<p>This systematic review examines emotional design features in multimedia learning, with a specific focus on pictorial representations and their impact on learning outcomes. Grounded in integrated cognitive and affective theories of learning, this review aims to map the heterogeneity of design manipulations across studies investigating the effects of emotional design on cognitive, motivational and affective mechanisms. Particular attention is given to the most frequently studied visual features implemented in multimedia materials – color, shape and anthropomorphism. A systematic literature search, extending on previous meta-analyses, identified 35 relevant studies. Content analysis within and between studies, revealed a substantial heterogeneity in emotional design implementations, especially in terms of visual sophistication and anthropomorphic elements. While many studies report positive effects on retention, transfer, and motivation, inconsistencies in emotional design features limit the comparability of findings. Based on these findings, the review offers practical recommendations for future research on emotional design in instructional multimedia.</p>