Why Build an LMS
This portfolio was built within Moodle to demonstrate learning design in its natural environment. Rather than presenting isolated artefacts, the platform allows each example to sit within a structured learning experience.
The LMS therefore became both a functional portfolio and a practical exploration of how learning design decisions play out at platform level.
key design decisions
Guest access
Allowing visitors to explore the portfolio without needing to log in removed unnecessary friction and made the experience immediately accessible.
Portfolio pages
Each portfolio section was structured as a course so learning examples could be experienced in context rather Than simply described.
Visual Clarity
Layout choices prioritised calm spacing, clear navigation, and reducing unnecessary interface elements so the work itself remained the focus
Challenges and problem solving
Building the platform required solving several technical and configuration challenges. Many of these issues emerged during development and required investigation, experimentation, and adjustments to both Moodle settings and server configuration.
Guest access configuration- Enabling exploration without requiring user accounts
- Modifying server PHP settings to support larger learning assets
- Increasing PHP memory limits to prevent runtime failures
- Resolving conflicts between Lambda editor components and Moodle core
- Diagnosing HTTP 500 errors and restoring service through configuration fixes
The work behind the scenes
While the visible interface appears simple, the development process involved a range of technical tasks including server access, configuration changes, plugin installation, and troubleshooting performance issues.
Working through these challenges provided deeper insight into how learning platforms operate and how technical constraints influence design decisions.
Building the LMS meant I could explore the intersection between instriuctional design, platform constraints, usability, and real-world decision making. The space where where learning design most often suceeds or fails.