Often, the result is screen clutter. Look for screens that use colors that enhance the material and don't use too many different font types and sizes. Graphics should enhance content. Using spinning globes or other glitzy graphics because they are cool just doesn't cut it. The graphics need to be relevant to the subject matter as well as to the learner, and they should be well-designed and displayed in an uncluttered format.
Gratuitous animations can derail the learner's attention.
Navigational designs should work intuitively for novices and experts alike. Good instructional applications combine flexibility and control, depending on the learner's style and learning objectives. Menus offer flexibility in organization, yet they can be overused and can slow down experienced users. Commands help speed through applications, but the integration of commands, icons, and menus needs to be carefully orchestrated so as not to deliver a confusing and cluttered interface. Icons should be intuitive.