A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words
Due to the Picture Superiority Effect, images (including pictures, charts, and diagrams), are a better way to learn information. In simple terms, our brain can process images faster than verbal or written information (approximately 60,000 times faster) so text with relevant pictures are recognized and recalled far better than only spoken or written words (65% vs 10% recall 3 days later).
When you see an image it is stored in your memory “in the form of a picture”, but also “in the form of a word”. However, when you hear (or see) a word, it is stored in your memory only “in the form of a word”. We see examples these effects daily– giant billboards get attention; lengthy articles do not. Newspaper ads with pictures get more business. Social media posts with pictures get more likes. Wordy PowerPoint slides are unlikely to be remembered, slides with short phrases supported by relevant images are powerful.
Key Take-Away: Use visuals to grab attention, enhance comprehension and improve recall.
How to Make Best Use of Visuals
Visualize before choosing images
Try to visualize what you want to convey – especially if it is a complex concept! Try to recreate the visuals inside your head, so that they too will find it easy to understand the concept.
Keep images simple
Simple images are more easily recognized, and more more easily remembered.
Keep the image relevant
It is vital that the visuals are relevant to the content in order to reinforce your message.
Consider self-created images
Complex graphics are pretty to look at, but difficult to keep simple. Consider creating your own simple images– I use a lot of PowerPoint icons in my own combinations.
Use Metaphors
If a metaphor relates to something an audience already understands, you can effortlessly explain a complex concept.
About the Artist / Author
Author of these pages has a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Regulatory affairs, and works in the medical device industry in the USA, with primary focus on in vitro diagnostics.
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