Photography and Images reinforce a brand. Photography helps tell a story. You must always consider and really think about what mood you are trying to convey.
Photography Role:
Apple is one of the best examples of a good website, the images used are all extremely relevant and the website is easy to use. It has been proven that if a website looks good but is a bit difficult to use people are more likely to be more forgiving as the visual aspect keeps them engaged. Good Images/ visuals increase usability. Always keep different groups of people in mind, you are designing for others most of the time and not for yourself. An example is that low literacy level users will scan differently than someone else. Images help to navigate. We have been communicating through pictures (cave paintings ect) for far longer than we have been using written language.
Images must be used in context and kept relevant. Aesthetic designs will create a higher engagement. What is the desired emotional response? Decorative images are only to be used sparingly. They hold very little value or substance. Not important content. Always carefully asses what images I am using. Images are processed far faster than words.
Always use high quality images. Low quality can make your product feel cheap or unfinished. Less professional. Consider touch points, appropriate photography. Keep consistent. Always include accessible Alt tags. Colour contrast to be kept in mind. Image responsiveness.
The halo effect is a form of cognitive bias—a heuristic (or mental shortcut) that causes us to make snap judgments. In other words, the halo effect leads us to consider only one aspect of a person or a product in order to form a general opinion.
Optimised Images:
Size. Photoshop, filters, editing. Photoshop is not good for designing but is excellent for image sizing.
What did I learn? / Reflection: