Surgical Multimedia Academic, Research and Training (S.M.A.R.T.) tool: a comparative analysis of cognitive efficiency for two multimedia learning interfaces that teach the pre-procedural processes for carpal tunnel release.

This study proposes a series of guidelines for designing multimedia educational interfaces that combine educational strategies with cognitive load theory. There is a large body of research that confirms multimedia education is at least as effective as the traditional approach, but there is no discussion regarding the effectiveness of the interface design. This trial compares two interfaces to determine which design techniques are most cognitively efficient for the learner.