Screen design, as an inherent part of the interface within computer-based instructional programs, is a critical component to the communication potential of the medium. This paper establishes aesthetics as an essential and necessary component of screen design and of instructional design. Current screen design guidelines tend to overlook the aesthetic. Effective screen design attempts to promote communication for the learner and program design that pays attention to the aesthetic of the screen design may prove to facilitate learning by intensifying this communication. In order to incorporate the aesthetic design of computer screens into the research process, the ideas of aesthetics need to be explored in the instructional design field and common definitions identified. The commercial arts field offers guidance to instructional design professionals in defining graphic arts principles which embody aesthetic quality. (Contains 13 references.) (JLB)