In January 2026, Blackboard will roll out an updated navigation system featuring a refreshed design and enhanced functionality. This includes some cosmetic changes and new functionality within courses, to make it easier to move around the system, between courses and to make better use of screen space.
Please note: The screenshots in this guide are taken from a Blackboard demo site. Once the functionality becomes available on our system, we will update the screenshots to reflect HYMS courses accurately.
System-level changes
Blackboard have made a number of updates at the system-level to improve usability and streamline navigation. These are as follows:
- More Compact Navigation Menu
The navigation menu has been redesigned to take up less space. - Sign Out Moved to the Bottom
The Sign Out option is now located at the bottom of the navigation panel. - Profile Avatar Displayed
If you have set a profile picture, it will now appear in the navigation menu.
Course-level changes
Blackboard has introduced several visual improvements and new features to make navigating your courses easier and more intuitive:
- Full-Width Course View
When you open a course, it now displays in full width rather than as an overlaid panel. To return to the Home page, simply click the Home icon.
- Enhanced Course Banner
The course image (banner) now spans the full width of the page, with the course name overlaid on top. This design frees up more screen space for your content and provides a cleaner look.
- Dark Header and Menu
The top menu and header bars have changed from white to a dark color, improving contrast and readability.
- Course Switcher Feature
You can now move between courses quickly using the Course Switcher. This makes it easier to move between courses without returning to the homepage.
