Visual Design Solutions: Principles and Creative Inspiration for Learning Professionals

Chapter 1Like a Hand in Glove

“The need for clear and imaginative communication has never been greater.”

— Phillip B. Meggs

The Framework

THIS CHAPTER answers these questions:

• Why do visuals benefit learning?
• How can I use visuals to improve learning?
• What is the impact of visual design on learning?

Learning design and visual design go together like a hand in glove. They are a perfect fit for each other, yet it's rare to hear the terms spoken in the same breath. Even those who acknowledge that graphics are essential for learning may not be aware of the reverberations that visual design has throughout a learning experience. Visual design affects the quality of learning, the value of the communication, and the motivation of the audience members. It leverages the brain's innate capabilities, improves engagement, and satisfies the audience's aesthetic sensibilities.

In this chapter, you'll gain a better understanding of why graphics benefit learning and how design affects the overall user experience.

The Visual Brain

There's something special about vision. Together the eye and brain work in ways that are no less than wondrous. Consider this. Our eyes are in nearly constant movement, but we rarely notice it. We rapidly recognize objects in complex scenes regardless of their size, color, position, and rotation.

We perceive depth precisely because a different image is registered ...