Coursera Core Learning Experience
The Core Learning Experience for Better Engagement
Understanding the Core Experience Challenges
1.UX Challenge
The video lecture page, Coursera’s most-used feature, had become cluttered over time.
Excessive elements created distractions.
Suboptimal responsiveness affected usability.
Learners struggled to stay focused and engaged.
2. Scalability Challenge
The outdated design made it difficult to introduce new AI-driven and interactive features.
The rigid structure hindered flexibility.
Adding innovations required a complete redesign.
3. Product Strategy Alignment
Learning-Focused & Scalable UX is one of the Three Pillars of Coursera’s Innovative Learning Platform Strategy.
Streamline the experience for better engagement.
Build a flexible foundation for future enhancements.
Ensure seamless integration of new AI-powered tools.
Who Are Our Target Users?
How Users Engage with Video Lectures
Key Insights from User Behavior
Video Engagement → 99% click to start, no scrolling needed. Bring the video up.
Navigation Patterns → Left nav used within modules, breadcrumbs mainly for home (37%).
Reduce Friction → Expand/collapse actions common (61%), remove low-use elements (Search, Profile <1%).
Optimize Layout → 76% prefer wide aspect ratio, fullscreen used for content-heavy lectures (11%).
Notes & Highlights → Notes panel rarely used (<1%), highlights see 4% engagement.
Defining the Goal
Redesign the video lecture page to create a distraction-free experience that improves learner engagement and seamlessly integrates future features.
Key Focus Areas:
✔ Enhanced Focus: Reduce clutter and distractions to help learners stay engaged.
✔ Improved Usability: Optimize responsiveness and navigation for a seamless experience.
✔ Future-Ready Design: Build a scalable foundation that supports AI-driven and interactive features.
This goal directly aligns with Coursera’s Learning-Focused & Scalable UX strategy, ensuring the video experience evolves with user needs and technological advancements.
Design Process & Iteration
Prioritized key features based on usage and grouped them logically.
Defined target screen resolutions for optimal support.
Restructured page grids to align with selected breakpoints.
Built prototypes & collaborated with the development team for feasibility.
Created high-fidelity mockups for design reviews.
Prioritized key features based on usage and grouped them logically.
Navigation
Course Home 21%
Week Home 16%
Other Lecture 40%
Next Lecture 21%
Previous Lecture 7%
Learning Tools & Resources
Highlight Transcript 4%
Download Files 5%
Video Player
Play / Pause 56%
Fullscreen 11%
Other
Learner Help Center 16%
Defined target screen resolutions for optimal support.
Restructured page grids to align with selected breakpoints.
Optimized Visibility: Video Player Now Front and Center
Created high-fidelity mockups for design reviews.
Outcome & Impact
Enhanced Video Learning Experience
→ Delivered a responsive, distraction-free video lecture page.
Flexible Viewing Options
→ Empowered users with adaptable content viewing based on their preferences.
Future-Ready Foundation
→ Established a scalable framework for ongoing improvements and new features.
Insights from the Design Process
The Power of Qualitative Data
→ User feedback provides invaluable insights for shaping effective design solutions.
Reevaluating the Obvious
→ What feels obvious today may need reassessment as user expectations evolve.
Designing for Change
→ Features must continuously adapt to meet shifting user behaviors and needs.
User Feedback as a Guiding Force
→ Ongoing feedback is essential for refining and maintaining design relevance.
The Impact of Cross-Functional Collaboration
→ Strong partnerships between design and engineering drive innovation and seamless execution.