Tips for choosing an e-learning design agency
E-learning designers are responsible for developing educational content and technology in line with established practices for creating high-quality, effective content. Organisations that apply e-learning content have a few well-established options for the design of e-learning content.
These organizations can:
Partner with Online Program Managers.
Engage the services of service providers like TheLearningLab.
Work with a higher education design agency.
Create an in-house team of developers and designers
More than knowing the e-learning design service providers, it is important that organizations know how to choose the right e-learning design agency or service provider.
Here are the top tips for choosing e-learning design agencies.
1) Quality of e-learning content
The quality of e-learning content that a design agency creates is a clear tip to look out for when choosing a service provider.
To evaluate the quality of content that a design agency creates, ask questions such as the consistency of content branding, unique content, thoughtful solution, and audio and video content quality and professionalism.
By evaluating the quality of e-learning content, an organization can choose a design agency that creates compelling, authentic, and meaningful content.
2) Design portfolio
The e-learning design portfolio of a design agency is an important tool for understanding the agency's style. This is because design styles vary significantly, and organizations tend to specialize in different styles. The portfolio of a design agency is also an indication of its skill sets and whether the organization has the required skills for the project in mind. For example, educational institutions will focus on video production, graphic design, and instructional design.
For corporate organizations, the focus will be on aspects such as integrating CMS and other tools and systems.
3) Flexibility
The flexibility of a design agency will determine whether it is suitable for a long-term project or a one-off project. For example, universities just starting online degree programs will be interested in long-term contractors that can manage their platforms and carry out other similar activities.
Corporate organizations looking to create online courses for specific purposes will be looking for e-learning design agencies for one-off projects.
The focus in such a case will be factors such as developing high-quality courses with next-gen integration.
4) Innovation
It is important to look out for innovation when searching for an e-learning design agency.
This is because organizations that follow the highest and most recent industry standards are particularly equipped to build custom solutions. Indications of innovation include creating appealing content relatable to the target audience, a willingness to take risks, and industry recognition.
5) Team
E-learning design agencies work closely with clients. This is why we recommend researching the team before engaging the services of an e-learning design agency.
Research the team to understand how they work and how working with them will be.
6) Reviews
Apart from researching the team, going through reviews also gives insight into the quality of service and e-learning design agency. Going through reviews will also help to understand whether working with the agency is the right decision.
Checking out the reviews of team members on LinkedIn will also give insights into the possible experience with the team and the entire organization.
7) Customers
The customers of an e-learning design agency help to decide whether it is suitable for the project. Check out the agency's customers, whether they are in your field or have courses similar to what you want.
Checking out the customers gives important insights into the suitability of an e-learning design agency for a particular project.