Adaptive design
Adaptive design means building e-Learning that adjusts automatically to any screen, browser and device. Learn what it has to handle, why it matters for frontline teams, and what tends to break.
What is adaptive design?
Adaptive design means building eLearning so that it adjusts automatically to the screen it is opened on. The same module renders correctly on a desktop monitor, a laptop, a tablet in a meeting room and a phone held in one hand on a factory floor, without anyone building a separate version for each.
The words adaptive and responsive are often used side by side and, in everyday practice, interchangeably. The promise underneath both is the same: the learner gets a layout that fits their device, rather than a desktop layout shrunk down until the text is unreadable.
What it has to handle
- Screen size: from a wide monitor down to a phone held vertically.
- Orientation: a tablet turned sideways halfway through a module.
- Input: a mouse and keyboard in one place, a thumb on glass in another.
- Browser: whatever happens to be installed on the device, which you rarely control.
- Text length: a translated sentence that runs far longer than the original.
Why it matters more than it sounds
The people who most need training are often the least likely to be sitting at a desk. Field engineers, drivers, shop staff, production operators and external contractors reach training on a phone, in a break, on whatever device they happen to carry. If a module only behaves properly on a laptop, those are exactly the people you lose.
There is a quieter reason too, and it is translation. A sentence that fits neatly in English can run noticeably longer in German or Dutch. Without a layout that adjusts, longer translated text overflows its container, buttons shift, and a module that looked finished in one language arrives broken in another.
What tends to break
The usual failures are predictable. Fixed width containers that force horizontal scrolling. Text set in fixed pixels, so it stays tiny on a small screen. Interactions that assume a mouse, such as precise hover or fine drag and drop, which become awkward or impossible on touch. And images with text baked into them, which cannot reflow and cannot be translated.
How to avoid the problem
The reliable answer is not to solve this module by module. If every author has to think about breakpoints, some will and some will not, and your library turns inconsistent. Build the behaviour into the templates instead, so that adapting to the screen is the default rather than a task someone has to remember.
That is how FLOWSPARKS handles it: modules are fully responsive across devices and browsers by default, and longer translated text adjusts to fit the screen automatically, with no broken layouts and no extra work.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between adaptive and responsive design?
In everyday practice they are used interchangeably, and both mean the layout fits the device. Strictly, responsive design flows continuously to any width, while adaptive design switches between a set of fixed layouts.
Why does translation break eLearning layouts?
A sentence that fits in English often runs longer in German or Dutch. Without a layout that adjusts, the extra text overflows its container and buttons shift, so a module that looked finished in one language arrives broken in another.
Does eLearning need to work on phones?
For most organizations, yes. The people who need training most, such as field teams, drivers and production staff, are the least likely to be at a desk, and a phone is often the only device they have to hand.
.avif)
Are you looking to step up your digital training efforts inside your organization?
Schedule a demo and discover how FLOWSPARKS helps create and deliver engaging e-Learning experiences backed by strong instructional design principles in multiple languages without a hassle.
More interesting reads
.avif)
FLOWSPARKS Integrates with Google Cloud Translate API
After our announcement of the new feature with DeepL API, we are proud to present the integration with Google Cloud Translate API. This allows our clients to translate their e-Learning to 135 languages with the click of a button. The ‘translation by online service option’ enables our clients to manage and translations processes to save time and cut costs.
3 Examples on How to Improve Compliance Training and Processes
Compliance is an integral part of most organizations. Think of the Code of Conduct, cyber security, or ethics. Often, most employees are not enthusiastic about reading long documents with legal language, but it just simply must be done. How do you ensure that compliance training is not just a box-ticking exercise, but that the participants actually learn something from it? And are there even ways you can make compliance more fun?
Automatic Translations of Your e-Learnings in FLOWSPARKS
Are you just starting to create digital learning content or are you a seasoned professional? In any case you need to think about rolling out your course to your target audience. If you are using an authoring tool that is not integrated into your Learning Management System (LMS) or HR system, it means you must integrate your content on the platform your users have access to. Read this blog and find out how.
What are the advantages of E-Learning?
More and more companies are offering online learning (e-Learning) to their employees. If your organization wants to remain flexible and efficient, it's a good idea to take a closer look at the advantages of e-Learning. Read more about it in this blog.
4 Examples on How to Improve Safety Training and Processes
Many organizations have to deal with security measures at different terrains and locations. Not only for their own employees, but also for external parties, visitors or contractors. A good way to make everyone aware of the applicable measures is a (short) safety training course. But how do you do this? Continue reading for examples and get new ideas.
Are You Looking for a Knowledge Management Solution?
With knowledge management, you organize information or knowledge. A simple description, but that does not mean it is easy to put into practice. There is a great deal of knowledge floating around in an organization. With knowledge management, you ensure that supply and demand for information come together. Read this blog for tips and tricks.
Integrate Your Learning Management Systems and HR Systems
Are you just starting to create digital learning content or are you a seasoned professional? In any case you need to think about rolling out your course to your target audience. If you are using an authoring tool that is not integrated into your Learning Management System (LMS) or HR system, it means you must integrate your content on the platform your users have access to. Read this blog and find out how.
All about LTI
Regarding e-Learning standards for communication there are several acronyms that are well known and some that are less known. Chief Customer Success Officer Christophe takes the time to discuss an e-Learning standard that he feels is less known but should be THE standard: LTI.
3 Tasks on How to Improve Your Learning and Development
Let’s start with the bigger picture. Organizations invest in infrastructure, technology, and new business opportunities. However, it’s shown that investing in staff might just be the thing that gives your organization the edge. That’s the area where the challenges of the Learning & Development department lie. Continue reading for more learning and development insights.
Why Employee Training Is Important
There are organizations that simply offer training because they have to. Think of training for compliance, hygiene, or privacy guidelines. If organizations want to take it one step further, they also offer training giving employees the chance to develop themselves, give confidence and keep them satisfied. Read about more benefits and tips in this blog.