Designing Images and Applying Usability Concepts

The usage of images on the Web is no different from using images in print, and follows the same principles of graphic design. According to Meggs (1992), “Graphic design is a hybrid discipline. Diverse elements, including signs, symbols, words, and pictures, are collected and assembled into a total message” (p.8). Graphical elements depending on how being used on the Web serve many purposes. They carry the message, serve as a visual communicator, support and give the recognition to the brand, and present the data. Images are also used as space fillers. With the availability of graphical software, graphic designers are limitless in the way they can use photography and images on the Web. By combining and altering images, they are able to create new reality. Images and type are the key elements in developing identity, logo, advertisements, and visual programs for any brand.

In the communication design, the representation of words and images complementing each other is called visual- verbal synergy. When the images are created with a dominance of text they are called verbally dominant, and if created with a dominance of image they are called visually dominant. Combination of images and text in web design should create coherent powerful, meaningful union. In addition to type and images, graphic designers working on the Web can structure and balance the space by using graphic support elements. These elements can include ruled lines, ornaments, patterns, colors, background and shapes. Graphic support elements do not carry message, but instead create resonance.

The design process involves five fundamentals steps. It starts with defining the problem, goals, objectives and audience. The second step, information gathering, Meggs (1992) describes as “…learning about the client’s needs and the sphere of activity, finding out how other designers have solved similar problems, and surveying the communications environment in which the design will function” (p.154). The goal of information gathering is to acquire as much information as possible about the project. It should include detailed discussion with the client, library research and meeting with various art suppliers. In the third step, finding an idea, designers search for information, use vertical or lateral thinking, and exploit other artists’ examples to open many possibilities to solve the problem. Solution finding can occur though the process of brainstorming, incubation, notation, synthesis and ocular reconnaissance. (Meggs, 1992, p.157). In this step it is helpful to revisit the specific criteria that were developed during the information gathering step. Some of the importance should be placed on communicating the message in the new design, form, space usage and resonance.
1. Images should create coherent union
2. Type and image should harmonize with each other representing:
- visual- verbal synergy
- visually dominant graphic
- or, verbally dominant graphic
3. Signs and symbols must be meaningful and easy to understand
4. The typography used in graphical elements must be legible
5. The visual structure should be effective
6. The images should be expressive and engaging the audience

The overall visual design should support and express the essence of the topic and most importantly convey the message. The last step of the designing process, implementation, includes presenting the solution, accepting it by the client and executing the project.

Web designers, in addition to following principles of graphic design, have to apply the web usability concept to make the design successful. To minimize the download time, images have to be optimized with professional graphical software. Colors of the images, foreground and background should be carefully defined to make the design readable for colorblind users, and be cross- platform compatible.


References
Meggs, P.B. (1992). Type & Image. The language of graphic design. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.