Multimedia Principle

Coherence Principle

Signalling Principle

Redundancy Principle

Spatial Contiguity Principle

Temporal Contiguity Principle

People learn best from a combination of words and pictures. Instructional designers should use words (text or narration) and visuals (images, animations, or videos) rather than only one channel. Presenting information in multiple formats helps learners process and integrate information more effectively.

Learning is more effective if unnecessary information is excluded rather than included. eLearning developers should ensure that words and visuals are closely aligned and complement each other. Do away with irrelevant information or fluff that might distract learners from the main message.

Learning is enhanced when cues are added to draw attention to vital information. Online learning designers should make it easy for students by highlighting what’s important. Too much information on the screen confuses the learner, making it harder to work out the most critical elements.

This principle suggests that we learn best from a combination of spoken words and graphics. Add on-screen text, and you risk overwhelming students. Therefore, designers should avoid presenting the same information in multiple formats simultaneously. Redundant information can create overload and gets in the way of learning.

Mayer says text and visuals should be presented close together on the screen to maximise learning. L&D professionals should align visuals and text, so learners can more easily understand the relationships between them. Avoid spatially separating text from related graphics or animations.

This principle suggests that students learn best when words and pictures are presented at the same time rather than sequentially. Simultaneous presentation allows learners to process the information together and build meaningful connections. For example, students shouldn’t learn about a process and then watch an animation about it afterwards. Instead, designers should ensure the voiceover plays along with the animation.