What are character avatars?

An avatar is a graphical representation of a character or person that can be customized to have various appearances, including cartoon-like features.

In the context of eLearning, avatars are often used to engage learners, provide a visual presence, and deliver information in a friendly and interactive manner.

Talk to us See character avatars in action

Two cartoon characters holding tablets, one raising a finger to explain a point

See character avatars in action

Character avatars: design Level 1

At Level 1, your character avatars include static images of stock photography models and computerized narration that match the concepts of your eLearning content and your organization's visual identity.

Open the sample (opens in a new tab)
Character avatars: design Level 2

At Level 2, your character avatars showcase static images with computerized narration. The static images are animated or provide motion through simple transitions to increase visual interest while incorporating your organization's visual identity.

Open the sample (opens in a new tab)
Character avatars: design Level 3

At Level 3, your character avatars are transformed with animated movements or complex motions to help embody human-like behavior. Your character avatar can lip-sync to your narration or script and incorporate your organization's visual identity.

Open the sample (opens in a new tab)

Considerations for character avatars

Depending on the complexity, variety, customization features, and uniqueness of the character design, character avatars should only be included where they add contextual value. For example, if a learner is being asked to interact with an immersive learning scenario or simulation, the audio narration will accompany the appearances of the avatars.

Customizable and inclusive avatars also provide learners with options for representation and personalization.

Including character avatars should only be considered when they enhance and are relevant to the subject matter and delivery of the content without overshadowing or distracting from the course's objectives.

Learning benefits
- Can enhance the learning experience and engagement of the learners by having the characters ask assessment questions, highlight important sections or ideas, or offer tips and advice
- Can provide learners with a choice of playable characters during more immersive eLearning activities such as scenarios, gamification experiences, or simulations, allowing them to express themselves through either the choice or creation of a virtual identity and to interact with the learning material in a different context
Usage examples and tips
- Place an avatar at the beginning and end of each course module to introduce and review the outline of the material covered, and highlight important concepts or aspects in particular sections of the course that may be more complex
- Speech bubbles or audio narration may be added to accompany the avatar when it appears