20 reasons why well thought-out illustrations and drawings have a positive influence on the success of further education, didactics and schools

1. Visualization of complex concepts: Illustrations can present complex ideas and processes in a simple and understandable way.

Who hasn't experienced this? You read an instruction manual or user guide and at first you don't understand a thing. You are quickly overwhelmed by the amount of text and the complex instructions and lose the desire to continue reading. Especially with purely text-based instructions, it can be difficult to grasp and understand the content. Although there are undoubtedly excellent instructional texts, many people have a more natural understanding of images than words - they are "visual learners". In such cases, a well-designed illustration can be a tremendous help in understanding the content and implementing the instructions.

Illustrations can help to make complex concepts and processes understandable in a variety of ways. They provide a visual representation of the information that allows readers to quickly grasp and process the content. A well-designed illustration can often visualize multiple steps or concepts at a glance, making it easier to understand the context and perform the required actions.

In addition, illustrations can also help to overcome language barriers, especially in multicultural or international environments. Images are a universal language that can be easily understood by people from different cultural backgrounds. This makes illustrations an extremely effective means of communicating information and ensuring that it is understood by a wide audience.

Abstract concepts

Another strength of illustrations lies in their ability to make abstract concepts tangible. Through the use of images and symbols, complex ideas can be presented in a vivid and accessible way. This makes it easier for readers to empathize with the subject matter and understand it better.

Overall, the use of illustrations in instructions for use and user manuals illustrates the immense importance of visual aids in conveying information. They make the content more accessible and understandable, which in turn helps readers to implement the instructions effectively. It is therefore crucial to consider the role of illustrations when creating instructions and to use them as an effective means of improving comprehension and user experience.

Here is an example: Instructions for the use of a dental device.

Illustrations are not only useful in instruction manuals and operating instructions, but are also used in many other areas. Process sequences in production facilities, communication hierarchies in companies or interrelationships in technical applications such as databases are just a few examples of how drawings can be used to convey complex concepts clearly.

In production facilities, for example, the visualization of process sequences can help employees gain a better understanding of the sequence and interrelationships of the individual steps. This can not only increase efficiency, but also help to reduce errors and improve safety in the workplace.

In companies, communication hierarchies and organizational charts are important tools for presenting the structure and organization of the company. By using graphics and diagrams, complex relationships and responsibilities can be captured at a glance, which helps to improve collaboration and efficiency within the company.

Illustrations can also be a great help with technical applications such as databases. By using icons and schemas, complex data structures and relationships can be made easier to understand. This can help to improve efficiency in the development and use of databases and ensure that everyone involved has a common understanding of the structure and functionality.

Overall, the use of illustrations highlights the many ways in which visual aids can help to make complex concepts and information understandable. Whether in production, business management or technical development, illustrations play a crucial role in making information more accessible and user-friendly, contributing to effective communication and collaboration.

2. Increasing memorization: Visual content is often easier to remember than text or spoken words.

In order to remember something better, it is extremely helpful to combine a variety of different impressions. It has probably happened to you before: A certain smell catches your nose and suddenly you have memories of grandma's cozy bakery. Or you hear a song on the radio and images of that unspeakable school trip in year 8 immediately flash through your mind.

The connection between sensory impressions and memories is a fascinating phenomenon that illustrates how our memory works. Our brain not only stores information in isolated areas, but also links them together, creating a complex and multidimensional memory structure.

By incorporating different senses and emotions into our learning experiences, we can improve the effectiveness of our memory. For example, visual stimuli, sounds, smells and touch can help us remember certain information better. This multi-sensory approach allows us to make connections between new knowledge and existing memories, which in turn makes it easier to recall this information.

It is therefore advisable to appeal to different senses when learning or trying to memorize something. Imagine you are learning a noun in a foreign language: try to imagine not only the sound of the word, but also its appearance on paper or the image of the named object. This holistic approach strengthens your memory and makes it easier to remember. If you now associate it with a smell or a tactile sensation, you are very unlikely to forget the word any time soon.

In short, in order to remember something better, we should use the power of the senses and link different impressions together. This allows us to use our memory more effectively and improve our learning and memory skills.

Illustration is communication

Illustrations have a unique ability to enrich the way we absorb and process information. Although they can't smell or make sound like a song, they have the remarkable ability to stimulate our brain activity in a variety of ways. It is as if they speak a language of their own that speaks to our understanding on a deeper level.

Sensory experiences

Beautiful and appealing pictures and drawings can offer a real sensory experience. They evoke emotions, bring colors and shapes to life and create an atmosphere that plain, written words often lack. The brain is naturally programmed to respond to visual stimuli, and when these stimuli are presented in the form of appealing illustrations, even more neurons are stimulated, leading to a more intensive absorption and processing of information.

