Pictures are not only for decorating products and enhancing visual effects, but also for enhancing the visual experience of products and constructing a good user experience.
As the saying goes: “A picture is worth a thousand words” “Humans are highly visual creatures, they can process visual information almost instantaneously; 90% of all the information we perceive is visual.” Images can be used to attract users’ attention and A powerful way to distinguish products.
A single image can convey more information to the observer than a complex text. In addition, images can overcome language barriers in a simple way.
Images are not just decoration, they have the power to create or destroy the user experience. In this article, we will introduce some useful principles and best practices that will help you successfully integrate images into your design.
1. Only use relevant pictures
Every picture has a story to tell. Just like writing, if you know what you want to say before you start, so much the better.
Eye-catching images have a unique ability to attract your visitors, but not all images can improve your user experience. Some just take up space, or may confuse users. One of the most dangerous elements in any design is images that convey misinformation.
Users react faster to visual effects than text, so make sure your content matches the supported visual effects. You should choose images that have a strong relationship with your product goals and make sure they are relevant to the context.
2. Images should not create visual fatigue
The “more is better” principle does not apply to images. Don’t spend too much energy on creating purely decorative images, because people usually ignore these images. Instead, choose images that show the purpose of your product. Use a limited number of eye-catching visual effects in your design-things that really attract the user’s attention.
3. Use high-quality images without distortion
Make sure your images are suitable for display on all platforms. The image should not appear pixelated, so be sure to test the specific ratio and the proper resolution of the device. Show photos and graphics in their original aspect ratio, and do not scale them more than 100%. Because you don’t want the products or graphics in your images to look skewed, too small or too big.
4. Image-centric design is not suitable for every website
It is certainly valuable to attract people’s attention with pleasing images, but it comes at the cost of making other elements harder to see and use.
Paying too much attention to the image in your design may cause a visual focus shift, which will seriously interfere with the meaningful contact between users and your content.
Although in some cases, image-centric design is appropriate (for example, Apple’s homepage), most applications and websites should follow a balanced approach-the images used in the user interface should support the product, but Will not obscure other important content or button functions.
5. Use multiple media
Both illustrations and photography can be used in the same product. Photography is an ideal medium to show specific entities and stories. For example, if we need to show not just a flower, but a rose. Illustrations are effective for expressing concepts and metaphors, in which case photography may not be contextual.
Imagery is a visual communication tool to convey information. Clear focus can convey the concept at a glance, while the lack of focus will make the image meaningless. When the focus is blurred, the iconic quality of the image disappears.
Therefore, we should try our best to avoid letting users find meaning in images and ensure that clear concepts are conveyed to users in an unforgettable way. Minimize the distraction of users and draw their attention to the meaningful elements of your website.
6. Display real portrait pictures
Real portrait pictures are a very effective way to get users involved. When we see the faces of other people, we feel that we are actually in contact with them, not just after using the product. However, many company websites are notorious for excessive use of fake photos, and the images you use should be true representations of your product, company, or culture.
Usability testing has shown that purely decorative photos rarely add value to the design, and often harm the user experience. Users often ignore these images and may even feel frustrated with them.
A very simple rule of thumb is to use high-quality portrait photos that match your app or website persona. Tips:
- Try to avoid crowded shots;
- Use photos with a main theme;
- Try to find pictures that represent the true story;
- Take pictures of people in your company doing interesting things.
- If you have a product, consider how they can interact with that product.
7. Mixed image design
When you use images in your design, ask yourself whether the pictures you take match the beauty of your application or website. When you focus on applying an image to a website or application, make sure it is elegant and clean, using a lot of white space and a large full-screen image to create a bold design that attracts your attention.
8. Improve your e-commerce design
1) Product pictures to sell products
Users usually rely on the product image to evaluate the product and its characteristics. No matter what your product is, whether it’s headphones or toys, product photography is the most important element of any e-commerce website. In the end, the more your product attracts visitors, the more confident they are to buy your product, and the higher your conversion rate will be.
2) Beautiful product pictures
A good image does all the hard work for you: it captures the user’s attention and effectively distinguishes your product from other products. However, good product photography requires you to design with patience.
3) Let the product sell itself
Don’t let users scroll to see the main image of the product. The main product image should be placed in a prominent position to promote your priority products.
In order for the image to be more effective, it needs to be large-as large as possible. And, when you reduce the size of your image, you need to integrate the ability to enlarge into the specific details of the product. This is especially important for products like clothing, because users are more concerned with details. The enlarged image also needs to maintain high quality.
9. Express personality and trigger user emotions
Images can convey the essence of a product or service, and it can also bring surprises and pleasures. Pictures have the ability to entertain and provide information. If you already have a satisfying user experience, adding fun to your product can help establish an emotional connection with your users. Emotional images are a factor in ensuring that users continue to pay attention to your website.
The emotional brain is influenced by photos and illustrations, especially characters and stories. When it comes to illustrations, even if a website or application does not include a drawing style, it can also shine in other uses. For example, illustrations can be used for instructions, tutorials, and empty states.
10. Best Practice: How to create a solid user experience for your landing page
The landing page is essentially your store window. In most cases, you only have one chance to impress users. When it comes to landing pages, you want visitors to have only one task on the page: conversion.
The huge landing page revolves around a solid user experience, and images play an important role in building this experience. When users come to your page, they will have a certain reaction. To a large extent, whether it is positive or negative is determined by what they see.
Follow these recommendations:
1) Choose an image that suits your information
It is important to choose pictures that simply explain the concept of the product or service. This does not mean that the image needs to convey everything-just seeing the image may not be clear what it conveys, but when it is connected to other content on the page, it should be logical. It should visually reinforce the message you are trying to convey to the visitor.
2) Display pictures in the right place
If an image supports high-priority goals, it should have more visual focus; on the contrary, images related to secondary goals should be less important. The most important image should be fixed in a prominent position and should be a main point of focus.
3) Choose eye-catching visual effects
Focus on choosing the most compelling picture you can find. Text may be read and forgotten, but strong images will be remembered. A vivid and eye-catching image will remain in the minds of visitors.
4) Use emotionally powerful images
Your image should be emotionally persuasive—emotionally influential and reinforce the feeling you want to create. After all, when it comes to decision-making, emotions tend to overwhelm logic.
Concluding remarks
It is important to consider the availability of images. All the visual communication in your design will leave a cumulative impression on the user. Convincing pictures have the unique ability to motivate and attract your visitors to read useful information. Take the time to use images on your app or website to increase your user experience.
