The Spatial Contiguity Principle

The Spatial Contiguity Principle states that learners understand information better when related text and visuals are positioned close to each other. This minimizes the effort required to connect them mentally, enhancing learning efficiency. For example, placing labels next to parts of a diagram helps viewers quickly associate descriptions with the correct features. Keeping related information spatially near reduces cognitive load, making it easier to grasp complex concepts and improve memory retention. This principle is widely used in instructional design to create clearer, more effective educational materials.