Someone recently wrote:

“…graphics (or any media) should be used only when absolutely necessary - to improve readers/visitors convenience.”

I believe the author is arguing for simplicity. Trust me I understand the importance and difficulty of keeping things simple, but honestly - (unless you’re Picasso) being too simple is more a sign of inability than of great design sense. Specifically I disagree with the the “only” part in that sentence. Furthermore, isn’t a graphic only absolutely necessary when the user is either illiterate or from a different country? Lastly - when did it even become absolutely necessary to improve convenience?

• Graphics have more than one purpose & can benefit your story on many levels.
• Graphics can compliment your story.
• They can set the tone of your story without saying a word (efficient.)

Web graphics can also illustrate that you know what you’re talking about enough to be capable of describing it accurately in a different medium. Granted, some graphics are not this exemplary and in most cases aren’t even close.

A great example of using graphics when it’s not absolutely necessary Alistapart.com. They put out a couple new articles on a regular basis. These articles are very well written, edited, styled, etc. Basically, they’re professional. In addition, every single article is accompanied by a relevant image.

The image generally has a connection to the article on some level and though it’s not absolutely necessary, it definitely sets them above others. It’s one of the details that makes them the best in their field.

• Their accompanying graphics make the article more intimate.
• Graphics in general are easier for people to relate to and…
• They are the very first thing people’s eyeballs are attracted to.

Primarily I feel that using relevant graphics (not interface or structural graphics) but specifically an illustration or photo validates your site & content. I notice this a lot when I’m working through the initial design phases of a new website. I always build the structure first, then I work on the details.

What happens is that as I ask for critiques, many people comment that they think it needs more pizazz or they give a so-so remark. I know they’re thinking it looks unfinished and it does. But even if I have a vision & I know what it’s going to look - that doesn’t matter.

It’s always funny and frustrating at the same time when I ask someone something like, “by looking at this page, can you tell where you are at in relation to the overall scope of the site?” and people say, “yea but that banner is really cool!” … so … all those hours I spent designing and integrating an intuitive and descriptive navigation and the only thing that stands out is the fancied up banner? - - good.

In closing, a very effective way to get most people’s immediate attention is with graphics. (That’s why I put those corny oranges at the top of my blog So don’t look at my site as an example to drill this point home since I have 1 (one) total graphic and it’s mostly text!

Anyways, I hope you hear where I’m coming from on this, graphics aren’t limited in their purpose and are necessary for a better user experience.