The concept of learner characteristics is used in the sciences of learning and cognition to designate a target group of learners and define those aspects of their personal, academic, social or cognitive self that may influence how and what they learn. Learner characteristics are important for instructional designers as they allow them to design and create tailored instructions for a target group. It is the expected that by taking account of the characteristics of learners, more efficient, effective and/or motivating instructional materials can be designed and developed.