Redesigning the User Interface of the InterLearning Software - Graphic Design Meets Computer Science

In this paper we present the redesign of the user interface of the InterLearning software. InterLearning is an in-house developed e-learning software that has been in use for the last 3 years at our College. The software was developed by a team of computer scientists. InterLearning has been evaluated by both students and faculty since its development, in terms of the functionality that it offers. It has subsequently been enhanced based on the feedback of the users. The software has only started to be used by some Design faculty and students this year. Our experience from its use within this Department has revealed the need for redesigning its interface. Both students and faculty have expressed some negative views with regards to the screen layouts, menus, icons, colours, textual representations and fonts used. Based on this feedback, we have redesigned the interface taking also into consideration feedback obtained during the redesign stages from some Design faculty members and Design students. This paper presents the results of the evaluation of the existing interface by faculty members and students and describes the new interface designed by a team of Graphic Designers based on the feedback obtained.