Neuroscientists have shown that every individual has two types of memory, namely, the working memory or the short-term memory and long-term memory. Working memory or the short-term memory, as the name suggests, is limited in its capacity. Although this memory is employed in processing any new information, yet it overloads very quickly. The long-term memory stores and organizes processed information from the working memory into infinitesimal schemas. This helps in retrieving information in the future. Hence, instructional designers must understand that their learning designs must not exceed the capacity of the working memory. This will eventually upshot greater information transfer into long-term memory.

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Instructional designers must remain conscious of the cognitive necessities their design will impose and constantly strive to reduce the cognitive load in the learners’ working memory. Here are five ways to ensure that all instructional design adds onto the learning experience.

• Build content into smaller chunks and allow self-paced learning 

Learners may feel onerous and strenuous if large volume of complex content is delivered at a rapid pace. They do not find the space to process the information effectively. Therefore, it is advisable to break such content into smaller segments and allow the learners to control the pace of learning as per their individual capacity for efficient processing of information. 

• Provide some visual and some verbal information 

 Learners must not feel burdensome on any one of the receptive channels of information processing, be it only visual or just verbal. Thus, it is necessary to distribute smoothly the entire content into interactive narrative techniques as well as via animations and images to boost cognitive processing.

• Place graphics along with its corresponding text at close proximity

Learners should not be compelled to scan a larger space in order to make sense of a text with its subsequent graphics. This would lead to a decrease in information processing. Hence, both graphics and its corresponding image must appear in propinquity to enhance transfer of information.

• Do not recount on-screen text verbatim

Learners find it redundant to process the same information visually and auditorily. Rather focus on improving the cognitive load by presenting the same information in different ways in two different channels. It is always advisable to limit the usage of on-screen text for the most important wordings only.

• Eliminate all non-essential content

Excessive use of graphics for decorative purposes or having background music along with audio more often than not increases extraneous processing time for learners. Therefore, removing all types of content, both visual and auditory, is commendable as that does not serve the instructional goal.

SKILD Solutions has over a decade of experience in designing and developing engaging learning solutions with the right blend of technology, instruction design, and learning methodology. We develop courses that not only engage your audience, but also ensure you meet your business needs. Our team of talented graphic designers, multimedia developers, and learning architects offer incomparable quality at cost effective rates.