When scanning information, our attention is naturally drawn to graphics. Understanding how humans process visual content helps us to become better designers.
Visual content plays a central role in technical communication. Audiences often rely on visual factors – including headings, icons, and menu bars – when using technical content. The question becomes: What makes visual content usable? The answer involves psychological processes that shape how humans interact with visual information.
The three Rs of usability
To use something effectively, humans need to perform three interconnected processes:
The first process is “recognition”: Do individuals know – or recognize – what to use to achieve an objective?
- Example: Do individuals recognize a “call phone” app on a smartphone AND do they recognize what that app does?
- Goal: Know what an item is and what it does.
The second process is “reaction”: Do individuals react to – or use – a recognized item as needed to achieve an objective?
- Example: Do individuals know what actions to perform ...
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