Visual content has become vital in today’s digital world where people engage with information more than ever before. Whether it’s social media, blogs, websites, or other forms of digital communication, visual content is the new norm – and for good reason. Studies have shown that visual content is more effective in conveying information, and it is easier to remember. For instance, after three days of hearing/seeing information, people would only remember 10% of what they’ve heard and 20% of what they’ve read, but when accompanied by visual aids, people can remember up to 65%. This phenomenon is known as the “90% Rule” – meaning that 90% of the information transmitted to the brain is visual.
There are many reasons why visual content improves information retention, including the fact that it is easier to process. Visual aids allow the brain to quickly process information, making it easier to understand and remember. This is especially important when dealing with complex data or technical information that may be difficult to grasp without proper context.
Furthermore, visual content helps to make the message emotionally engaging. Images, infographics, and videos can convey meaning in a way that words alone cannot. The visual message provided through visual aids not only engages the reader’s cognitive processing but also engages their emotions. The emotional appeal helps to make the information more memorable.
Visuals aid in capturing and keeping attention. Attention span has decreased to just around eight seconds, which means that you need to grab people’s attention quickly and effectively. Visual content can help increase engagement, drawing people in and keeping them focused.
Another reason why visual content is helpful is that it is shareable. People like to share visual aids on social media, which helps to spread the message across multiple platforms. This helps the content to reach a wider audience, which can help improve information retention.
Many brands have already realized the benefits of visual content, and invest heavily in producing high-quality, engaging visual aids. However, creating the right visual content can be challenging, requiring a balance of creativity and strategy. While it is important to make visuals eye-catching and engaging, it is equally important to ensure that the visuals support the message behind the content.
In conclusion, visual content is critical for communication in today’s digital age. It helps to improve information retention, engaging the reader’s mind and emotions, and keeping attention. Brands that invest in producing high-quality visual content stand to benefit greatly, capturing attention and spreading their message much further than words alone could achieve. By understanding the 90% Rule and incorporating visual content into their communication strategies, brands can achieve greater impact and more significant results.
