Investigation of the use of emotional design in multimedia learning applications through cognitive load, motivation, subject interest and learning

The aim of this study is to specify design elements that might enable emotional transfer in animations as multimedia learning tools, and in the light of these findings, to develop animations varied on emotional base, and to investigate the effects of these animations on learning, motivation, subject interest, cognitive load and users' emotional experiences. In this diection, both quantitative and qualitative research was carried out. At the first phase, on the way of determining emotional design elements in animations, semi-structered interviews were conducted with experts in animation field. Data was inductively analyzed to present a qualitative structure. A survey created on the basis of this structure was conducted with a wider expert population in order to ensure the validity and the reliability of the qualitative findings. At the second phase, five animations with different degrees of emotional elements were produced and an experimental study was designed on these animations. The experimental study was conducted with the voluntary pariticipation of the student of Education Faculty and the data were analyzed through comparison tests. Qualitative findings are discussed under seven themes in the study. Quantitative findings showed that emotional volume, motivation, transfer test scores and subject interest were significanly differed while there were no significant differences on retention and cognitive load. Keywords: Multimedia learning, Emotional design, Emotional transfer, Cognitive load, Motivation, Subject interest.