Message design is all around us, from the presentations we see in meetings and classes, to the instructions that come with our latest tech gadgets, to multi-million-dollar training simulations. In short, instructional message design is the real-world application of instructional and learning theories to design the tools and technologies used to communicate and effectively convey information. This field of study pulls from many applied sciences including cognitive psychology, industrial design, graphic design, instructional design, and human performance technology to name just a few. In this book we visit several foundational theories that guide our research, look at different real-world applications, and begin to discuss directions for future best practice. For instance, cognitive load and multimedia learning theories provide best practice, PowerPoint and simulations are only a few of the multitude of applications, and special needs learners and designing for cultural inclusiveness are only two of many areas where effective messages design can improve outcomes. Studying effective instructional message design tools and techniques has and will continue to be a critical aspect of the overall instructional design process. Hopefully, this book will serve as an introduction to these topics and inspire your curiosity to explore further!

The Instructional Design Knowledge Base: Theory, Research and Practice provides ID professionals and students at all levels with a comprehensive exploration of the theories and research that serve as a foundation for current and emerging ID practice. This book offers both current and classic interpretations of theory from a range of disciplines and approaches. It encompasses general systems, communication, learning, early instructional, media, conditions-based, constructivist design and performance-improvement theories. Features include: rich representations of the ID literature concise theory summaries specific examples of how theory is applied to practice recommendations for future research a glossary of related terms a comprehensive list of references. A perfect resource for instructional design and technology doctoral, masters and educational specialist certificate programs, The Instructional Design Knowledge Base provides students and scholars with a comprehensive background for ID practice and a foundation for future ID thinking.

This book examines the theoretical basis of one of the functional layers—the message layer—of an architectural theory of instructional design. The architectural theory (Gibbons, 2003; Gibbons & Rogers, 2009; Gibbons, 2014) identifies seven functions carried out during instruction that correspond with designable strata, or layers. The architectural theory proposes that for each layer there exists a specialized body of design languages, constructs, questions, tools, practices, processes, a professional community, and most especially, bodies of design theory. It also proposes that design knowledge from other design fields, many of which approach design from the same functional perspective, can be appropriated for the further development of knowledge within the instructional technology field. A robust literature from disparate fields supplies relevant theory for message layer design. This book builds the case for validation of the message layer by bringing together work from instructional theory, conversation theory, research in the learning sciences, intelligent tutoring system research, and K-12 education. Within this literature, the authors demonstrate the existence of the message as a structural abstraction: an independently designable entity. They trace the development of the message construct historically, showing that it has remained remarkably stable over time, independent of changing psychological, educational, and technological conventions.

​This book is the result of a research symposium sponsored by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology [AECT]. The fifteen chapters were developed by leaders in the field and represent the most updated and cutting edge methodology in the areas of instructional design and instructional technology. The broad concepts of design, design thinking, the design process, and the design studio, are identified and they form the framework of the book. This book advocates the conscious adoption of a mindset of design thinking, such as that evident in a range of divergent professions including business, government, and medicine. At its core is a focus on “planning, inventing, making, and doing.” (Cross, 1982), all of which are of value to the field of educational technology. Additionally, the book endeavors to develop a deep understanding of the design process in the reader. It is a critical skill, often drawing from other traditional design fields. An examination of the design process as practiced, of new models for design, and of ways to connect theory to the development of educational products are all fully explored with the goal of providing guidance for emerging instructional designers and deepening the practice of more advanced practitioners. Finally, as a large number of leading schools of instructional design have adopted the studio form of education for their professional programs, we include this emerging topic in the book as a practical and focused guide for readers at all levels.

"This text illustrates the importance of effective communication in disease prevention and health promotion by building theory-based messages while being responsive to diverse audience needs. This book clearly explains core health communication principles and processes for designing effective messages for health communication interventions and campaigns while integrating perspectives from multiple areas including psychology, public health, and social marketing. Key features: &• theory-based message design links theory and practice by explaining how psychosocial theories of behaviour change can be used to design effective health communication messages &• audience-centered message design provides clarity on how diverse audiences' cultures, beliefs, barriers, and needs can be effectively addressed &• suggested further readings guide students through additional theory and research &• end-of-chapter discussion questions encourage critical thinking about the implication of each chapter on future theory, research, and practice relevant to health communication message design and evaluation "--Pubisher.

First Published in 2008. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.