Overview
DesignPLUS is a suite of external tools integrated into Bruin Learn to help instructors and course designers create responsive, accessible course and collaboration sites. It includes three tools:
- The Sidebar: An advanced HTML editor
- The Multi-tool: A tool that allows rapid course setup
- The Upload/Embed Image Tool: A tool that allows users to edit images
What Can DesignPLUS Do For You?
The Sidebar
The DesignPLUS Sidebar is an advanced content editor that helps you create and style engaging, organized, professional-looking content without requiring any HTML, JavaScript, or CSS experience. We strongly recommend reviewing the knowledge resources and tutorials linked below or reaching out to us for assistance to learn how to use the Sidebar.
Examples of Bruin Learn courses designed using the Sidebar (you will need to log in to Bruin Learn):
NOTE: New Sidebar Upgrade
There is a newer version of the DesignPLUS Sidebar available to users. To help you with this change, we urge you to take the New Sidebar Readiness Checklist as the first step to understanding the changes and how they impact you and your content.
Other resources related to this upgrade:
- New Sidebar Readiness Checklist for UCLA Staff and Faculty
- How do I use legacy customizations in the new sidebar?
- Recommended New Sidebar Transition Timeline for UCLA Instructional Design Teams
The Multi-Tool
The DesignPLUS Multi-Tool helps instructors and course designers save time when building course and collaboration sites from scratch by creating content and adjusting settings for multiple items at once.
The Upload/Embed Image Tool
[This tool we become available in Winter 2025]
Primary Benefits
Instructors and instructional designers create and style engaging, organized, professional-looking content without requiring any HTML or CSS experience.
Pricing
DesignPLUS is paid for by the University. It is available to instructors and staff at no cost.
Getting Started
- DesignPLUS Training Site - This is a self-paced training course created by and for UCLA instructors and staff.
Additional Resources
Support
LTI Scope Definitions
- Campuswide - LTI tools are available in any Bruin Learn course.
- Sub-account - LTI tools have limited availability. These are often requested and funded by specific divisions, departments, or courses. These LTIs can be found by filtering via Status = "Available at a Cost."
LTI Status Definitions
- Requested - Requested tools are in the earliest phases for inclusion in Bruin Learn. This phase includes learning more about the functionality, supplier, costs, support options, existing campus or UC licensing agreements, etc.
- In Review - The LTI tool is undergoing review by multiple stakeholders, including software advisory workgroups, security, accessibility, funding, data use and privacy, and UCLA Purchasing.
- On Hold - The LTI tool process is on hiatus for any number of reasons, including: remediation of accessibility, security, data use and privacy concerns; identifying available funding sources; negotiations with the supplier; re-consideration of the original need, etc.
- Approved - The LTI tool process has been approved and preparation for installation is underway. Prior to availability, post-approval work may include resolving technical integration issues, developing training, etc.
- Available - The LTI tool process is installed and available for general use in Bruin Learn.
- Available at a cost - The LTI tool has been reviewed and approved and is available for purchase by units requiring the functionality the tool provides.
- Contact ASUCLA Bookstore - Publisher-related LTI tools are obtained through the ASUCLA Bookstore.