19 Evidence-Based Best Practices for Creating Multimedia for Learning

Mayer’s Principles for Multimedia Design

Richard Mayer’s principles of multimedia design are evidence-based guidelines created to enhance learning through the effective use of multimedia, which combines words with images, such as in videos or PowerPoint slides. Research has shown that multimedia benefits learning more than text alone, although creating effective multimedia requires significant time and effort. Mayer’s principles are grounded in cognitive theory and research, emphasizing how learners process information. These principles help to minimize cognitive load and maximize learning efficiency by appropriately integrating visual and verbal materials.

University of Pittsburgh. (n.d.). *Evidence-based best practices for creating multimedia for learning*. Teaching Center. Retrieved May 29, 2024, from https://teaching.pitt.edu/resources/evidence-based-best-practices-for-creating-multimedia-for-learning/

The following page provides a checklist of Mayer’s Principles. There is a PDF version available as well here: Mayer’s Principles Checklist [PDF – 303KB ].