Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction is a learning design framework developed by David Merrill that focuses on creating effective and student-centered instruction. Based on research in cognitive psychology and instructional design, the model provides principles that help educators design lessons that are engaging, practical, and focused on helping students apply what they learn. Below are some examples of Illustrations use to demonstrate a teachers perspective on understanding the principles of instructional design in a visual way.
OpenAI. (2026). ChatGPT response to prompt about instructional design visualization (Mar 13, 2026). https://chat.openai.com/
Illistration of Literal Instructional Design
A Modern classroom illustrating principles of instructional design. The teacher is guiding students through a task-centered learning process. In the background are visual stages displayed on a digital board labeled activation, demonstration, application, integration.
The students are collaborating and solving a real-world problem, diagrams, flowcharts and learning pathways floating in the background. Educational design framework visualization, warm academic environment, professional education concept art, realistic lighting, highly detailed, inspiring learning atmosphere.
Animated Illustration of Instructional Design
Another modern classroom scene showing a teacher designing a structured learning path on a large board. Diagrams of learning objectives, flowcharts, scaffolding steps, and assessment icons visible. The students are actively collaborating with laptops and notebooks.
This image has distinct visual elements of Bloom’s taxonomy pyramid and learning frameworks subtly integrated, clean educational environment, warm lighting, inspiring academic atmosphere, realistic style, professional education concept art.
Seedream. (2026). Seedream AI image generator [Artificial intelligence software]. https://www.seedream.ai/
Devan Gillaird 
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