Why are illustrations used

When theorists speak of "situated cognition," they are referring to the way our ability to perform is closely tied to how well we become enculturated in the social and physical environment of practice. They suggest that "communities of practice" create their own situation-specific meanings, and that cognition in any specific "community of practice" is intertwined with one's interactions with colleagues and the tools-of-the-trade Lemke, This point-of-view suggests that knowledge cannot be effectively objectified and taught isolated from the environment in which we want learners to perform.

Instead, we need to offer opportunities for practice in those environments, or at best, in close approximations of them. Someone who has been exposed to a rich variety of cases such as an experienced expert will be able to draw from them when they face analogous situations.

Examples of case-based or scenario-based learning tools can range from collections of stories culled from experts to highly interactive instructional simulations. Illustrations within such materials can play an important role in establishing a realistic context. They can provide representations of the environment and tools of practice, adding realism to the cases or simulations that can act as stepping-stones to actual performance. For example, providing a computer interface whose look simulates the actual data-display system of a weather forecaster may facilitate the transfer of computer-based forecaster training to the job by creating the proper mindset for its application.

Lessons that use illustrations to suggest the work environment may aid in "situating" the learning appropriately. These graphics were used in various stages of a simulation created for emergency managers.

They help to create an increasingly stressful atmosphere and make the simulation more realistic in addition to adding a touch of humor. If we want meteorologists to be able to better transfer training to their jobs, it is important that at least a portion of the instructional graphics represent the type of data graphics that are used on the job.

We should resist always trying to "improve" the data by making it more readable, or we risk not improving performance. Instructional Metaphors Useful instructional contexts can be metaphorical or analogical as well as realistic. These types of contexts may also help make information better understood by linking new knowledge to existing knowledge that has an analogous relationship, or simply by providing a mnemonic device.

Illustrations can make effective mnemonic devices. The stretching of vorticity is a difficult physical concept, but comparing it to a skater's conservation of momentum helps to clarify what we mean. This content menu is constructed in the form of a jigsaw puzzle. The content of this instructional module Numerical Weather Prediction has no relationship to a puzzle except that it is often puzzling to its users.

The puzzle metaphor may be attention-getting and memorable nonetheless. References Duchastel, P. Fleming, M. Geva, E. Reading Research Quarterly , 18, Hilts, P. Jonassen, D. Information Design Journal , 4, Jones, B.

Educational Leadership , Dec. Lemke, J. Whitson Eds. Norman, D. Paivio, A. Schank, R. Simon, H. Toth, M. The use of diagrams in teaching sociology. Teaching Sociology , 7, Winn, W.

The Technology of Text , Jonassen, D. Part 1: The Instructional Role of Illustrations Illustration Functions One of the more useful ways of approaching instructional illustrations is by examining their functions Duchastel, Attention Gaining the attention of students is a precondition to any kind of learning.

Long-Term Retention One of the basic ways that illustrations aid retention relates to the well-researched but not undebated dual-coding theory of memory Paivio, Illustrations for Concrete Information Illustrations are obviously valuable in teaching concrete concepts and how to work with concrete objects.

It can be beneficial at times to combine data graphics and conceptual graphics. The conceptual graphic can provide a physical representation of the principle revealed in the data.

Here we see that at particular wavelengths, surface temperatures, as indicated by energy emitted by water molecules near the earth's surface, are not seen by weather satellites. Part 1: The Instructional Role of Illustrations.

Illustration Functions One of the more useful ways of approaching instructional illustrations is by examining their functions Duchastel, There are advantages in averaging an ensemble of computer model runs rather than relying on a single run based on a best guess of the initial state. Our current design era can be described as ambiguous. Graphic design, illustration and graphic illustration offer beautiful opportunities to take your brand to the next level. Our newsletter is for everyone who loves design!

Let us know if you're a freelance designer or not so we can share the most relevant content for you. By completing this form, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Designers, check out these contests so you can start building your career. Get a design. Graphic design vs illustration vs graphic illustration — Both graphic design and illustration have their own set of techniques, mediums and artistic goals. What is illustration? An evocative book cover illustration by Fe Melo.

An abstract t-shirt design using paint by Dudeowl. A vector drawing inspired by etching by Konstantin Kostenko. A collage illustration by OtomPotom. Memorable business cards for a tech brand by Terry Bogard. An optimized logo by Jacob Gomes.

A detailed illustrated package design by Agi Amri. An illustrated product label by LizYee. A package design by pmo. Graphic design, illustration, or graphic illustration? We do it all. Work with our talented artists to make it happen.

You're in! The best photographers may have a distinct trademark style and approach to their subject, but ultimately the camera never lies. The subject will always be the star, and while a carefully art directed photographic campaign will help give a brand coherence, it will never be as distinctive as a particular style of illustration. Illustration can unify a design and totally transform its look, feel and mood — whether it's a multi-platform campaign, a series of graphics for an event or a simple brochure.

And this is where picking the right style — whether you're commissioning bespoke illustration, or researching stock assets — is paramount. Commissioning a full-blown, carefully art directed photoshoot can be unattainably expensive. However, as cameras increase in quality and decrease in price, and the quality of stock imagery increases, decent-quality photography is becoming more and more accessible to brands of all shapes and sizes.

Illustration can help a brand stand out from the crowd in a much more distinctive way, carving a niche defined by personality and individual attitude.

Nick is a content strategist and copywriter. He has worked with world-class agencies including Superunion, Wolff Olins and Vault49 on brand storytelling, tone of voice and verbal strategy for global brands such as Virgin, Pepsi and TikTok. Though the words of your storyline are important, illustrations are like the glue that can help hold the attention of the reader.

Today, we want to talk about just how important pictures are to the foundation of your book. In fact, illustrations, including pictures, can benefit many other book genres.

To begin, an illustrated book is simply one in which the text is every-so-often interrupted with an image.