Media design principles

Exclude extraneous words, pictures and sounds

• Only include images, text and narration that link to the learning objectives (i.e., don’t use unrelated images, logos or supplemental materials)
• Do not use music in the background to add ambience
• Use simple visuals that are specifically related to the content

Provide cues to highlight the organisation of the essential material

• Draw attention to important and relevant information by using the cursor or highlight arrows and other visual cues

Use graphics and spoken narration only, rather than graphics, narration and on-screen text; use narration of words, rather than narration and on-screen text.

• When narrating a presentation, use either graphics or text, but not both.
• Reduce the amount/use of text during a narrated presentation.

Place corresponding words and pictures near each other on-page and screen, rather than separate

• Position text in close proximity to the graphics/pictures it refers to.
• Provide the text to be read in advance of an animation or graphic being presented.

Present words and pictures simultaneously rather than successively.

• Time the narration so that it plays along with the animation or drawing

Present words as narration rather than as on-screen text.

• During a narrated presentation with images and graphics, only use on-screen text where necessary (ie, listing key steps, providing direction for next steps)

Present words and pictures rather than words alone.

• Include images and graphics to present key information
• Only use images and graphics to enhance and clarify
• Use static images where possible or images that build up in complexity (ie progressive/generative drawing)

Present content with the learner able to control delivery, rather than as a continuous unit.

• Use speed control and stop functions on videos
• Deliver long sections of information in chunks with suitable breaks

Present students with media they are familiar and comfortable using.

• Provide and clarify key terms prior to delivering an integrative task (ie, glossary, FAQ, Fact sheet)
• Provide clarity on the usability of the learning tool

Present narration in a conversational style rather than formal style.

• Use language contractions
• Use extemporaneous speech over heavily scripted

Use spoken voice in a friendly human tone for multimedia presentations rather than a machine voice.

• Use the voice of someone familiar to the student group, and avoid machine voice

It is not necessary to include an image of the speaker when delivering a presentation.

• Include an image of yourself when you are trying to establish a social presence or there are no words or pictures
• Don’t include a side box video of the narrator or instructor