The art and science of design acknowledges the habits and actions of people. Effective images, video and text take into account the reasons people do what they do to ensure the viewer gets the right information and takes and takes away the right message.

You’re neither an instructional designer nor a graphic designer. In fact, you don’t have any formal background in designing educational materials and interfaces. But you are willing to create an eLearning course on your own. Making something useful and effective can be a little bit daunting especially for first-timers. Don’t worry. Here’s an indispensable guide to the basics of creating DIY topnotch courses:

Everyone needs a little more time in their day, but since no one has invented the 27-hour day or a way to be in two places at once, we simply have to get more creative with how to use the time we have.

We know that creating learning content that's clear and concise is a no-brainer. But creating content that influences, motivates, engages and compells is not often a simple task to accomplish. The good news is you don’t have to be an expert to craft effective eLearning content. You only have to understand the basics well and execute it.

Though cardio it's good for your heart and helps your weight, it isn't the only necessary activity your body needs when exercising. Some strength training is also key to tone your muscles. And of course, stretching at the beginning is a must. The same happens in eLearning, you need more than only just text in your courses. While it is important to provide learners with facts and numbers, learners also require adequate experience in practical application and connection to facts to retain information.

The psychologist Abraham Maslow was best known for his theory of the hierarchy of needs. Entrepreneurs, managers, marketers and psychologists have all benefited from Maslow’s theory. But eLearning professionals too can benefit from his pyramid-style guide to human behavior.

What reaction do you get when you announce a new eLearning course to employees? Do they stand up and cheer, excited for the learning opportunities and inspiration they will gain from the eLearning course you're offering? Or do they sigh, shoulders slumped as they slink away for yet another wasted day looking through slide after slide after slide?

Winning eLearning courses come in different types and packages, each of which perfectly suits the learner. All of them, however, share notable similarities—universal traits that explain why they are effective and what makes them better than the average. Below is a quick list of traits you definitely should consider for your next project.