Reduce Cognitive Load in Intervention Design
As instructional designers, we need to be aware of the cognitive requirements our designs impose and ensure that our learners can meet those requirements. We must also ensure that all aspects of our design focus on adding value to the learning experience.
Here are five ways to reduce cognitive load in intervention design based on the findings of Mayer and Moreno –
#1 Present Information via Dual Channels
If all content is processed visually, the visual channel can become overloaded. Using narration transfers some of the content to the audio channel thereby spreading the load and improving processing capacity.
#2 Break Content into Smaller Segments
If content is complex and the pace is too fast, learners may not have enough time to effectively process the information. Breaking complex content into smaller chunks lets them to process the information more effectively.
#3 Remove Non-Essential Content
Background music and decorative graphics may appear to make a course more interesting. However, these elements require incidental processing and increase extraneous load. If the content doesn’t support the instructional goal, it should be removed.
#4 Don’t Use Your Presentation as a Teleprompter
When on-screen text is narrated, the same information is presented to learners via both verbal and audio channels. Rather than spreading the load, learners are forced to process the same information twice which means that there is a great deal of redundancy.
#5 Place Text as Close as Possible to Graphics
When text is located away from the corresponding graphic, learners are forced to scan the screen in order to align the text to the graphic which requires additional cognitive processing. Placing the text close to the corresponding graphic improves the transfer of information.
The information processing capacity of learners is limited, so it's important that designers take this into account when creating learning and development interventions. These five ways can help reduce cognitive load that will help learners process information more effectively.
Learn about Mayer and Moreno’s work here.
