This paper examines a range of factors including Learner Control, Navigation, Engagement, Graphical Design and Metaphor considered essential to maximising effectiveness of interactive multimedia learning applications. From the designer's perspective, effective communication can result from the analysis and organisation of content to enable users to develop skills, change performance or achieve specified goals. Conversely, the impact of communication for students involves their ability to access the content and the ease-of-use of the controls provided for navigation and engagement. Effective interactive multimedia will result when the communication gaps between designer:user and user:designer are resolved. It is argued that by adopting an encompassing learner-centred approach, effective communication for educational multimedia applications can be achieved.