Research-Based Principles of Multimedia Design

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Manage Essential Processing

Foster Generative Processing

Reduce Extraneous Processing

Reduce Extraneous Processing

Multimedia should not “overload” a learner by forcing them to process too much information, or unimportant information.

Reduce Extraneous Processing

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Coherence

Contiguity

Signaling

Redundancy

CoherenceEliminate extraneous material (“fluff”) so that only the most important and relevant information is presented.

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This slide has too much going on and distracts from the important info, which can confuse viewers.

This video explains coherence in more detail.

SignalingProvide clear cues to call attention to the most important

or relevant information for learners in a presentation.

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The key word of each point is in bold, drawing the reader's eye and emphasizing the key point.

This video explains signaling in greater depth.

RedundancyAvoid presenting the same information in more than one

format (e.g. vocally, in images) in the same place.

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This video explains redundancy in more detail.

A presenter should not just read the text onscreen verbatim. The image on the left is the ideal method.

ContiguityPresent related information close to each other both spatially and temporally to allow learners to connect.

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This image shows that it is far easier for a learner to process information when all relevant parts are as close as possible to one another both in space and time.

This video explains contiguity in more detail.

Manage Essential Processing

Multimedia should not expect a learner to inherently know complicated related information in order to fully comprehend.

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Modality

Segmenting Pre-training

SegmentingProvide information in smaller, easy-to-process “chunks”

or sections rather than one large, unbroken mass.

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This video explains segmenting in more detail.Learners have an easier time when

information is broken down into clear segments.

Pre-trainingGive learners an opportunity to familiarize themselves with key terms and concepts before the presentation.

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This video explains pre-training in more detail.

Pre-training suggests that you must allow learners to understand the smaller concepts before presenting the whole.

ModalityWhen possible, present information vocally rather than in a printed form, letting learners focus on visual elements.

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This video explains modality in more depth.

Learners respond better to information that is presented by a speaker, leaving the graphics to speak for themselves.

Foster Generative Processing

Multimedia should involve the learner and motivate them to connect with and make sense of the material.

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Image

Personalization Voice

PersonalizationPresent in an informal, conversational manner to

encourage focus and connection with the information.

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A conversational style allows learners to feel more comfortable and connected with the information.

This video explains personalization in more depth.

VoiceSpoken information should be done so with a human

voice rather than one that is computer-generated.

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This video explains the voice principle in more detail.Whenever possible, a real

human voice should be used in multimedia.

ImageWhen onscreen, an “agent” should be shown displaying human-like movement to create a sense of presence.

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This video explains image in more detail.

Learners will respond better to a presentation if they can see a real person moving and gesturing.