Comments on: Text vs Graphics In Design

By: Pita

Pita — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 03:21:08 +0000

I havent heard about the cultural angle to this issue (text vs image). Like some of us come from cultures (South Pacific, Fiji in my case) where text was introduced only just over 100 years ago. Few own a library and teachers had to force students to read even what some of us thought were good storybooks. The traditional way of learning was through seeing and doing what the expert canoe builders or mat weavers were doing. Colours, shapes, audio and non-verbals were and still are important. Learning was visual (images rather than text) and kinesthetic.
I find it rather unfair that people want to get rid of images or graphics in text because those in my view cater for these cultures that read them better than text. My Grandmother from the village couldnt read the newspaper but she amazingly could tell alot by just looking at the pictures. I dont know how she did it. Maybe by looking at the setting, non-verbals etc. etc.

By: Steven Bradley

Steven Bradley — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 03:18:30 +0000

That’s really interesting Pita. I hadn’t thought of the cultural angle at all and I suppose that’s part of me being a product of the culture I grew up in. Even though I didn’t use them in this post I do think images add a lot to content. I had been thinking of it more as a way to break up text blocks, but you make a really good point.

Visual learning would not only make images more important, but also make it more important to find the right image to reinforce your message.

Thanks for bringing it up.

By: Steven Bradley

Steven Bradley — Tue, 08 May 2007 02:44:55 +0000

Absolutely Sheila. I know I’m often guilty of not having enough air, this post being an example, but that air can really ease reading. An image here, a little space there, can help get your content read which is why you write it after all.

By: Sheila Levine

Sheila Levine — Sat, 05 May 2007 19:41:28 +0000

I agree that images really ease text-weary eystrain and increase the likelihood that the content you’re presenting actually gets read. In the graphics industry, we call this “air.” Something needs more air, or has too much air, etc.

By: Doug

Doug — Wed, 02 May 2007 21:35:42 +0000

For search engine rankings its a good idea to use text because search engines can read that. If your using images, make sure to try and reduce them to the smallest size possible without losing none of its quality. Also, make sure to use keywords in the alt tags, something a lot of indivduals miss out on.

By: SEFL

SEFL — Wed, 02 May 2007 04:48:03 +0000

That should be a three-axis graph, with the z-axis being “spammy BS.” That way, we get a true sphere between functional vs. aesthetic vs. black noise.

I personally tend to side with Yuri; make sure the textual content is in place first and then slowly make it pretty afterward. There is a balance point between the two, but if I have to choose between pretty and functional, I always choose functional.

By: Steven Bradley

Steven Bradley — Wed, 02 May 2007 04:01:33 +0000

Thanks for the resource on color. I’m always looking for more about the meaning of colors and the emotions they convey and appreciate another article on the topic.

Funny Adam. How could we have this conversation and not have spam come up at some point. I agree with you that you have to make sure the text is in place first. Ultimately I think it’s your content that keeps people coming back. But don’t overlook the packaging. You still need to get people to read your content a few times before you gain their loyalty and like it or not the package will help get them to read.

And if you want someone to click on a button or give you their email address your design can nudge them in that direction.

But yes content first and I think the ideal is to find the right balance for your site.

By: Website Design: Choosing The Right Colors For Your Website

Website Design: Choosing The Right Colors For Your Website — Tue, 01 May 2007 19:14:44 +0000

Nice topic. For our sites, we should make sure that the color gives the right impression.
I would like to share with you a resource on
Website Design: Choosing The Right Colors For Your Website.
Hope you’ll find it useful too.
have a great day!

By: Steven Bradley

Steven Bradley — Tue, 01 May 2007 15:14:23 +0000

Don’t you love the irony David? I was thinking the same thing about the lack of images in this post from the moment I clicked the publish button. I was on my way out last night and in a bit of a hurry so I didn’t take the time to make images. My bad.

If I get some time tonight or tomorrow I will add some in there. I thought it kind of funny though that I wrote a post on how important graphics are and then didn’t use any.

By: David Airey :: Creative Design ::

David Airey :: Creative Design :: — Tue, 01 May 2007 10:18:27 +0000

To be honest with you, I just read your summary, which makes a lot of sense.

Had you included some imagery in your post I would have been more inclined not to skim. Funny that you don’t use images yet talk of balance being all important.

Nice summary though, I fully agree.