- As discussed in class, please provide three reasons why visuals are important to web content. Please ensure you go into detail for each item. (6 Marks)
Three reasons why visuals are important to web content are:
- They Stick in Long-Term Memory: One reason why visuals are important to web content is because they stick in long-term memory. As discussed in class, visuals are easier to understand and they are also easier to recall as well, this is especially effective when you pair your content with an image that is both meaningful and relevant to the information that you are trying to share with your audience. In class, we also discussed how it is easier to process visuals rather than just write words, which is why when the two are paired together, it is much easier for readers to more effectively process the information and better understand it as well. Overall, one reason why visuals are important for web content is that they can stick in long-term memory and are much easier to recall.
- They Transmit Messages Faster: A second reason why visuals are important to web content is that they can be used to more effectively transmit messages faster. As previously stated, it is much easier to process visuals rather than just words, which is why when creating content on the web, you should always pair it with an image when possible. Furthermore, visuals being able to transmit messages faster is important to web content because it also means that people don’t have to read all their content to gain an understanding of what the information in front of them is about, especially when they find that information to be relevant, important or relatable to themselves. Overall, a second reason why visuals are important to web content is because they can transmit messages way faster than if you were to use only words.
- They Can Trigger Emotions: A third reason visuals are important to web content is that they can trigger emotions. Not only can they trigger emotions, but they can also get you to act. This is important to understand because this means that you can create not only a strong reaction but also a faster reaction from readers. While visuals being able to trigger emotions can be a good thing, it can also be dangerous. As discussed in class, the reason visuals can trigger emotions can be dangerous is that different people can look at things in completely diverse ways. For example, a commercial of a sick dog, may not cause a big reaction from someone who doesn’t particularly care about animals, but someone who has a dog as a pet may have a more emotional reaction since it is something that more relates to them and is something that they may feel more connected with and may feel more inclined to take an action, such as donating money to help dogs in need. Overall, a third reason visuals are important to web content is because they can trigger emotions and can also get you to act.
