Best Practices For Using Graphics And Images In UX Design

The use of image and graphics in UX design can promote a service or product. When images and graphics are used efficiently, they help to communicate to users the necessary information. Images lets you do more and they differentiate a product from the rest, promoting the user experience and brand recognition. 

• Designers who handle imagery well can create reaction for an audience.

The function of imagery in design

It is a nice idea to use images to encourage visitors or users of a product. The visual identity of a product influences the feel and look of that website. This means the user experience and identity work together. It is necessary to create a stage for your images in the process of your design. Imagery can stand for lines and boxes. This creates the stage for more graphics and brings focus to how usable an experience is. You can test how efficient an image is with it. Answer the following questions when talking about imagery.

a) Can imagery promote the story or show a point you are expressing?

b) Do users understand the images when they see it? If not, is there a medium for explaining that to them? This is because images alone might not explain it all to the user, but when you add an explanatory text with the image, users will understand the images more.

What are the types of imagery?

Imagery has to do with the use of videos, animations, illustrations and photos. You can use imagery for: email marketing, icons, avatars, thumbnails, product photos and hero banners.

How to add imagery in a graphic design

Sometimes you will find it difficult to add an illustration or photo. You can make use of illustrations and photos when you are designing. Photos are among the efficient ways to illustrate a specific something. You can use illustrations to show how how conceptual something is. Nevertheless time and budget may affect your choice.

When do you use videos and photos?

You can use photos or videos to:

To show an emotional response which can be remembered by users.

• To illustrate a product. You can use photos and videos to tell users about a particular product. Videos can say too how to use a product or images that have multiple angles. 

To show a particular scenario. You can use photos when you have a vision and can let a photographer handle the search functionalities or operate that vision.

When can you use animated illustrations?

i) To tell a story: Characters and illustrated scenes can guide a user in an informative and engaging way. Illustrations can guide users by explaining an icon.

ii) Visualising data: Humans have a faster response to data than other data types. You can use data visualisation to inculcate a visual identity that is digestible with users.

iii) Adding personality: You can use a vector illustration and can use styles, sizes and colours for matching styles. Make your products memorable and encourage the users relationship of your brand.

iv) To show how abstract something is: When you don’t find the proper photo for an event, you can use an illustration to show it. These best practices will help you design an imagery.

i) Testing your images in various screen sizes: You can test images with various sizes for your screen. Check out screen sizes when you are designing for desktop. Do not scale a photo to more than 100%. Find images that has a focus point. You can crop such images as you maintain its concept. 

Make your images accessible

A section of websites are accessible with Web Accessibility Initiative and contrast ratio. Remember to add alternative text to an image to an image to make it accessible to users. You can work with developers to enhance your images and graphics.