Why the Change?

After gathering feedback from faculty, administrators, and students, Blackboard® has implemented several focused improvements to address common usability challenges:
  • Better use of screen space: The new layout avoids stacked panels that previously reduced content visibility.
  • Fewer navigation errors: The “Exit (X)” button was prone to accidental clicks; removing the prominent X to leave a course means users will need to action an exit, rather than accidentally clicking this.
  • Improved performance: The work to change from panels to pages aims to give a quicker page load for content as we will no longer be layering panels over the top of each other.
  • Clearer context: Simplified URLs and layout help users stay oriented to where they are in the course.
  • Reduced motion issues: Removing panels and going to a full-page view will mean less jarring panel loading over the top of each other with a more seamless navigation experience.

What’s New in the Interface?

Modernized Base Navigation

Minimal but meaningful updates:
  • A cleaner layout allowing clear access to the main tabs on the navigation with less clutter.
  • The user profile now sits at the top of the navigation tabs, complete with profile image. This allows you to see and customize your identity more clearly in Blackboard.

Screenshot of Blackboard base navigation updates, with the sign out button now at the bottom.

 

Course Panels become Full-Screen Course Pages

Courses now open in full-screen mode, maximizing horizontal space and reducing visual clutter. For this first wave of UX improvements to the System Navigation, this applies to top-level panels only (Course Content Homepage, Calendar, Announcements, Discussions, Gradebook, Analytics, Groups, and Achievements), with secondary panels to follow in future updates.

Screenshot of new course layout, with home button and course switcher
 
 

Home Button Replaces Exit

The traditional “X” to exit a course has been replaced with a Home button, which returns users to the institution-defined landing page (e.g., Activity Stream, Institution page or Courses page). The “X” remains for lower-level panels like learning modules—for now. Moving the lower-level panels to pages is part of the second wave of improvements to system navigation that you'll see later on in 2026.

Full-Width Banner with Course Title and ID

The course banner now spans the full width of the screen, with the course ID and title overlaid, freeing up vertical space and improving contextual clarity. The text sits on top of a darker background, keeping color contrast top of mind.
Full-width banner with course title and id

Course Switcher (In Development)

A new Course Switcher is on the way! This allows you to quickly jump between recent and other courses straight from the course, with search functionality and a direct link to the full Courses page. More enhancements are planned for future releases.

screenshot of Blackboard course with the Course switcher selected and "Your courses" open