If your course is packed with animations, videos, text boxes, audio clips, it’s time to hit pause and get to know Richard Mayer.
Mayer’s multimedia learning theory is basically required reading for instructional designers, eLearning developers, and L&D professionals. He didn’t just guess what works, he spent years studying how our brains process words, images, and sounds, then turned that research into 12 principles that help us create media-rich learning that’s effective (and not just flashy).
Mayer’s Big Three: The Core Assumptions
Before we dive into the 12 principles, let’s cover the foundation. Mayer’s theory rests on three key assumptions:
- Dual-channel assumption: People process visual and auditory information through separate channels.
- Limited-capacity assumption: Each channel can only handle so much at once before the brain says, “Nope.”
- Active-processing assumption: Learners aren’t passive sponges, they learn best when they’re actively engaged.
In other words: don’t overload your learners, use mixed media thoughtfully, and keep your learners involved.
Illustration of a workspace with a laptop, microphone, and media device (Midjourney, 2024).
The 12 Principles of Multimedia Learning (and How to Use Them)
Now, let’s walk through Mayer’s 12 multimedia principles, aka your new checklist for clean, science-backed learning design.
1. Multimedia Principle
People learn best when information is presented using both words and visuals, not words alone. That can mean narration + images, or text + animations. The key is giving the brain multiple ways to process the information (without overloading it). When designed well, visuals help learners understand and remember content more easily than text alone.
How to apply the multimedia principle:
- Use a thoughtful combo of words (text or narration) and relevant visuals.
- Illustrate concepts with diagrams, animations, or images that clarify meaning, not just decorate the screen.
- Avoid relying on walls of text or narration without visual support.
2. Coherence Principle
Less is more. Learners absorb content more effectively when you strip away distractions like background music, unrelated visuals, or extra words that don’t support the learning goal. Adding “fluff” increases cognitive load and makes it harder for learners to focus.
How to apply the coherence principle:
- Cut anything that doesn’t directly support your learning objectives; this includes fancy transitions, sound effects, or overloaded slides.
- Use clean, simple visuals and stick to essential information.
- Avoid adding jokes, stories, or side facts unless they’re directly relevant to the topic.
3. Signaling Principle
Learners benefit when you visually or verbally signal what’s most important. These cues help guide attention, reduce cognitive load, and make key information easier to process.
How to apply the signaling principle:
- Highlight or bold key terms and phrases.
- Use arrows, boxes, or animations to point out critical parts of a graphic.
- Include headings and subheadings that reflect your content structure.
- Verbally signal transitions (e.g., “Now let’s look at three examples of this concept…”).
4. Redundancy Principle
Learning suffers when you present the same information in too many formats at once like narration and identical on-screen text alongside a visual. This forces learners to split attention and increases cognitive load.
How to apply the redundancy principle:
- Use narration with visuals, or visuals with text, but avoid using all three at once.
- For narrated presentations, skip long blocks of on-screen text. Use images and short cues instead.
- Only include on-screen text when it’s essential (e.g., key terms, step-by-step instructions).
5. Spatial Contiguity Principle
When learners have to jump between different parts of the screen to connect related info (like a diagram in one corner and a legend in another), they’re more likely to get confused. Keeping related elements close together makes the relationships clearer and easier to process.
How to apply the spatial contiguity principle:
- Place labels directly on graphics, not off to the side.
- Position feedback or directions close to the interaction they relate to.
- Make sure supporting visuals and text live in the same frame, not scattered across multiple screens.
6. Temporal Contiguity Principle
Learning improves when narration and visuals are presented at the same time, not one after the other. This allows learners to form connections between the two more easily.
How to apply the temporal contiguity principle:
- Sync narration with animations or video. Don’t explain something after showing it, rather talk through it as it happens.
- Avoid showing an animation and then reading an explanation afterward. Present them together so learners can process in real time.
- Time text or visual reveals to align with voiceover when not using animation.
7. Segmenting Principle
Breaking content into smaller, manageable segments gives learners more control and helps prevent overwhelm. When people can pace themselves, they’re more likely to retain the information.
How to apply the segmenting principle:
- Split long lessons into short, focused modules or microlearning chunks.
- Include “next” buttons or optional pause points so learners can move at their own speed.
- Avoid info-dumping. Introduce one concept at a time, especially for complex or unfamiliar topics.
8. Pre-training Principle
Learners perform better when they already know the basics. If they’re introduced to key concepts, terminology, or tools before diving into the main content, they’re more prepared to absorb new information.
How to apply the pre-training principle:
- Add a “Key Terms” screen or glossary before starting a module.
- Use warm-up activities or preview videos to introduce foundational ideas.
- For software training, walk learners through the tool interface before assigning tasks.
9. Modality Principle
People learn more deeply from visuals paired with spoken words, rather than visuals and written text. This is because visuals and narration engage different processing channels (visual + auditory), while visuals and text both compete for visual attention.
How to apply the modality principle:
- Use voiceovers to explain visuals instead of showing large blocks of on-screen text.
- If text is necessary (e.g., steps or terminology), keep it minimal and avoid simultaneous narration of the same words.
- Use narration especially when explaining graphics, animations, or diagrams.
10. Voice Principle
We respond better to real human voices than to robotic or overly formal tones. Learners find conversational voices more relatable, which can increase engagement and comprehension.
How to apply the voice principle:
- Record your own narration or use a professional voice actor for high-quality audio.
- If you’re using AI narration, choose a voice that sounds natural and warm, not stiff or mechanical.
- Avoid over-editing or overly formal delivery. Talk like a helpful human, not a GPS.
11. Personalization Principle
When learning feels personal, it’s more effective. Using conversational language helps learners feel like they’re being guided by a real person, not lectured by a textbook.
How to apply the personalization principle:
- Use first and second-person language (I, we, you) throughout your course.
- Write your script as if you’re speaking directly to the learner like a coach or mentor.
- Tailor tone and examples to the learner’s context whenever possible.
12. Image Principle
Surprisingly, adding a speaker’s face (like a talking head video) doesn’t always improve learning outcomes. Visuals should be used strategically, not just to “add personality.” Sometimes, sticking to clean graphics works better.
How to apply the image principle:
- Use talking head videos to build trust at the beginning, then switch to visuals when explaining complex concepts.
- Prioritize diagrams, animations, or screen recordings when they better support comprehension.
- When including faces, make sure they add value (not just take up space).
Final Thoughts
Mayer’s Principles are your blueprint for creating media that matters. They keep your learners focused, engaged, and learning effectively. Think of them as a quality check for any course you build, whether you’re designing a five-minute micro-lesson or a full-blown certification program.
Remember: smart design isn’t about cramming in more. It’s about making intentional choices that help your audience learn better. Now go apply those principles like the instructional design wizard you are.
Have a learning challenge on your hands, or just want to connect over visuals, voiceovers, and cognitive load? Let’s talk shop.