LMS: Gated Content
Enhancements
Problem statements
Learners struggle to navigate the Audit track due to unclear content boundaries and inconsistent interface design.
Learners do not get timely messaging letting them know the benefits of upgrading to a verified course track.
Learners need new ways to be enticed to upgrade to the verified track.
How might we statements
How might we clarify the structure and navigation of the Audit track so learners can easily understand what content is available and how to access it confidently?
How might we deliver timely and context-aware upgrade messaging that highlights the benefits of the Verified track when learners are most receptive?
How might we make upgrading to the Verified track more appealing through incentives, personalized value propositions, or enhanced feature visibility?
MVP spoiler alert: Course home page
But please read below through my process to see how we came to this decision.
UX Workshop
Attendees
UX lead
Engineering
Product owner
Workshop results
Quick-win UI enhancements
Make iconography consistent across experience
Add banners with messaging to select pages with consistent placement
Add better upgrade button placement where gated content exists
Indicate which content is gated on the course outline and progress pages
Reimagined gated content strategies
Blurred or partial answer reveal for free users
Social proof or career impact messaging
Drip-fed content (time-based unlocking)
Upgrade-only discussion board participation
Points or gamification based unlocking
Designs
Lo-fi examples
Enhancements shown in purple.
Next steps
Continued audit experience research
Conduct interviews to show ideas for allowing users to engage with exams and assignments in a different ways
Survey for reactions and potential engagement to share course enrollment on social media
A/B test the addition of testimonials near gated content
A/B test the addition of course statistics around course enrollment numbers and enrollment goals
Survey for reactions and potential engagement for the ability to participate (view-only) in discussion boards
Test gamification for sequential badging for completing course sections
Constant feedback
Develop feedback widgets for new features and experience