UI Interactions
In my eLearning courses, user interface (UI) interactions like tabs and hovers are crucial tools for effective instructional design (ID). They are used not merely for aesthetics, but strategically to enhance user experience, manage information flow, and support specific learning objectives. Tab interactions are a cornerstone of effective content organization in e-learning. They function as micro-navigation systems within a single screen. Tabs break up large, dense blocks of information into smaller, digestible chunks. This prevents the learner from feeling overwhelmed, improving focus. By requiring a click, tabs encourage a conscious choice from the learner about which topic to explore next, shifting the experience from passive reading to active exploration. They allow the designer to place a large amount of related, equally important content on a single screen without endless scrolling. Tabs are excellent for comparing related concepts side-by-side without needing separate pages.
Hover interactions typically involve showing temporary, supplementary information when the cursor passes over a specific element. Hovers provide immediate definitions, supplementary examples, or clarification exactly when the learner needs it, without interrupting the main learning flow. Because they don't require navigating away or closing a modal window, hovers keep the learner focused on the main content while resolving minor points of confusion. They allow instructional designers to include technical jargon or supplementary statistics without distracting learners who already understand the concepts. In graphics or diagrams, hovers (often implemented as hotspots) let the learner explore specific parts of an image (e.g., hovering over components of an engine diagram) on their own terms.
Both tabs and hovers are essential for crafting modern, engaging, and efficient e-learning experiences. Tabs organize primary content and manage cognitive load, while hovers provide contextual, low-friction support and definitions. A skilled instructional designer uses these tools strategically to ensure the learner interacts meaningfully with the content, resulting in better comprehension and retention.
