Canvas UX Course Evaluation

Improving LMS Engagement Through UX & Learning Strategy

A comprehensive review of course design and assessment flow inside Canvas for WGU’s UX curriculum. Combined A/B testing with instructional design to improve accessibility, visual clarity, and learning pathways.

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Role

UX Evaluator, Instructional Designer, Subject Matter Expert

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Tools

Canvas LMS, A/B Testing, Figma, Storyline 360

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Timeline

6 Weeks

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Client

Western Governors University

The Challenge

While Western Governors University offered a robust Canvas-based UX curriculum, students reported inconsistencies in module design, unclear navigation paths, and low engagement with course assessments. Accessibility gaps and visual overload further hindered learner confidence and flow. The instructional design team sought UX and content strategy support to improve the course experience without disrupting existing infrastructure.

Project Goals

  • Streamline learning pathways across modules and assessments
  • Apply accessibility and UX best practices to improve clarity and navigation
  • Use A/B testing to validate design and content improvements
  • Ensure alignment between instructional objectives and learner needs

The Process

Audit & Heuristic Review: Conducted a full review of the Canvas UX design course using usability heuristics and instructional quality markers. Noted redundancies, unclear page hierarchy, and inconsistent assessment instructions.
User Feedback Analysis: Synthesized student feedback and survey data to identify high-friction moments during module transitions and quiz experiences. Mapped pain points to course layout structure.
A/B Testing: Piloted new versions of module pages using A/B testing in Canvas. Compared engagement and completion rates between baseline and redesigned versions.
Accessibility Updates: Applied WCAG guidelines to visuals, text hierarchy, and interactions. Ensured screen-reader compatibility and color contrast across modules.
Instructional Flow Redesign: Aligned updated UX with learning objectives. Streamlined modules into clearer sequences, restructured assessment introductions, and added visual signposts to guide learners.

Results & Outcomes

The redesign led to measurable improvements in usability, engagement, and instructional clarity—validated through student feedback and Canvas analytics.

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+27% Quiz Completion

Higher completion after UI simplification and clarified instructions

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Better Navigation

Students reported easier wayfinding across modules and assessments

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WCAG Compliance

Improved contrast, headings, and screen-reader support for inclusivity