 

Here's what they came up with:

 

Design for the right audience and age

Educational apps are handy learning tools accessible to people of all ages across four distinct generations: baby boomers, generation X, millennials, and Generation Z. Each generation has its own unique perspectives, attitudes, and values.

 

This diversity poses an interesting challenge for designers – how to design an educational app that speaks to certain users.

 

To demonstrate the importance of appropriately targeting the age group, let's take a closer look at Khan Academy Kids, an app tailored for children aged 2 to 8.

 

When creating this app, Khan Academy teamed up with experts from Stanford Graduate School of Education and children's book authors to ensure it was both educational and fun.

 

What makes this app's interface work so well? Well, it's all about bright, engaging visuals and simple navigation. The colorful illustrations grab kids' attention and make it easy for little ones to find their way around.

Those cute animal characters? They're just right for young kids and help guide them through the app. There's even a character on almost every page, ready to help if kids get stuck or need a little encouragement. It's like having a buddy to explore with, making learning feel more like play.

 

Note: And let's not overlook those with learning disabilities. Learning disabilities affect 14% of public school students. It's up to the UX designer to ensure the app is accessible to all users, regardless of their learning abilities.

 

When designing a learning app, ensure that every little detail, from how it looks to what it does, is perfectly suited to the people you're targeting.

 

Here are some key steps that the Onix specialists take to ensure the educational app design is tailored for the appropriate audience:

 

• Conduct thorough audience research. We understand the demographics, preferences, and needs of our target audience, including age groups and accessibility requirements.

 

• Create user personas. Our experts develop detailed profiles representing different segments of our target audience, considering age, educational background, technological proficiency, and any accessibility needs.

 

• Customize content and features. We adapt the app's content, language, and features to cater to the specific age groups within our target audience.

 

• Design intuitive navigation. Our designers ensure the app's interface is easy to navigate for users of all ages and abilities. We use clear labels, simple menus, and intuitive gestures to enhance usability.

 

• Stay informed about accessibility guidelines. We keep up-to-date with accessibility standards and guidelines to ensure compliance and inclusivity in our app design.

 

Design with the slogan "Less is more"

While websites can handle lots of features, mobile apps have less space. That's where Hick's Law kicks in – too many options can confuse users. So, sticking to the essentials to make navigation a breeze and keep things user-friendly is always an app design trend in EdTech. 

 

According to studies, over 75% of Baby Boomers prefer easy-to-understand UI designs, while about 78% of Millennials are attracted to minimalist UI designs.

 

So, when designing eLearning apps, less is often more. This means focusing on what's really important without overwhelming learners with too much text or flashy visuals.

 

Here are some tips on how we design a learning mobile app with a minimalist approach:

 

• Focus on essential content 

We prioritize the most important information and features to include in the app, keeping it streamlined and clutter-free.

 

• Simplify navigation

Our team designs intuitive and straightforward navigation paths to help users easily find and access the content they need without unnecessary complexity.

 

• Use clean and uncluttered layouts

We opt for simple and spacious layouts with ample white space to avoid overwhelming users with too much information or visual clutter.

 

• Limit color palette

Our specialists stick to a minimal color palette with subdued tones to create a cohesive and harmonious visual experience that is easy on the eyes.

 

• Reduce visual elements

We minimize the use of decorative elements and unnecessary visual effects to maintain a clean and minimalist aesthetic.

 

• Prioritize functionality

Our designers focus on functionality and usability, ensuring that every feature and interaction serves a clear purpose and adds value to the learning experience.

 

Here's an example of our work:

We created an app for learning IT courses with a minimalistic design to keep the user's focus on studying. Bright colors highlight achievements, encouraging users not only to learn but also to compete with others for the top spot, making it feel like a game.

Minimalistic design for learning IT courses made by Onix

 

Say hello to conversational design

With all the great AI stuff happening lately, it's no wonder conversational design is one of the hottest education app UI & UX design trends. 

 

Basically, it's like having a friendly helper inside your learning app, ready to chat with you whenever you need help or have a question.

 

Imagine you're using a language learning app, and instead of just tapping buttons and scrolling through lessons, you can actually talk to it. You might ask, "How do I say 'hello' in Spanish?" and the app's AI assistant would instantly respond with the answer, maybe even giving you some tips on pronunciation.

 

Conversational design isn't just about making apps more fun. It's also incredibly helpful. Let's say you're studying for a test and get stuck on a tricky math problem.

 

Instead of banging your head against the screen, you can ask your app for help. The AI assistant might walk you through the problem step by step, making it easier to understand.

 

Moreover, AI assistants are designed to be friendly and approachable. They might crack a joke or ask how your day is going, making studying feel less like a chore and more like hanging out with a friend.

