Visual Information Design in Virtual Environments and Its Importance in Cognitive Load and Learning

The possibilities offered by digital tools for visualization, distribution, and storage of educational resources, as well as for interaction and communication between professors and students, are broadly acknowledged. However, the role of graphical user interface design in digital educational environments has still not been sufficiently valued. In this paper, we support the idea that the arrangement, distribution, and visual attributes of graphic elements (i.e., what in the field of art is called composition) in the design of the graphic interface of educational environments is not only a matter of aesthetics. It also results in better understanding of the educational message and in a significant reduction of cognitive overload in the learning process. The relationship between visual stimuli and cognitive processes that favour learning is highlighted.