This session illustrates the power of applying six graphic design principles to create visually appealing instructional materials that enhance readability and comprehension. The “actions” (contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity) are applied to two basic design elements (type and shape) to create a focal point, reading flow, hierarchy, and therefore, coherence of information in the visual project. These principles are easy for anyone at any creative level to use in the graphic design or page layout software of their choice; it is not necessary to know sophisticated image editing techniques or possess highly creative artistic ability. Google Draw will be used to show how the principles can be used.
Fundamentally, visual projects are meant to present ideas, help learners perform procedures, learn facts, and organize data to help the reader develop deeper understanding. Studies have shown that well designed instructional materials hold the reader’s attention more effectively than materials designed without following graphic design principles (Mayer, 2001). Materials designed using these principles can help increase learning performance and comprehension of complex information by guiding the reader through the elements of the visual piece like a well written story. The more attention and engagement the reader gives to instructional materials, the more likely the message is read and understood. Creatively designed visuals capture readers’ attention and effectively guide them to focus on the relevant content. When the learner is focused and distractions from visual clutter are reduced, comprehension increases. Yeah!
Session Resources:
http://www.stevenmcgriff.com/
