What is a Picture Worth to You?

It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. According to Lynell Burmark, a researcher in visual literacy, a picture is worth more than 1000 words. Burmark believes it is worth 66,000 words since that is how much faster an image is processed by the brain than text. Web designers recognize this and are using it to their advantage. Illustrations, icons, and symbols are enabling web designers to forgo words and use images to grab the attention of users instead. The possibilities for creativity, in the form of imagery, are endless.

Icons
One example of this is the use of icons. Apple recently launched a new operating system, Snow Leopard. Their use of creative icons portray many new features that are offered with this system.






This icon represents Apple's move to a 64 bit capability, replacing the former 32 bit technology. In non-technical terms, this means that the Mac is faster, can hold more memory, and is more secure than ever before.

This icon stands for Grand Central Dispatch (GCD). In short, GCD helps developers make applications more receptive to user input and it demands less code, CPU time, and memory than previous systems, thus enabling the system to run more effectively (Think of it as a hub, as in Grand Central Station).

Open CL stands for Open Computing Language. Open Computing Language improves the speed and responsiveness of many of applications in different categories such as gaming, entertainment, and scientific and medical software.

Quick time X is the next generation media player. This new media player (complete with a new interface) launches faster and provides a higher quality video playback system.

The new technological advances in Snow Leopard are accurately depicted with a few icons. These icons enhance Apple's message, offer users another way to remember their latest additions, and exhibit their contemporary creative talents.


Illustrations
Sometimes, innovative illustrations can portray ideas uniquely. This diagram for a Dow article, from the website Makezine.com, presents a clever design that provides key information in the form of an image.

In this illustration, Dow Chemical, their scientists, and their scientific contributions are all pictured on the periodic table. The periodic table has been manipulated digitally to include photos of scientists.

To find out more information about a scientist and their role, you can click on a photo in the table and a short video will explain further their "fascination" in science and their work in the field.

The table is interactive and users can change the information according to an experts' name, a topic (as seen below), or the results of a poll on what fascinates others.


























And finally, to get back to the home page, this creative navigation icon is displayed.









These are just two examples of the effective use of imagery in Web Design. Creating memorable messages with illustrations, icons, symbols, charts and graphs can be a valuable way to communicate and leave a longer lasting impression. Images can support a topic, be used in place of text, or express a particular mood. If used correctly in regards to positioning, size, and connection, an image may well serve several communicative purposes.