In addition, illustrations provide a way to communicate complex concepts in an accessible and easy-to-understand way. They can make abstract ideas tangible by presenting them visually, improving understanding and memorization. By combining images and text, content can come to life and become a relatable experience for the viewer.

In a world that is often dominated by visual stimuli, illustrations are a powerful tool for attracting attention and conveying messages. They can tell stories, convey emotions and simplify complex information. Illustrations are far more than just decoration: they are an independent form of communication that appeals to the brain in a unique and fascinating way.

Here is an example from the field of speech therapy (created for Praxis Nicole Kiefer): The connection between posture and speech impairments seems unusual at first and is difficult to understand. However, if you look at body mechanics and the resulting tensions, shortening or stretching of tendons, it immediately becomes clear why certain body misalignments also affect speech:

3. Stimulating interest: Attractive graphics and drawings arouse the interest of learners and increase their motivation.

Oh, look at that! It is not for nothing that an image that is intended to draw attention to content is also called an "eye-catcher" - beautiful, interesting or even unusual drawings arouse interest and arouse curiosity. The importance of visual elements in communication cannot be overemphasized. A picture is often worth a thousand words, as the saying goes. When we look at the world around us, we realize that visual stimuli play an immense role in attracting our attention and arousing our interest.

The terms "eye-catcher" or "eye-catching" are used to refer to images or graphics that are specifically designed to capture the viewer's attention. Their purpose is to arouse interest and generate curiosity. Once intrigued, we are much more likely to engage more deeply with the content presented.

The choice of a good visual lead or supporting graphics is therefore of crucial importance. In a way, they act as a counterpart to a headline in reports and articles by giving the reader an insight into the content at first glance and arousing their interest.

Pushing a conflict in front of you

There are numerous examples of the effective use of visual elements in adult education. Core content such as "Putting off a conflict" or "Practice makes perfect" can immediately catch the eye as an image. Likewise, "mind tricks" such as a different perspective on the tedious tasks in front of you can be visualized. Is the pile of unfinished paper endless? No, each sheet is part of a "race" that you have to get to the finish line. And the focus is already shifted - the mountain in front of your mind's eye becomes smaller, you have goals and milestones, and you enjoy your work.

A popular stylistic device is also the use of a mascot or symbol to hint at the topics and draw attention, but also to have a figure of identification. The mascot is the representative for oneself. In addition, image sequences can illustrate the essence of a concept or idea even before a word is read. These visual aids not only help to improve understanding, but also make the learning process more engaging and entertaining.

Here are a few examples from adult education (soft skills coaching, employee motivation)

In a world increasingly dominated by visual media, it is essential to realize how important visual elements are in communication. It is therefore crucial to take a careful, thoughtful, individual and creative approach to the selection and creation of graphics in order to achieve the desired impact and convey the message effectively.

4. Support different learning styles: Images support visual learners who learn best by seeing and observing.

It is fascinating to realize how diverse the human ability to learn is. Different learning types prefer different approaches and methods to absorb and process information. A basic understanding of these learning types can help to develop more effective learning strategies and improve the learning experience.

• Auditory learners, for example, prefer to absorb information by listening. Podcasts and audio books are ideal resources for them, as they offer the opportunity to concentrate on acoustic content and understand it better.
• Haptic-motor learning types, on the other hand, learn best through physical interaction with their environment. They prefer to touch things, try them out and experience them for themselves. For them, practical action is an essential part of the learning process.
• The cognitive-intellectual learner, on the other hand, prefers reading books and thinking about complex concepts. They appreciate engaging with the material at their leisure and grasping it on an intellectual level.
• Some people learn best through communication and social interaction. For them, teachers, mentors and interactive tutorials are particularly valuable as they offer the opportunity to exchange ideas with others and learn from each other.

The visual learner

And then there is the visual learning type, which is the most widespread. Visual learners think and understand in pictures. They prefer to receive information in the form of graphs, diagrams and illustrations as this improves their ability to grasp and retain complex concepts. Textbooks and teaching materials therefore often use lots of high-quality illustrations to meet the needs of visual learners.

In the world of scientific texts, word has also gotten around that good, vivid illustrations can significantly improve readers' attention and understanding. Icons are a perfect example of this. They provide a quick, recurring and instantly understandable visual representation of what the focus of a particular task is. By using icons, it becomes easier to recognize what to focus on from the beginning and to increase the understanding and efficiency of the learning process

5. Simplifying language barriers: Pictures can help overcome language barriers, especially in multicultural learning environments.

