The perceptions and practical experiences are important influences when creating and developing online learning experiences in cross cultural contexts. In this study, 15 educational designers studying for their Master's Degree were asked to contribute their interpretations to an ongoing study of what meaning and interpretations were generated from a series of different learning environments offered via the Web. Course materials were designed in Australia and delivered into Hong Kong, Special Administration Region, China. Students did not always interpret the visual information in the manner expected by the original designers. This paper discusses the outcomes of the investigation in relation to students' perceptions of the appropriateness of the interface design guidelines when applied to a number of exemplary Web sites, highlighting the cultural differences encountered. (Author/AEF)