visual

Visual refers to anything related to sight or the sense of vision. In everyday usage it designates information or experiences perceived by the eye and is often contrasted with auditory or tactile modalities. The term is widely used across disciplines.

In biology and psychology, the visual system detects light, transmits signals through the retina and optic nerve, and processes information in the brain, yielding visual perception. Key concepts include visual acuity, color perception, depth and motion, and the distinction between dorsal (“where”) and ventral (“what”) streams.

In the arts and media, the word denotes works designed to be perceived visually. Visual arts encompass painting, sculpture, photography, and film. Visual design covers graphic design, typography, user interfaces, and layout. Visual communication uses imagery, color, and composition to convey meaning, while visual literacy refers to the ability to interpret and produce visual materials.

In technology and data, visuals include charts, graphs, and other representations of information. Data visualization makes abstract data interpretable, while computer graphics and rendering create images and animations. Visual programming languages enable program construction primarily through graphical elements.

In culture and education, visual culture studies examine how images shape social meaning and identity. The term also appears in branding and media contexts as visual identity or visuals used in exhibitions, websites, and advertising.