Whenever we hear the word story, the first few things that hit our minds are either novels, Netflix series, some animated movies, or our favorite childhood book.
It is because the medium through which we see and rejoice the stories, it has left an everlasting impression on our mind and heart. These mediums have made us feel that we are a part of the story and have our own specific role, which has intrigued us to visualize every single character in our head.
This is what users are expecting from mobile applications these days. With a plethora of options available with them, they are looking forward to interacting with applications that not only serve them with the finest of services, but also give them a story to live. And one effective proven way to make this possible is looking ahead to visual storytelling for mobile app UI/UX design.
Let’s find answers to all these questions in this article – starting with digging out what is Digital or Visual Storytelling and what are its benefits.
Visual Storytelling in UX design, is defined as a way of making user journey smoother, easier, and effective using visual media, such as images, videos, graphics, voice, music, and audio.
Top companies across the globe follow a structured approach to the mobile app design process keeping visual storytelling at the top of their UX strategy. The techniques for Visual storytelling is are widely implemented in the process of designing and reviewing the UX of a mobile app to avail a myriad of benefits to both the customers and brands, such as:-
Many times, users do not interpret the words written in your application the way you want to. Because of this, they do not get the core idea and respond in the same manner.
Now, here, Visual storytelling showcases visual elements that generate an impulse in their minds and attach some meaning to what they see. This eventually helps them to comprehend the core of the concept.
Since a human brain can analyze and process a story more effectively than other types of communication elements, using visual narrative in design enables users to remember the story far easily.
Besides, this technique increases the chances of users connecting the story with certain places, time, and materials, which further enhances the chance of them remembering the story whenever they visit/see all those places and materials.
Another key importance of Visual narrative or Digital storytelling is that it not only helps the users to see and understand the message you want to convey, but also experience the depth of the concept. It empowers them to visualize themselves as a part of the concept and thus, remain hooked to your brand.
The concept of Visual Storytelling also aids businesses to amp up their sales numbers. The technique enables the users to easily relate themselves with the main character of the story, the choices he made, and thus, make up his mind. This eventually improves the chances of them making their minds to buy your particular product/service.
Last but not least, Visual storytelling provides brands with a wider range of options to promote their products and services using the advanced technologies like AR, VR, and IoT. This not only helps the brand to stand out of the crowd, but also increases the chances of users remembering the brand whenever they hear, see, or discuss about the story or anything related to it.
Before you jump into the hiring process and think of taking the backseat by handing over your UI/UX app design needs to experts, let’s have a read into the importance of storytelling.
To know the reason why, let us deep dive into the research and psychology behind digital storytelling for user experience. In storytelling UX design, the specialty of storytelling as a method is utilized as an approach to acquire important understanding into the psychology of users, and access them on an emotional level.
Visual storytelling provides shape and significance to a brand message that may somehow be dull. Visuals play an essential part of promoting and marketing campaigns.
Let’s watch out the best way to build a visual narrative into UX design and what does the future hold.
Considering the urge of customers to remain updated with everything in real-time, the real-time storytelling based design has become a fad. This type of storytelling is empowering Entrepreneurs to attract more customers by offering them an opportunity to get a sneak peek of their processes in real-time. The UX storytelling examples can be, the fast food companies are using this storytelling type to let the foodies get into their kitchen, see how food has been cooked, and have small interactions with the chefs in real-time while sitting on their couches at home.
From Project Syria to VR-experiences showcasing the lives of homeless people and those suffering from Parkinson’s disease, various new projects and initiatives have introduced the social impact storytelling design into their processes to boost empathy for others and encourage viewers to raise funds for them.
Visual stereotypes are the things that address an idea or a thought, as it is commonly known among the masses. For instance – a bulb addresses an idea, an arrow cursor addresses page access, a mic addresses a digital podcast, and so on. In contrast to a verbal story, with a visual one, you don’t generally have space or semantic tools to portray a few components (like danger, anger, hero, good, bad). In such cases, it is helpful to utilize visual stereotypes in a similar way that you need to know in a story that the character is the hero by looking at her/him.
To cut to the chase and connect with the users – UX creator needs to put the user at the center point of the story, tending to their requirements.
Think about your incentive: what is your story in one sentence?
Their video should be simple, compact, and in fleek. Remember that just like animations, background videos with an excess of movement can distract a visitor from understanding the visual context.
Stories are the most interactive way of telling something! Indeed, stories that include input from the users can be an incredible method of keeping them connected and engaged to your message. This can be pretty much as basic as adding a little microinteractions, for example, scroll or hover effects.
Most websites have a “homepage”, “about” page and “services offered” page. Consider these as different chapters in your story, and the most important ones for convincing a user to stay on your site and use your services.
Large background images can bake some much-needed depth into your visual storytelling. They can convert an entire page into a story and set the tone immediately. They are also a powerful way of utilizing color.
Big background images can prepare some necessary depth into your visual narrating. They can change over a whole page into a good story and set the vibe right away. They are additionally an amazing method of using tones and colors of the brand.
As we have covered in this article, investing in the idea of Visual Storytelling for mobile app UI/UX design can bring a plethora of advantages to your brand. But, it is possible only when the right blend of hard work, creativity, innovation, and honesty has been created – something for which you can rely completely upon the product UI UX design agency.
Visual storytelling in app UI/UX design refers to the practice of using visuals, such as images, illustrations, icons, and animations, to convey a narrative or evoke emotions within the app interface. It helps users understand the app's purpose, features, and value proposition in a compelling and engaging manner.
Visual storytelling in UX design is the use of visual media such as images, videos, graphics, voice, music, and audio to create a smoother, easier, and more effective user journey within a mobile app.
Human brains are wired to process and remember stories more effectively than other types of communication. Visual narratives in design help users remember the story and connect it with specific places, time, and materials, enhancing their memory retention.
Storytelling in UX design helps gain valuable insights into user psychology and emotions, allowing for a deeper connection with users. It adds meaning and shape to brand messages that might otherwise be dull, making them more engaging and memorable.
Adding interactive elements, such as scroll or hover effects, can make stories more engaging and keep users connected to the message. User input and microinteractions create a sense of involvement and enhance the overall storytelling experience.