Message design is concerned with the clarity, accuracy, and conciseness of messages and their design as a visual perception. Because so many variables exist in visualized instruction studies, a single theory to predict learning efficiency and effectiveness is virtually impossible. The effect of instruction seems to be a matter of types of visuals used, methods of cueing, relevant student characteristics, methods of presentation, type of educational objectives achieved, and a whole host of sociological, psychological and environmental factors. Research in this as a behavioral science is thus more useful when it is localized to cater to specific situational requirements. A need also exists to match these with the main criteria of good message design which is a subset of instructional systems design. This article explains what message designers can do to (1) attract learner attention to displays, (2) hold their attention, and (3) provide adequate cueing devices for efficient and effective learning to take place.