As an online course creator, you want your content to reach more learners, engage deeply, and deliver real transformation.
According to a study by Jordan (2015), completion rates in online courses exhibit considerable variation, ranging from a low of 0.7% to a high of 52.1%. The median completion rate observed during the research was 12.6%.
But let’s be real: many courses lose people along the way.
- Some learners get distracted.
- Others feel left out.
- And some never even start.
Let’s talk about the game-changer: Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
UDL is not just another academic buzzword — it’s the secret sauce that top educators and platforms use to create content that works for more people.
In this post, I will break down UDL in simple terms and show you how to apply it when designing your next course or program.
Your learners will thank you. Your sales will show it.
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What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?
UDL framework was developed by CAST based on extensive research and years of implementation. UDL aims to develop successful and inclusive learning experiences for learners of all levels, abilities, and backgrounds.
Think of UDL as a design framework that makes learning flexible and inclusive — right from the start.
Just like a building with ramps and wide doors welcomes everyone (not just people with disabilities), a UDL-based course is built to support different:
- Learning styles
- Abilities
- Backgrounds
- Attention spans
At its core, UDL seeks to offer:
- Multiple ways to Engage (motivate learners)
- Multiple ways to Represent content (deliver information)
- Multiple ways to let learners Act & Express (show their knowledge)
UDL is anchored on 3 key Pillars
- Engagement — The Why of Learning
What to do
- Give learners choices by letting them pick topics, tools, or case studies.
- Keep things relevant by connecting your course to real-world goals.
- Use challenges, games, or community to spark motivation.
Representation — The What of Learning
What to do
- Use videos, text, audio, and visuals together.
- Provide captions, transcripts, and image descriptions.
- Simplify complex ideas with stories, diagrams, or real-life examples.
Action & Expression — The How of Learning
What to do
- Allow learners to submit text, video, voice notes, or creative projects.
- Use interactive quizzes, polls, or reflections.
- Encourage learners to apply what they learn in diverse ways.
Why course creators like you should care about UDL
- More engagement which results to higher completion rates
- Inclusive design ensures you reach more audience.
- Practical structure will promote satisfaction leading to more testimonials and fewer refunds.
UDL makes your course stickier, stronger, and more profitable.
Quick ways to add UDL to your next course
- Offer audio + video + PDF formats
- Provide examples from different industries (so it clicks for more people)
- Add reflection prompts and let learners respond in the format they prefer
- Break content into short, clear chunks
- Use quizzes with instant feedback
Ready to Elevate? Make UDL Your Superpower
At ElevateHub, we teach course creators how to build digital products that are not only beautiful — but effective and inclusive.
When you use UDL, you’re not just creating content…You are creating impact.
You are opening doors for learners who might have been left out elsewhere.
Will your next course be another generic product? Or will it be an elevated learning experience powered by UDL?
Check out our blog post that introduces ADDIE as a key model in course development.
Follow elevatehub on LinkedIn for more insights.
Be on the lookout for our upcoming free course creation workshop where we will dive deeper into the practical aspects of creating an impactful course that sells.