What is Authoring Tool

The design of learning resources is both enabled and constrained based on the available technologies. To save on costly and effortful development, the design planning involves drafting user interface designs (orientation) and wireframes (which suggest how users would navigate the learning space and engage various functions). These early designs are enabled by drafting tools, wireframing tools, authoring tools, and hosted learning and content management systems. Ultimately, the designs are to serve the users and the ultimate designed learning purposes. To these ends, user interfaces/user experiences (UI/UX) are both considered important. This chapter explores design approaches to designing user interfaces and navigation in digital learning resources.