Visual Design and Navigation Internet design is neither art nor science, but there is a 200 year history of design theory that informs online design. This theory suggests that form should not be separated from content and design should serve learning. The information on a course web page should be organized to enhance learning and artistic design should not be the prime purpose. Navigation devices should be carefully designed to orient the user and provide a sense of direction. Graphics should be used to support learning by presenting additional information without unnecessarily extending download time.
Designers have a wide range of additional elements to consider beyond text and pictures.
Audio and video files can be embedded as links or streamed . PowerPoint presentations can be narrated and streamed. Elaborate animations can be displayed. Web site graphics can be interactive, reacting to the input from the keyboard or mouse. However, nowhere are the limitations of both student and equipment more critical than with these multimedia elements.