How to use visual communication in your workflow (+examples)

[jrineakter]

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Because a clear and powerful image can help you feel, understand, capture and remember information much more effectively than the longest description.

Considering the average human attention span is just 47 seconds, visual communication is more important than ever.

In this blog post we explore what visual communication is and how you can use it to improve the effectiveness of your work.

What is visual communication?
Visual communication is the process of using visual elements, such as photographs, videos and graphics, as part of the message. It is the act of prioritizing the visual impact of the message over the verbal aspects.

That doesn't mean you avoid words colombia number data altogether. In fact, effective visual communication leverages multiple modes to paint a clear and complete picture.

Types of visual communication
Visual communication is everywhere. It’s in the graphical user interface (GUI) we use on our phones and computers, in the emojis/gifs we send to each other, and in the lists and presentations we make. Some of the most common types of visual communication are as follows.

Images and photography
Since its invention in the 19th century, photography has been an excellent format for visual storytelling. Newspapers and magazines have used it to inspire people, stop wars and bring about great social change.


In the digital world, images have unquestionably taken center stage.

With the dramatic improvement in the photography capabilities of a standard smartphone, you can now take a photo as good as any other and use it to educate and excite people.

Illustrations and infographics
Illustrations and infographics visually represent a concept, process or data in the form of diagrams, flowcharts, maps, presentations, etc. They are characterized by their ability to:


In the business world, teams constantly use infographics, process maps, pie charts, etc.

How ClickUp is used by its marketing team

An infographic on how ClickUp's marketing team uses ClickUp ClickUp

Symbols and icons
Symbols and icons convey messages quickly and effectively using universally recognized visual cues. They are especially useful in situations where linguistically neutral communication is needed. Emojis are a good example of this.


Speaking of the save button, the digital interfaces around us use visual communication to create intuitive and interactive products like apps, websites and software.

The comic strip image, the button, the quote, the information boxes, the error messages... all aspects of user experience (UX) design are part of the visual communication strategy.

Visual 404 page example

example of visual 404 page (Source: ) Awwwards )_

Videos and animations
A step beyond the static image is the moving image. As the cost of video and animation production is reduced with modern technology and generative AI, this form of visual communication is gaining popularity.

But don't just think about YouTube videos, movies or TV commercials. A simple screen recording of a process for educational purposes is also a good way to use video.

Words don't have to be just words. They can also be visual when good typography is used - a strategic choice of fonts, sizes, spacing and text layout. In fact, typography is an integral part of the modern graphic design workflow .

Toyota Ad from October 2009

Toyota ad from October 2009 (Source: %img/) Ads of the world )_

Despite its many benefits, organizations often ignore visual communication and stick to long-winded prose in emails, presentations, internal memos, etc. Failing to do so is missing out on a huge opportunity.

Why visual communication is important
Visuals are a faster, easier and more effective way to communicate any message. Here's why visual communication is important.

Accessibility
Visual communication removes language and cultural barriers: traffic lights are understood by everyone, anywhere in the world! It builds bridges between diverse audiences, making it an invaluable tool for international communication.

Speed
Browsing through an infographic saves time compared to reading a 10,000-word report. Diagrams, flowcharts, and infographics can summarize complex ideas, saving time for both the communicator and the audience.

Simplicity
Imagine explaining to someone what an elephant is without using the word "elephant" or its synonyms. How many words would you need? Now, imagine drawing one.

Visuals make things simple. From user journeys to software architecture, visual communication makes it easier for all stakeholders to understand context and details.

Comprehensibility
Visuals make relationships more obvious than words. Take a look at James Borradas' example of a long-term growth zone concept map . It's just two lines and a curve. But it's just as powerful in showing us what's obvious.

Conceptual map example

Source JamesClear.com

decision making
When information is clear, concise and obvious, decision making is also better and faster. The simplest example of a visual decision-making tool would be a flow chart or a decision tree. However, with any visual report, insights can be extracted and adjustments made.

ClickUp Dashboard

What does this ClickUp dashboard say about the team's billable hours?

Attention and retention
A picture is attractive and draws attention. The human brain processes visual content 60,000 times faster than text . This means you can cram a lot more into your brain in the 47 seconds you concentrate.

On the other hand, visual elements have a more substantial impact on memory. Researchers claim that "three days after reading a text, we can remember 10% of the information, but when combined with an image, we are likely to remember 65% of that information."

In addition to all this, the use of visual communication helps to dramatically improve brand recognition and trust. Consistent use of visual elements such as logos, color schemes, and typography bring the brand to the top of mind. Over time, these elements build recognition and trust among the audience, fostering brand loyalty and trust.