When was the last time you were in an airport or train station? Just imagine what it would be like if we had to rely solely on written text for orientation. In these busy hubs of travel, where people from all over the world come together to start or continue their journeys, the lack of visual cues would be a real challenge. Every train information desk or gate area would be inundated with a flood of small print signs in every language imaginable, and travelers would have to painstakingly fight their way through this jungle of text to find the information they need. There would definitely not be much space left, not even for pigeons.

The lack of illustrations and visual cues would not only lead to confusion and frustration, but would also severely limit the space available for other important elements such as advertising boards and airport information.

In this context, the importance of illustrations as an international and intercultural means of communication becomes clear. Illustrations can overcome language barriers and convey complex information in a visually appealing and easily understandable way. They offer a universal language that can be understood equally by people from different cultures and language groups.

Airports and train stations are just two examples of places where illustrations play a crucial role in orientation and communication. In fact, public spaces as a whole are full of illustrations that help us to orientate and navigate ourselves. A perfect example of this is traffic signs, which are essential in road traffic to communicate rules and guidelines and ensure the safety of all road users.

In an increasingly globalized world, illustrations are more than just decorative elements; they are an essential part of our daily interactions, helping to break down barriers and promote understanding.

Here is an example: A brochure about asthma should be aimed at all possible nationalities across all languages. The visual language here is international

Wayfinding systems

Another example: In large building complexes such as institutes, hospitals or shopping centers, an effective wayfinding system can make the difference between orientation and confusion. It is a relief to be able to move easily from one place to another with clear and easy-to-understand signs.

Imagine entering a huge hospital for the first time. Without clear signage and guidance, you might feel lost and overwhelmed as you try to find the department or treatment room you need to get to. A well-designed wayfinding system, on the other hand, gives you the reassurance that you are taking the right route and can move safely through the building.

The same applies to large shopping centers or educational institutions. If you are looking for a particular store or department, or need to find your way to a particular lecture room, clear signs and directional signage can reduce the stress and uncertainty associated with navigating a complex building complex.

However, a good wayfinding system is more than just practical. It is also a sign of the care and commitment of the operators or owners of the building to the well-being and satisfaction of visitors and users. By investing the effort to develop and implement an effective wayfinding system, they show their appreciation for the needs and well-being of the people who use their facility.

Overall, a well-designed wayfinding system makes a significant contribution to ensuring that visitors and users feel comfortable and safe in a building complex. It reduces stress and confusion and helps to create positive experiences and impressions that last long after leaving the building. It is therefore crucial for operators and owners of building complexes to invest in a high-quality wayfinding system that meets the needs and expectations of their visitors

6. Stimulating creativity: Creative presentations stimulate pupils imagination and encourage creative thinking.

The love of drawing and painting often begins at kindergarten age. It is always wonderful to see how children put their everyday experiences on paper and not only discover creative ways of expressing themselves, but also gain a better understanding of their environment. This tendency often lasts a lifetime, because even in adulthood drawings and illustrations can have a profound influence on our understanding and perception. We often continue to make notes in the form of small, simple drawings.

The link between drawing and understanding is close and undeniable. By activating our visual thought processes, we can better grasp and internalize complex concepts and issues. It is a proven method of transforming abstract ideas into tangible and vivid forms. This is why illustrations are an effective tool for conveying and deepening knowledge, not only in childhood but also in adulthood.

The reverse process, using images as a starting point, works just as well. Images have the unique ability to appeal to us and spark our imagination. In foreign language textbooks, for example, illustrations are often the key to visualizing everyday situations, helping to bring the abstract world of a new language to life and make it tangible.

By being able to visualize a situation, we enter into an active, interactive relationship with the learning material. We can put ourselves in the shoes of the people depicted, make associations and establish emotional connections. This not only makes learning more effective, but also more entertaining and sustainable.

Overall, the role of images and illustrations in the learning process is invaluable. They are not only a tool for imparting knowledge, but also a gateway to creative expression and personal development. It is therefore important to recognize their importance and actively integrate them into the learning process in order to achieve a deeper understanding and lasting mastery of the material.

A few examples from school materials for children. And I'm sure one or the other of you will want to finish coloring in the frog.

7. Facilitating discussion: Images can serve as a basis for discussion and promote the exchange of ideas.

Discussions and disputes can often be more complicated and exhausting than they actually need to be. The reason for this is often that the parties involved have different basic assumptions and background knowledge, which leads them to see or prioritize different contexts. This in turn can lead to different conclusions and make it difficult to understand the other side's perspective.

In such situations, the use of graphics can play an extremely helpful role. Graphics have the unique ability to present complex information and relationships visually, making knowledge comprehensible and plausible. Information graphics can show different content and contexts, which helps everyone involved to develop a common understanding.

