5 ways design psychology
transforms learning outcomes

We believe that behind every digital tool, every e-learning module, there’s a person with emotions, challenges and potential. Design psychology puts people first, crafting learning that doesn’t just teach but truly connects, engages and empowers the end user.

1. emotionally engaging content increases retention by up to 65%

When learning resonates emotionally, through relatable stories, recognisable scenarios or personal feedback, learner engagement benefits massively. A study on emotional design found that emotionally relevant visuals and affirming feedback significantly reduce frustration and foster motivation. When completing learning content enriched with “emotional cues”, learners reported markedly higher engagement and retention rates. That matters because when learners care, they remember more. Emotional engagement truly cements knowledge.

2. multisensory design boosts recall by around 50%

Presenting content via images, narration, video, and interactive graphs harnesses the brain’s multiple channels. The Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning shows that combining words with visuals can deliver up to a 50 % increase in retention. Real-world performance depends on knowledge you can use.

A design that speaks to more senses builds knowledge that sticks and can be applied with confidence. This approach also supports diverse learning preferences and neurodivergent users, helping visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learners engage in a way that works best for them. In inclusive learning environments, multisensory design is essential. It helps level the playing field, ensuring that every learner has an equal chance of success.

3. active design reduces failure rates by 34%

Learning that invites participation, through quizzes, simulations and testing, actively engages the brain. A meta-analysis covering 225 studies found active learning cut course failure rates from 32 % to 21 %. And forward testing, asking learners to retrieve material during the session, has been shown to sharpen focus and memory for later recall . It transforms passive consumption into active thinking, cutting failure and making every minute of learning count.

4. design that reduces cognitive load improves outcomes by 20-25%

Simplifying the interface and content to remove distraction and complexity helps learners focus on understanding. E‑learning designed with cognitive load principles has shown 20-25 % better retention and comprehension. A controlled trial using tablets in science lessons confirmed that reducing extraneous cognitive load significantly boosted conceptual understanding. When learners aren’t overwhelmed, they free up mental space to grasp core ideas, rather than getting bogged down in the interface.

5. worked examples cut extraneous effort and boost schema‑building

Providing clear, step‑by‑step worked examples lets learners focus on learning strategies rather than figuring out the design. Cognitive load theory confirms that worked examples reduce unnecessary load and support schema automation. By minimising extraneous cognitive effort, learners can devote more mental resources to understanding core principles.

In one study, students learning via worked examples massively outperformed those solving unaided problems. This performance gap highlights the power of guided instruction in accelerating comprehension and skill acquisition. Guided learning allows learners to build skill and confidence before moving into complex problem‑solving. As learners internalize the patterns and logic behind the examples, they become better equipped to transfer knowledge to novel situations and handle more challenging tasks independently.

our take

Design psychology isn’t about making things pretty, it’s about making things human. By weaving in emotion, multiple senses, active engagement, clarity and scaffolding, we create learning that transforms. It makes knowledge memorable, empowerment feel possible, and growth inevitable. It’s more than simply designing courses, you must design experiences powered by people. Want to see it in action? Reach out to our team to explore how psychologically‑smart learning design can lift your people and your organisation to the next level.