The human being is a highly visual creature and this begins as soon as you are born. While the structures of objects are still not completely formed, we can still notice brightness changes and distinguish between still and moving objects. Before we can distinguish or recognise objects, the brain is busy analysing and trying to comprehend what we see.
Our brains start to link what we see to something as we grow, even though we may not fully understand the object. Images connect us with the world from birth because our brains have been hardwired for images.
In the past decade, internet users have seen a 9900% increase in images and visualised content. Businesses and corporations use visuals for advertising and engagement. Why? They understand that science shows how humans rely heavily on visual cues. For eye-catching Signage Exeter, visit https://exeter.nettl.com/signs/
Why our brains are wired for images
Nearly half of the human brain is dedicated to processing visual information. Our eyes contain 70% of our sensory receptors. Our eyes are more powerful than any other sense, and we can process an image within less than a tenth second.
Visuals are more effective and easier to understand than text. Only 20% of the information we read and only 20% of the information people see will be remembered. However, 80% of all that is seen by people is remembered.
Why visuals stick better than words
Visuals are powerful in evoking emotion. We all feel strong emotions when we look at something. Our brains are more interested in emotions than images. How we feel, and how our brains process those feelings is what makes us tick. It’s how we react and survive.
Summary
This article explains that humans are wired to process visual information from birth, and that businesses rely on this given the rise in online imagery. It covers statistics showing nearly half the brain and 70% of sensory receptors are devoted to vision. It notes people remember 80% of what they see against 20% of what they read, and that visuals are powerful because they evoke emotion.
Questions this article raises
- How much of that 9900% rise in online imagery is AI-generated versus photographed content?
- Does the 80%-seen-versus-20%-read retention gap hold up in more recent studies?
- How can a small business use these visual-processing facts practically in its own marketing?
