Designing E-Learning Slides with Asymmetrical Layouts #482

One of the simplest ways to design e-learning slides is by using a symmetrical grid. Symmetrical grids create a balanced layout, making design easier since they follow clear constraints. Here's an example of a simple grid-based layout:

Symmetrical Layout

On the other hand, asymmetrical designs can feel more challenging because they seem to break those rules.

But you’re not really breaking the rules as much as you’re just breaking the grid. Even in an asymmetrical layout, you need to consider your focal point.

Asymmetrical Layout

When you’re working with asymmetrical layouts, here’s a good question to ask yourself:

What’s the focal point of my slide, and how do I keep things balanced, even if they’re not all perfectly lined up with the grid?

Asymmetrical layouts are all about creating balance without everything having to match up.

Some common characteristics of asymmetrical layouts:

• Uneven visual elements
• Engaging compositions

• Varied sizes, colors, and shapes

• Balance through visual weight

Asymmetrical designs might feel a bit outside your comfort zone, but they can be a lot of fun to work with. Why? Because nothing has to fit neatly in a box or stay within a grid. And breaking the grid is exactly what this week’s challenge is all about!

🏆 Challenge of the Week

This week, your challenge is to design a static or interactive slide that demonstrates how asymmetrical layouts can be used in e-learning. If you have time, create a second version to show a symmetrical take on your design.

✨ Share Your E-Learning Work

• Comments: Use the comments section below to link your published example and blog post.
• Forums: Start a new thread and share a link to your published example.
• Personal blog: If you have a blog, please consider writing about your challenges. We'll link to your posts, so your great work gets even more exposure.
• Social media: If you share your demos on Twitter or LinkedIn, try using #ELHChallenge so your tweeps can follow your e-learning coolness.

🙌 Last Week’s Challenge:

Before you break the grid in this week’s challenge, take a look at the creative style guide examples shared by your fellow challengers last week:

E-Learning Style Guides RECAP #481: Challenge | Recap

👋 New to the E-Learning Challenges?

The weekly e-learning challenges are ongoing opportunities to learn, share, and build your e-learning portfolios. You can jump into any or all of the previous challenges anytime you want. I’ll update the recap posts to include your demos.

Learn more about the challenges in this Q&A post and why and how to participate in this helpful article.