Design Matters Blog

Recent Posts

Woman carrying boxes and surrounded by more boxes

Design Matters Digest: June Edition

Why should I conquer my course clutter?
Welcome to the 6th edition of Design Matters Digest, a monthly newsletter that explores various elements of online course design and the research that can help you design better Canvas courses.

Read More »
conceptual mindmap

Design Matters Digest: May Edition

Do my Canvas Courses Align with Learners’ Mental Model?
Welcome to the 5th edition of Design Matters Digest, a monthly newsletter that explores various elements of online course design and the research that can help you improve your Canvas courses. This month, we’re exploring the role of mental models in course design and their impact on successful, efficient learning.

Read More »
profile of a head with curly wires coming out of it

Design Matters Digest: April Edition

Are my Canvas Courses Causing Cognitive Overload?
Welcome to the Design Matters Digest, a monthly newsletter that explores various elements of online course design and the research that can help you improve your Canvas courses. This month, we’re looking at the limits of working memory and how course design can reduce cognitive overload.

Read More »
colorful makeup pallet

Design Matters Digest: March Edition

Is it More Than Just a Pretty Course?
colorful makeup pallet
Welcome to the Design Matters Digest, a monthly newsletter that explores various elements of online course design and the research that can help you improve your Canvas courses. This month, we’re diving into the impact of visual design on learner engagement in online courses.

Read More »
Computer screen with a labyrinth on it and lightening bolts coming out of it

Design Matters Digest: February Edition

What’s the risk of poorly organized courses?
Welcome to the second edition of our new Design Matters Digest – a monthly newsletter in which we’ll explore various elements of online course design and share research along with actions you can take to improve your Canvas courses. This month, we’re taking a look at the importance of well-organized courses and the impact poor course organization can have on learners.

Read More »
Young woman on side of road looking at large roadmap

Design Matters Digest: January Edition

How easy is it for your learners to navigate your online courses?
Welcome to the first edition of our new Design Matters Digest – a monthly newsletter in which we’ll explore various elements of online course design and share research along with actions you can take to improve your Canvas courses.

Read More »
Woman carrying boxes and surrounded by more boxes

Design Matters Digest: June Edition

Why should I conquer my course clutter?
Welcome to the 6th edition of Design Matters Digest, a monthly newsletter that explores various elements of online course design and the research that can help you design better Canvas courses.

Read More »
conceptual mindmap

Design Matters Digest: May Edition

Do my Canvas Courses Align with Learners’ Mental Model?
Welcome to the 5th edition of Design Matters Digest, a monthly newsletter that explores various elements of online course design and the research that can help you improve your Canvas courses. This month, we’re exploring the role of mental models in course design and their impact on successful, efficient learning.

Read More »
profile of a head with curly wires coming out of it

Design Matters Digest: April Edition

Are my Canvas Courses Causing Cognitive Overload?
Welcome to the Design Matters Digest, a monthly newsletter that explores various elements of online course design and the research that can help you improve your Canvas courses. This month, we’re looking at the limits of working memory and how course design can reduce cognitive overload.

Read More »
colorful makeup pallet

Design Matters Digest: March Edition

Is it More Than Just a Pretty Course?
colorful makeup pallet
Welcome to the Design Matters Digest, a monthly newsletter that explores various elements of online course design and the research that can help you improve your Canvas courses. This month, we’re diving into the impact of visual design on learner engagement in online courses.

Read More »
Computer screen with a labyrinth on it and lightening bolts coming out of it

Design Matters Digest: February Edition

What’s the risk of poorly organized courses?
Welcome to the second edition of our new Design Matters Digest – a monthly newsletter in which we’ll explore various elements of online course design and share research along with actions you can take to improve your Canvas courses. This month, we’re taking a look at the importance of well-organized courses and the impact poor course organization can have on learners.

Read More »
Young woman on side of road looking at large roadmap

Design Matters Digest: January Edition

How easy is it for your learners to navigate your online courses?
Welcome to the first edition of our new Design Matters Digest – a monthly newsletter in which we’ll explore various elements of online course design and share research along with actions you can take to improve your Canvas courses.

Read More »

Coming Events

May 18, 2026
  • Lincoln Legacy Teaching and Learning Community Conference 2026

    Dates: May 18, 2026 - May 19, 2026  

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