Purpose: Educate participants about cognitively efficient ways to design multimedia teaching material. Methods and Materials: Extensive review of the literature regarding medical education and multimedia teaching; participation in AAMC colloquium on effective use of educational technology in medical education, and a study looking at interface design elements in a carpal tunnel syndrome teaching module. Summary of results: By employing straightforward measures when designing a multimedia interface, you can help to maximize your message. There is increasing evidence that busy screen designs may cause learning difficulty. Flashing animations and flying text draws attention away from learning goals. Guidelines for designing multimedia presentations will be discussed. Pitfalls in design will be discussed including issues of cognitive load, inefficient use and placement of text, sound, pictures, video and animation. Conclusions: Whether using multimedia for teaching residents, educating patients or conference presentation, design issues are important. Multimedia teaching tools must be developed from sound educational theory.