Visuals versus Text: What Makes You Say “A-Ha” Faster?
In a previous entry, “Why Communicate Visually,” it was asserted and backed by scientific study that communicating visually is a far easier and quicker way to comprehend both simple and complex information for 8 out of 10 people.
Skeptical? Would you like to see for yourself? Below are three side-by-side visual versus text comparisons of the same information. Which of these engages you more quickly and creates the “a-ha” moment first?
Restroom Location at a Family Restaurant
VISUAL
TEXT
Directions to restroom from front door
- Walk towards the kitchen for about 15 feet.
- Make your first right past the tall palm tree.
- The first door to your right is the restroom for Women.
- The second door to your right is the restroom for Men.
Company History
VISUAL
TEXT
- In 2005, Standard mobile phone sold approximately 22.1 million units. In the same year, 6.1 million units of Smart Phones were sold.
- In 2006, standard phones sales dropped by 7 million units compared to the previous, while Smart Phones increased by over 2.5 million units.
- By 2007, Smart Phones passed standard phones in total units sold by nearly double.
- In 2008, Smart Phones sold 24.7 million units, while standard phones continued to decline only selling 5.7 million units.
Department Organizational Structure
VISUAL
TEXT
- Bill Jones is the Marketing Director for the company.
- Natalie Ryan reports to Bill Jones and supervises the Graphics Coordinator Samantha Davis.
- Connor Michaels is also a mid-level manager serving as the Website Manager. Travis Duncan, the Web Coordinator, reports to Connor.
- Jan Smith is the head Copywriter and Editor and manages one other Staff Writer Jeremy Yates.
- Thomas Dodd manages the internet Marketing strategy and supervises Carlos Lopez, who serves as the team’s Marketing Analyst.
As you can see, bulleted information is not always the easiest way to absorb and comprehend information. With visuals, one is able to comprehend more quickly an abundance of information and recall it from memory more easily.
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