 

Let's take Duolingo Max as an example. Its feature gives language learners detailed explanations for their practice or test answers, just like you'd get from a real tutor.

 

But that's not all! You can also practice your language skills by chatting with AI characters. Imagine you're in a virtual Parisian café, ordering drinks from a barista. Each character has their own personality and story, making the whole experience feel like a real adventure.

 

Tiny lessons, big impact

Yes, we talk about pocket-sized education or microlearning. 

 

Do you know how studying for hours on end can sometimes feel overwhelming? Microlearning fixes that by giving learners short, focused lessons they can tackle in just a few minutes.

 

Basically, microlearning is about breaking down big topics into bite-sized chunks that are easier to digest. 

Example of microlearning made by the Onix's designers

 

With microlearning, learners can squeeze in a quick lesson while they're waiting for the bus or during a coffee break. It's super convenient and fits into even the busiest schedules. 

 

Microlearning is surely the best education app designs trend.

 

But here's the best part: because the lessons are short and focused, they're easier to remember. Instead of trying to cram a ton of information into the brain all at once, learners can absorb it little by little, which actually helps them retain more of what they learn.

 

Read also: How AR/VR Technologies Impact eLearning Effectiveness

 

"Play to learn" approach or gamify an educational experience

Remember those educational apps that feel more like games? They're a hit for a reason. When apps use game elements, like challenges and rewards, learning becomes super interactive and fun. They give you that extra push to stay motivated and dive deep into your studies.

 

Here's how it works: instead of just reading boring textbooks or listening to lectures, you can play games. These games are designed to teach you stuff while you're having fun.

 

Take language learning apps, for example. Instead of memorizing vocabulary lists, you might play a game where you match words to pictures or race against the clock to translate sentences. It's way more fun than staring at many words on a page.

 

An example of gamification made by Onix

 

 

Games are all about challenges, right? Well, educational apps are no different. They'll throw increasingly difficult tasks at you as you progress, keeping you on your toes and pushing you to improve.

 

Here are some ideas to make your educational app more fun and engaging:

 

• Points and scores. Reward users with points or scores for completing tasks, answering questions correctly, or reaching milestones within the app.

 

• Levels and progression. Divide content or activities into levels, allowing users to progress through increasingly challenging tasks as they advance in their learning journey.

Levels indicators made by the Onix team

 

• Badges and achievements. Award virtual badges or achievements to users for accomplishing specific goals or demonstrating mastery of certain skills.

Example of achievements page made by Onix

 

• Leaderboards. Create leaderboards to display users' scores or achievements, fostering competition and motivation among learners.

Leaderboards page made by Onix

 

• Challenges and quests. Introduce challenges or quests that users can complete to earn rewards or unlock new content within the app.

 

• Avatars and customization. Allow users to create and customize their avatars, providing a personalized experience and a sense of ownership.

 

• Virtual currency. Implement a virtual currency system that users can earn and spend within the app to unlock premium features, purchase virtual items, or customize their experience.

 

• Progress tracking. Provide visual progress indicators or dashboards that allow users to track their learning progress over time, motivating them to continue their efforts.

 

• Time limits and challenges. Introduce time-limited challenges or quizzes to add an element of urgency and excitement to learning activities, encouraging users to stay focused and motivated.

 

Add social elements and feel the power of the community

Imagine being able to chat with your classmates, share study tips, and collaborate on projects all within the same app. Social features can provide this functionality.

 

Social features can also help learners stay motivated and accountable. They can compete with friends on quizzes, join study groups to stay on track and celebrate each other's successes.

 

And let's not forget about the power of peer-to-peer learning. With social features, you can easily connect with others who are working on the same assignments or struggling with the same concepts, making learning a collaborative experience.

 

Here are some common social features we add when designing educational apps for our clients:

 

• Chat and messaging. Users communicate with each other within the app.

 

• Discussion forums or walls. Learners can post questions, share ideas, and converse with peers and instructors.

Social wall made by Onix

 

• Study groups. Users collaborate on assignments, discuss course materials, and support each other's learning.

 

• Following and friending. Students can follow or friend each other within the app, allowing them to stay connected and easily find and interact with their peers.

 

• Likes and comments. Users can like or comment on posts, resources, or contributions made by other users, fostering engagement and interaction.

 

• Virtual events. Virtual events such as webinars, workshops, or study sessions where users can participate, interact, and learn from each other in real time.

 

 

Onix team Design Approach in Edtech

Onix has years of experience designing and building online learning apps, eLearning platforms, corporate training, mobile learning, and VR/AR solutions.

 

Let's take a closer look at some real-life examples to see our skills in action:

 

ChinEasy 

 

 

About the project: The mobile app provides children with a highly engaging and effective learning method, making the daunting journey of learning Mandarin Chinese fun and enthralling, akin to an adventure.

 

The key solutions Onix's designers offered:

 

• Development of brand identity for a language learning service, including designing four animated characters representing different aspects of learning Chinese.

«The Fantastic Four» characters made by Onix's designers

 

• Design of motion graphics for the app to enhance engagement and interaction.

 

• Implementation of emotional color coding to convey characters' emotions and create a cheerful atmosphere.

Emotional color coding made by Onix

 

• Balancing aesthetics and functionality in the app interfaces to enhance user experience.

 

• Creating a gamified learning environment within the app to make language learning more exciting and engaging.

 

You may also be interested: eLearning Software Development: Success Story

 

4D Insight Interactive Simulator

 

 

About the project: A safety-related online training simulator for personnel at entertainment, sports, and cultural events.

 

Here are the main solutions offered by the designers at Onix:

 

• Transitioning from low-fidelity Balsamiq wireframes to high-fidelity Figma prototypes during the discovery stage.

 

• Creating a clean and minimalistic visual style for the 4D training simulation app featuring three primary colors.

 

• Developing simple interfaces and straightforward navigation to aid instructors in focusing on their tasks and trainees in accessing information quickly.

 

• Optimizing the app's design for mobile devices to enhance trainees' convenience.

 

• Allowing administrators to customize interfaces for instructors and trainees with corporate branding elements like logos and color schemes.

 

 

To Conclude

In this article, we discussed the best ways to design educational apps and keep up with the latest education mobile app design trends.

 

From minimalism to gamification and social features, it's clear that thoughtful design can make apps more engaging and user-friendly and ensure they meet learners' diverse needs, significantly enhancing the learning experience

 

However, achieving this level of sophistication and effectiveness requires experience and expertise. This is where the Onix team can help.

 

Do you have questions? Need advice? Ready to create a design for an education mobile app?

 

All you need to do: 

Get in touch with us here!

 

FAQ

 

How much does it cost to create a UI/UX design for a learning app?

The cost of creating a UI/UX design for a learning app can vary significantly based on several factors, including the app's complexity, the level of customization required, the team experience, and the project scope. 

 

Here is an example of the breakdown:

 

• Discovery and research phase: $1,000 - $5,000

Market research, user personas, competitive analysis.

 

• Wireframing and prototyping: $2,000 - $8,000

Creating wireframes and interactive prototypes.

 

• UI Design: $3,000 - $15,000

High-fidelity screens, custom elements, animations.

 

• User testing and iterations: $2,000 - $5,000

Testing with users, gathering feedback, and making revisions.

 

Still, conducting a detailed analysis of the specific project requirements is essential for a more accurate estimation.

 

What are the key considerations when designing an educational app?

When designing an educational app, key considerations include:

 

• Target audience. Cater to the specific age group and learning styles of your users.
• User experience. Ensure intuitive navigation, minimalistic design, and instant feedback mechanisms.
• User interface. Use engaging visuals, readable typography, and subtle animations.
• Content quality. Provide relevant, accurate, and interactive content personalized to user progress.
• Gamification. Incorporate rewards, badges, and levels to motivate and engage users.
• Social features. Facilitate collaboration and sharing among users.
• Accessibility. Design inclusively to accommodate users with disabilities.

 

How can I ensure that my educational app is engaging for users?

To ensure your educational app is engaging for users, consider implementing the following strategies:

 

• Interactive content. Incorporate quizzes, videos, and interactive lessons that actively involve users in learning.
• Gamification. Introduce elements like rewards, badges, leaderboards, and levels to motivate and keep users interested.
• Personalization. Adapt content to suit individual learning paths and progress, making each user's experience more relevant and effective.
• Engaging visuals and audio. Use high-quality images, animations, and sound effects to make the learning experience more dynamic and immersive.
• User-friendly design. The app should focus on intuitive navigation and a visually appealing user interface to make it easy and enjoyable to use.
• Community features. Enable social interactions, discussions, and collaboration among users to build a sense of community and support.

 

How can Onix help in developing an educational app from scratch?

Here's how we can help:

 

• User research and analysis. We delve into understanding your target audience's needs and behaviors.
• Information architecture. We organize content for easy navigation and user comprehension.
• Wireframing. We develop and refine design concepts to meet your goals and user needs.
• Visual design. We create visually appealing interfaces that align with your brand identity.
• Responsive design. We optimize designs for seamless experiences across all devices.
• Interaction design (prototyping). We create engaging experiences to drive user engagement and conversions.
• Design systems. We develop efficient and consistent design systems for scalability.
• Accessibility. We ensure your product is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.