Visual content types: How to increase learner engagement
Did you know that the human brain processes visual data around 60,000 times faster than text? In days gone by, we learned by reading books and copying chunks and passages of text, but times have changed. Based on visual design principles, eLearning presents an incredible opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of visual content. Pictures, video clips and illustrations draw the eye, capture the imagination and facilitate improved information retention. They can also help to offer digestible explanations, to break up pages of complex content and to make learning more enjoyable. With this in mind, here are 6 types of visual content you can use to increase learner engagement:
Photographs and images
They say a picture paints a thousand words. Photographs are useful for several reasons. Firstly, they can provoke an emotional and sensory response, which compels the individual to pay attention to the image. Secondly, photographs can simplify concepts or explanations that may be challenging to process. Our brains are also programmed to retain images better than written text. According to the Visual Teaching Alliance, our brains can see images that they are exposed to for just 13 milliseconds.
Illustrations
Infographics
Infographics are increasingly popular, and they are a fantastic addition to factual pieces and insightful guides. Infographics enable you to focus on key points, to digest facts and figures and to ensure the learner goes away with an image in their head that enables them to support arguments with hard data and factual evidence. Research carried out by the Wharton School of Business suggests that infographics are 30-times more likely to be read than text-only content.
Typography
The way you present data and information is key when designing eLearning content. The font, colors, contrast and synchronization play a critical role in grabbing an individual’s attention and helping them to learn. Researchers at Princeton and Indiana University found that using less familiar fonts that are harder to read improved learning outcomes.
Characters and avatars
Comics
