What is Emotional Design

Cognitive learning theories have extensively been used for designing effective and efficient multimedia materials. Yet, these theories have been limited to cognitive aspects of learning. With the introduction of the recent cognitive-affective theories, emotional and motivational factors are generating considerable interest. Recently, emotional design approach has been introduced by the researchers. Emotional design refers to manipulating visual appeal of a product or a learning material in an effort to induce positive emotions and thereby learning. Although emotional design approach is interesting, the research on the issue is at the beginning. What is more, studies mostly adopted paper-based measures that are based on self-report to detect learning emotions. Given this rationale, the aim of this chapter is to introduce emotional design approach used in multimedia, to mention different techniques for inducing positive emotions, and to address research on the topic. It also discusses objective tools identifying learning emotions with a focus on emWave emotion recognition technology.