The Overuse of Graphics
March 3rd, 2008 | Categories: design, launch, off topic, strategy, trends[The Overuse of Graphics] - 
Some web designers can’t help incorporating a myriad of graphics and images into anything and everything they do. Sometimes I feel that rather than enhancing the experience, they are simply determined to showcase their design prowess. Let it be known that I am highly critical when it comes to the use of graphics. I’m not saying that they should be outlawed, but they do have a time and place. I’m the type of person who admires a designer who can create a compelling, usable experience without the use of any graphics at all.
Obviously a photo-sharing site will be littered with images and photos. Icons and screenshots may also add to the usability of a given site. Often though, useless stock photos of office environments and happy workers do nothing to add to the overall experience. In fact, they do the opposite.
The two big downfalls of images are:
- Increased page load times
- Increased clutter and distractions
The focus should be on content. Think Craigslist, Wikipedia, Reddit, Kayak, 37signals, Digg, del.icio.us, etc… If an image fails to enhance the experience, then it shouldn’t be used. Exceptions include artsy sites, band sites, or any site where the art or design(s) may increase business.
What do you think about images/photos/graphics? Do you think they’re overused, underused, or used just enough in the grand scheme of things?
March 4th, 2008 at 11:18 am
I couldn’t agree more. I just read the first chapter of a book called “save the pixel”. It states just this. Web design is not art. It’s not about painting the most beautiful painting. It’s about getting the user to grasp exactly what you want to communicate. Sometimes graphics can be useful but only if it fills a purpose.