The importance of the visual context in web design

At the beginning of the Internet, everything concerned the text. There weren't so many options and the technology wasn't so advanced to support crazy projects.

But with the progress of the World Wide Web, web design options have also made progress. Attention slowly shifted to the visual side. In addition to informing users, designers aim to entertain, engage and impress with creative ideas.

People are visual beings, which means that visual elements help them better understand the message that your website wants to convey. If you want to impact users, improve the user experience and keep them longer on the website, adding visual elements is the way to go.

While visual elements are a necessary element to complete your web design, what about the  visual context  ?

What is Visual Context?

The visual context helps the design to convey the message.

Website owners want to provide specific information through the design of their website. For example, an interior design company aims to demonstrate its experience in its sector. This is when the visual context comes into play. By using images that show their previous design projects within web design, they can show website visitors their vision.

Just think about it. If you need an interior architect, would you rather give the opportunity to someone who has images of beautiful designs or someone who has only a simple text?

The visual context simply supports claims on the website and helps website visitors know immediately what it is.

Why should you use Visual Context?

Visually pleasing websites always work better. They catch and hold attention, unlike blocks of text that are more likely to turn them away.

Some types of visual context that you can use:

Images  (explanation of website purpose, company presentation, support topics)

Infographic  (which presents the most important information)

Highlighted lines, arrows, patterns, numbers  (show and simplify directions)

Icons  (user navigation through the website)

It doesn't matter if the website is for a blogger or an  ecommerce owner  , visual elements should be welcome on the website.

When it comes to the power of the visual context, here are some of the benefits you will get if you use the visual context in your web design.

1. Improve first impression

The first impression matters. This is a fact. Especially in the competitive world of the Internet, where so many websites are fighting for user attraction.

It only takes  50 milliseconds  for people to make a first impression. So if a user encounters the website and finds the design boring, they are very likely to close the page without thinking too much about it. Eliminate that risk by adding visual elements.

Visual elements will make the website more attractive and persuade users to  visit the website  . There is only something in the images and images that keeps our attention and makes us want to know more.

2. Provide users with better explanations

Whenever a website presents some sort of instruction or tutorial or even just a simple explanation, the visual context can be an excellent addition to it.

People follow visual instructions  323% better  than written instructions. Therefore, the visual context will improve the user experience and allow users to understand the instructions more easily.

Offer them the information to make it more understandable. Users will have the courage to explore the website when they can grasp the information without too much trouble.

3. Make the website memorable

According to some studies, people will remember  65% of the visual content  they saw, even if asked about three days later. On the other hand, they can only remember about 10% of the written content they read three days later.

”  Whether you use images or videos, adding visual elements will help users remember your website. The images behave like a stamp that leaves a lasting impression on people's minds  , "says Miriam Pierson, Subjecto's web designer   .

For example, you can use visual objects to tell a story. Through storytelling, you will be able to make the website content more convincing and effective.

4. Let yourself be inspired by the visual elements

The visual context must be perfectly integrated with the text.

While your  content strategy  probably starts with the idea of ​​writing text and then adding visual elements, you can also take a different approach. If you find an inspiring image, you can easily write the text that will complete it.

Another option is to find or create a video that rounds up your web design idea and then write the content that will support it.

5. Make it more interesting

Sometimes you have no choice but to provide a lot of written text, information and statistics. However, you have the option to add a visual context and make it more interesting for users.

For example, when providing company statistics, you can create an infographic to present the information. Consider that  41.5% of marketers  say that original graphics, like infographics, offer the best performance, this is a perfect way to present content.

Not only can images make content more interesting, but they can also arouse emotions in users. As a result, you will be able to build a relationship with them and turn them into loyal users or customers.

The visual context can bring your website to life. Without them, the website would not be as attractive, effective and important as it is now. 

Use the visual context to highlight the important message, to make it more fun for users and to trust them. You will be surprised how powerful and visually striking they can be. Choose the visual context carefully because, otherwise, it can simply confuse users.