We have our Learning Management System for more than 5 years since last update. We have a good visibility globally with reputed clients. The present version is very traditional, by which I mean it has table listings of courses, traditional image icons and a decent feel.
We have decided to revamp the our LMS and deliver an all new experience to our users. And a great deal of work has already been done. Its in production and the design is looking great and user testing data sounding good too.(Fine tuning in progress)
In the mean time, I had been thinking to device a strategy to brace our users about whats coming their way. Its going to change the user interface completely. And users must have developed their way of doing 'things' in LMS. With new experience, they might have to unlearn few things and adapt to new interactions.
I am listing my thoughts for making our users well aware before the launch takes place.
Start with an email campaign that tells the user that a new experience will replace the present LMS in near future. I am not sure about chances of users reading the email and actually following it seriously.
Open a small pop-up window in present LMS with a carousel of images explaining or giving a glimpse of new interface
I would like to know if there is any standard practice avaialble in such scenario of changing the UI completly and Not Sending Shock Waves to users.
What is the best strategy? From UX point of view.