Graphics Definition

Graphics refer to the visual elements used on websites, applications, and other online platforms to convey information to the user. This includes the use of images, icons, colors, illustrations, and others that are used to provide the visual attraction to the online product.

Graphic designers are the ones who design these aspects, and their main focus lies with visualization and communication. While UX designers focus on user analysis, structuring data, and user action habits, graphic designers focus solely on developing visualization techniques that bring life to the interfaces.

The role of graphics in digital design

Graphics can serve various purposes, some of which include decoration. They help create brand recognition, control the way users navigate through the interface, designate hierarchies, and help create users’ emotional connections with the interface they use. Graphics should combine art and strategy to ensure the graphic design complements the business objectives and remains user-friendly.

Graphics involve both branding and usability, making sure that the graphics used not only look aesthetically attractive, but they can also be functional. This can be achieved by using color, typography, as well as photographic elements, to compose a set of visuals that can be consistent in all aspects.

Types of graphics in design

Digital images fall under different categories, which include:

• Raster graphics. Images consisting of pixels, like photos, suitable for complex graphics that contain color gradients
• Vector graphics. Scalable graphics and icons that are sharp and clear at any size
• Motion graphics. This is a technique used to add animation to graphic elements to make them more interesting.
• Interactive graphics. Those elements of the page that react to user input and feedback.

There are different types for different purposes. They range from hero static images used to create impact to micro interactions used as feedback mechanisms during the execution of actions.

In the end, graphics fill the gap that separates businesses and their audiences, creating tangible visuals from intangible concepts.