In an era where online learning platforms have become part of our daily lives, offering the option of personalized and adaptive UX (User Experience) based on the different cultural, learning and teaching backgrounds and needs enhances the effectiveness of the experience of all stakeholders involved and therefore the success of the platform.

Introduction:
This paper focuses on the need for personalization and adaptation of UX in cross-cultural online learning platforms. UX in collaborative systems is connected to the way users understand the virtual space. Virtual spaces are connected to behavioral appropriateness and cultural expectations. Offering adaptation and personalization gives users the sense of belonging as they are able to reflect their identities in them.
Studies have attempted to formulate a theoretical basis for the adaption of cultural factors in the design process the past twenty years but still users are not satisfied with the experience they get in most of the online learning platforms. The importance of offering freedom to the users through personalization and adaptation is crucial as there is constant demand for online learning worldwide with an estimation of over 21% between 2021 and 2027. The advent of several new technologies, such as AI, VR, and cloud based LMSs (Learning Management Systems), will drive the market growth.

Methodology:
Methodology is devided in 4 parts:
a) a systematic literature review in regards to the definitions of cross-cultural online and e-learning platforms. It is important to identify and if needed redefine the definitions as these have changed form and meaning the past decades,
b) UX evaluation of 2 existing platforms Canvas and Moodle LMS using also learning analytics,
c) participatory design in order to collect information on UX design needs,
d) focus group and contextual inquiry in order to examine and verify if the outcome is applicable to culturally different audiences and stakeholders based on their needs

Results & discussion:
1. Users’ cultural trajectories change in the existing online learning platforms as they become part of a space that they don’t understand, prefer or choose. Their cultural identities change in various phases of the learning or teaching process which lead to a non effective learning experience.
2. Different cultural backgrounds create the need for different user journeys.
3. Identification and engagement of culturally different stakeholders during the first stages of user research and the design process changes the way experience is designed.
4. Observation and diagnosis of cultural differences before and during the design process as well as a common language and articulation is needed.
5. Identification of how different cultural backgrounds understand practices and interactive online learning spaces.

The need for online platforms that understand and promote cultural uniqueness is immense. This can be achieved by providing features that allow personalization and adaptation to users. At the same time and as technology evolves through AI and Machine Learning, users should be able to train systems to recognize their cultural diversities. As the platforms and systems can’t perform this process on their own, designers and developers must provide the tools. Users should be able to decide on whether they want to use them or not through a consensual and ethical framework.

Keywords: Online learning platforms, personalized user experience, adaptive user experience, cross cultural user experience design considerations.