Illustrations and Icons
Those with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, reading
disorders, cognitive disabilities, and nearly everyone with sight
can benefit from well-designed illustrations, icons and graphics.
For some people, such as those with more profound cognitive disabilities
or those who are illiterate, this is the only way that they will comprehend
the content. People without disabilities generally benefit by being
able to visualize things, rather than depending upon textual information
alone.
Illustrations
Many concepts are communicated more effectively with the addition
of illustrations. Imagine trying to learn human anatomy from a text-only
book (or Web site). How effective would it be? Perhaps it is still
possible to learn human anatomy this way, but the addition of illustrations
would certainly make the learning process easier.
Icons
Many computer programs in use icons that either supplement or replace
the text in the menu bars (think of Microsoft Word, for example, and
the icons for saving the file, printing, etc.). The usefulness of
an icon depends upon:
- how well it is drawn,
- how well it conveys the concept,
- how well the target audience will understand the concept, and
- how well the icon focuses in on the idea that it is trying to
convey.
Icons need to be simple, and they need to be easily understood. Their
artistic merit is really a secondary consideration, but unattractive
icons can have a negative effect on their comprehension, so choose
your artist well!
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