To answer your questions...

Aren't W3C Web Accessibility Standards enough?

Yes and no, when it comes to an LMS and audience is less defined by user than say and ecommerce, blog or portfolio website. An LMS needs to support everyone in very focussed and sometimes stressful situations, therefore greater accessibility considerations need to be applied to users and learners who use such a system.

Why an LMS?

There are many LMS's out there, and not all of them follow a standard that support a good learning experience. It's all too common for an LMS to have multiple stakeholders during the design stage and overuse features that, in isolation are helpful, but end up dominating a screen real-estate, with visual elements used as ornamentation harming the learning. We believe an LMS should be designed as a utility to support education and not promote decoration.

Should all LMS's have the same visual style?

No, by using the design principles detailed here, greater consideration and innovation can be made when designing and building an LMS. The visual style of an LMS is often dictated by company branding, how an LMS looks and feels are two fundamental aspects of design, both require careful attention.

Shouldn't all websites and apps use this design system?

No and maybe yes! Not all websites require a deep focussed state or need to hold a person's attention for extended length of time. Many websites require a visitor to be drawn to key actions by strong visual stimuli or undertake an experience that cannot adhere to a visual accessibility for learning. However, all sites should always use established user accessibility standards.

Are neurotypical people considered?

Yes, although the focus on this system relies on requirements need to support non-neurotypical learners, this LMS design system benefits everyone. In fact the principles outlined consider three types of overarching disability.

  • Permanent disabilities - blindness, physical, not neurotypical
  • Temporary disability - broken arm, feeling unwell, broken/ faulty device
  • Situational disability - a busy or loud location, poor bandwidth, holding a baby

Updated: 22 January 2023