Visual Communication

 

In order to understand visual communication, we must first learn what it means to communicate. Communication is about transmitting information. The communication process usually begins with a sender, trying to send or transmit information in the form of a message to an audience or a receiver, who will in turn, interpret the message, and possibly send feedback.

 

Visual communication is one of the four main types of communication. The first is verbal communication where someone would say the word stop. The second is nonverbal communication. This is all about body language and gestures. A person might signal to you to stop. Instead of actually saying the word stop. The third is written communication. In this case, someone may write an instruction for you to stop. And the fourth is visual communication. 

 

Visual Communication is all about transmitting information using imagery. This is when pictures, images, symbols, signs, and other graphic designs are used to communicate information to others. For example, instead of writing the word ‘caution’ or ‘be careful’, someone might use this symbol (⚠️), that lets the audience or the receiver know that something is dangerous, especially when there's no one around to say or direct persons away from the danger.


 

But why is visual communication important? Firstly, it increases retention. People remember more of what they see, compared to what they hear and read. 

 

 

Secondly, visual communications are universally understood. Have you ever gone to a foreign country, and needed more information on where to go for how to behave? Visual communication helps us to simplify complicated messages in a way that enables anyone to understand, regardless of their language, and age. This is why maps and street signs come in so handy when visiting a foreign country. 

 

 

Pie charts and bar graphs are other ways in which visual communication is used to simplify complicated or lengthy info. When information is presented this way, it paints a clearer picture. The viewer can easily notice the relationships, patterns and trends in the data collected. 

 

Thirdly, they are easily recognisable. Companies create logos that are eye-catching and memorable, so that persons can easily recognise them wherever they are. Fourth, they are more impactful. Visual communication allows us to make information more engaging, by adding colour and special details, attracting more people to want to see it. 

 

And lastly, visual communication helps us get straight to the point. In a dangerous situation, a driver will be able to see and understand a landslide or falling rocks sign, much faster than reading about it. The colour red means love, and anger, but it can also mean caution or danger. So combining a red triangle with an image of rocks falling. is a simple and effective way of communicating the danger ahead in a split second. 

 

 

All in all, visual communication is important because it helps us remember more information; they are eye-catching and help make things more interesting; complicated or lengthy info can be simplified and easily understood; they help us communicate with persons of different languages and ages; and they are straight to the point, and can help save time and lives.