In 2024, the University of Edinburgh launched a 3-year project to look at enhancing the staff and student experience when using learning technology within assessment and feedback. The Learn Optimised for In-course Submission and Assessment (LOUISA) project was a co-design project, working with colleagues from across the University, representing their College in the decision-making process. The first year of the project spanned the 24/25 academic year (AY), focusing on undertaking a programme of user experience (UX) research with staff and students to understand key requirements when using learning technology to support and facilitate assessment and feedback. The data obtained from this research was then used to create a digital approach to assessment and feedback to create a consistent approach across the University. Year two of the LOUISA project was delivered across the 26/27 AY and focused on testing the solutions designed that formed the digital (LOUISA) approach to assessment and feedback via an Early Adopter Programme (EAP). The third and final year of the project will cover the 26/27 AY and will focus on supporting colleagues in using the new approach via training and support. Approach and Benefits The LOUISA project was the fourth phase of the VLE Excellence Programme which aimed to enhance the staff and student experience when using the online teaching environment and associated learning technology tools. User Experience Research The LOUISA project utilised user experience (UX) research methods and techniques to identify and prioritise improvements to the digital assessment and feedback journey at the University of Edinburgh by focusing on what matters most for students and staff in their online learning experience. Student Partnership (Internship) Each summer, Learning, Teaching and Web Services (LTW) employ 10 Learn Foundations student interns for 12-weeks to work in partnership with the Service and Project teams responsible for managing the digital learning environment and associated learning technology tools. LOUISA Blogs To support with documenting and sharing the work being delivered by the LOUISA project, the below blogs were created and provide a great overview of the work delivered across the first two years of the project. Awards and Nominations As part of the work being delivered via the LOUISA project, the project team were shortlisted for the Best University Digital Assessment Programme/Implementation category at the 2026 e-Assessment Awards. This article was published on Wednesday 23 September 2026
