Instructional Message Design: The Laws of Simplicity - Learn

Thus far, I expounded on three of the seven laws of simplicity from Maeda (2006). Now I'd like to look at the fourth law (Learn). This particular law states that knowledge makes everything simpler. I therefore liken learning and simplicity which should go hand-in-hand (especially when it comes to graphics and digital messaging #thesimpler #thebetter Something doesn't have to be overly complex and exhaustive in order to be informative for example. I am usually more attracted to learning experiences that are informal, humorous and simple....those resonate the most to me....when learning is unexpected.....flavored with a little humor.....but has substance/a solid message.

I recently came across some readings by Clark and Lyons (2010) who elaborated on the various communication functions of graphics, videos and online messages. According to Clark and Lyons (2010), these communication functions could be decorative, representational, relational etc). In my previous blog post, I mentioned my love for memes, so it's only natural and fitting that I came across this meme (below).

A friend sent this meme to me via watsapp. As simple as this graphic is, I find it very insightful on several levels. My friend was empathizing with me because we were hungry for junk food but were both hesitant knowing that its not the best food to eat #thestruggle.

What I learned from this meme is that sometimes (or perhaps more often than not lol) the best tasting foods are not always the healthiest foods to eat....not everything that tastes good is good for you. Additionally, perhaps on broader scale, I applied the message in this meme to life #lifeprinciple ....sometimes the most enjoyable things in life are not good for you.

Another #lifeprinciple from this simple meme is that sacrifices must be made for the meaningful stuff....anything worth having is worth fighting/working/sacrificing for.....It means that sometimes sacrifices need to be made in order to achieve a goal. I liken it to my current academic and educational pursuits.....in order to accomplish my goals in this regard, their are some sacrifices I continue to make. For example, I miss all the good stuff/times my friends are having at the moment because I have to complete a series of readings, assignments etc....but it's all for a goal! So as simple as a message may be packaged (eg the meme above), learning can still be accomplished!

PS: I also found that graphics such as mneumonics are quite effective in the facilitation of learning (Clark & Lyons, 2010). See some of these below:



Below is the mnemonic my school teacher used to help us learn/remember the colours of the rainbow:



So graphics allow us to learn from the smallest/simplest of things.