The user interface design is the design of software and web applications which are used in computers, websites, mobile phones, interactive whiteboard softwares etc with the focus on making the users' interaction as intuitive as possible from an artistic and technical perspective.

The aim of user interface design is not to make an application physically attractive (unlike the traditional graphic design) but to make it more user centered. A user interface designer should have good understanding of the users needs. He/she is responsible for the following processes in the user interface design:

1) Gathering the functionality requirements of the project.

2) Achieving project's goals and potential needs of the users.

3) Analyzing the potential users of the project through discussion with the users.

4) Developing the information architecture of the project.


5) Developing and testing prototypes (like interactive screens or wire frames) for the project.



Since e learning involves learning through electronic media like internet, virtual interactive whiteboards, forums, blogs etc, it requires an interface through which learners and instructors can use the technology to interact with each other. The user interface design affects the usability of particular course. For e.g. a badly designed user interface will drive away the learners from taking up the course in the first place without even bothering to find out, whether or not the course meet their needs. Thus the user interface decides the success or failure of an e learning program.


Source:
Interactive whiteboards UK and Interface Design in E Learning