Apply color guidelines for attention, coding and cultural appropriateness in mLearning content¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

Drawing on Pett and Wilson (1996), the article offers guidelines for color in mLearning: use color to discriminate between elements, focus attention on relevant cues, code logically related elements, stay consistent, and choose colors consistent with the instructional message and appropriate for the audience. It notes colors at the spectrum's end (red, violet) have greater arousal effects, ranks background legibility from white to blue, and flags cultural connotations of color as a dimension needing further exploration.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Designers should consider general adaptation, using colors that remain consistent across different lighting environments

Constraints¶

• The use of color in instructional content does not necessarily result in increased learning; color is of value when it emphasizes relevant cues, serves as a coding device, or is part of the content

Target Learners¶

• mobile learners, including those with color deficiency

Target Learning Goals¶

• attention, information search, retention and legibility in mobile instructional content

Related Strategies¶

• Using Colors for Different Feelings

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Wang, M. & Shen, R. (2012). Message design for mobile learning: Learning theories, human cognition and design principles. British Journal of Educational Technology, 43(4), 561-575. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8535.2011.01214.x