Don't Let Graphics Distract

There is a tendency, based loosely on the previous principle, to dress up presentations with unnecessary graphics that convey little new information. Graphics are unnecessary if the text itself prompts the formation of mental images. If they are not relevant to the text, graphics become distracting. For graphics to aid the text, the text must be understandable independently. Graphics should then provide a clear representation of the content to be remembered, without extraneous information. To avoid distraction, consider graphic functions based on learner needs, instructional objectives, and the actual content of the material being presented.