Visuals

Visuals are graphical content intended to be perceived visually that convey information, ideas, or mood. They include static images, moving images, and symbolic representations such as diagrams and charts. Visuals help people understand complex data, relationships, and processes by presenting information in a manner that complements or replaces text.

Common forms of visuals include photographs, drawings, paintings, graphs and charts (bar, line, pie), diagrams and schematics (flowcharts, network diagrams), maps, infographics, icons, typography, and multimedia such as video and animation. Together these elements can be used alone or in combination in print, digital media, presentations, and user interfaces.

Design considerations emphasize legibility and readability: high contrast between foreground and background, appropriate type sizes, consistent visual language, and clear hierarchy. Color theory informs emotional and semantic meaning, while accessibility guidelines require alternatives such as alt text for images, captions for videos, and sufficient color contrast for readers with visual impairments. When creating visuals, the audience, context, and purpose should guide choices about format, style, and level of detail.

Visuals influence comprehension, memory, engagement, and decision making. They can enhance retention and persuasion but may also introduce bias or misrepresentation if used misleadingly. Ethical and factual accuracy, source attribution, and verification are important in professional contexts.