An example of this is the illustration of a thesis, counter-theses and neglected questions using a graphic on the subject of climate change. Thesis: Does sea level rise lead to increased coral growth and does this counteract global warming by binding CO2? By presenting the thesis in a visual representation and then contrasting it with the extension of the argument, it becomes easier for everyone involved to recognize the chain of reasoning and its weak points. A solid basis for discussion has been created visually

In addition, understanding data can be a good basis for a purposeful and constructive discussion. By presenting data and facts in the form of graphics, it becomes easier to recognize the relevance and significance of the information, understand connections and make well-founded decisions.

Overall, the use of information graphics in discussions and debates highlights the importance of visual aids in communicating complex information. Graphics can help to avoid misunderstandings, promote a common understanding and ultimately contribute to a constructive solution.

8. Visualization of data: Graphics and diagrams make statistical data more accessible and easier to understand.

Charts are undoubtedly one of the most commonplace forms of illustration, and yet they are often overlooked or taken for granted. Yet charts are one of the most effective tools for presenting data in the form of numbers and ratios. Imagine if you only had the pure data in front of you as endless columns of numbers or tables. Most people would have great difficulty making sense of this information or recognizing patterns.

This is where charts come into play: they provide a visual representation of the data that enables us to immediately grasp the quantitative relationships shown. A glance at a bar chart or pie chart is enough to understand the relative magnitudes of the data shown and to recognize patterns or trends. This makes charts indispensable tools in fields such as science, business, engineering and many others where large amounts of data need to be analyzed and interpreted.

In addition, diagrams have another important function: they can simplify and illustrate complex information, making it accessible to a wider audience. Even people without specialist knowledge can often quickly grasp and understand the information in a well-designed diagram, making it an extremely effective means of communication.

Another advantage of diagrams is their versatility. There are different types of charts, each suitable for different types of data and information. From simple bar charts and pie charts to complex flowcharts and network analysis, charts offer a wide range of visualization options that allow us to present the data in the best possible way.

Overall, diagrams illustrate the immense importance of visual aids in the presentation and interpretation of data. They enable us to quickly grasp, understand and communicate complex information and therefore play an indispensable role in our modern information society

Don't panic!

Of course, the form of presentation and data selection play a major role, and here the scientific illustrator has just as much responsibility as the editor. Two examples will illustrate this

Despite the correct data, this produces questionable images: The diagram on the left creates the association that it is becoming more and more dangerous on this beautiful Earth because the probability of being hit by asteroids is apparently increasing. But it is not, because better observation methods and more intensive searches are only leading to more and more objects being discovered that could be potentially dangerous. If you were to compare this with the statistics of catastrophic meteorite impacts over the last 10,000 or 100,000 years, you would quickly realize that we can still drink our morning cappuccino calmly and relaxed.

In the diagram on the right-hand side, the selection of the data range is the "trap" for exaggerated associations: The (small) range selected, both temporally (x-axis) and quantitatively (y-axis), gives the impression that infant mortality is dropping extremely. However, if the whole thing were plotted over a longer period and in absolute percentages, this would only be a small, flat segment in an otherwise rather unspectacular graph.

9. Increase engagement: Interactive and attractive graphics keep students attention for longer.

Everyone likes to play, and even as adults we still learn most efficiently through play. Because playing is fun, and what is fun settles better and more sustainably in the brain. The importance of games and interactive elements in the learning process can therefore not be emphasized enough. Playing is not only important for children, but is also an extremely effective learning method for adults. It has been proven that we can absorb information better and retain it more sustainably through playful learning. After all, fun not only makes learning more enjoyable, but also boosts motivation and engagement.

So when we incorporate interactivity into infographics, we not only create an entertaining learning experience, but also encourage prolonged concentration and attention to the subject matter. This can be achieved by integrating multimedia content for the internet, smartphones or interactive whiteboards. Through interactive elements such as click functions, animations or even games, users are actively involved and can experience the learning process in a playful way.

However, infographics do not necessarily need modern, electronically supported interactivity, but can also contain playful elements in their static, familiar form. For example, graphics can be designed in such a way that users have to draw something in them, cut it out and reassemble it to solve a task. Or they can search for and find hidden objects in a hidden object picture. These playful elements not only encourage users to be active, but also promote their cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.

Overall, infographics with interaction options offer a diverse and appealing way of presenting information and supporting the learning process. By combining visual representations, playful elements and interactive functions, they can help to make learning more effective, entertaining and sustainable. It therefore makes sense to consider the possibility of interactivity when creating infographics and to use them in a targeted manner in order to optimize the user experience

10. Improving understanding: Images can help to make abstract theories and models tangible.

Do you know Friedemann Schulz von Thun? Mr. Schulz von Thun is undoubtedly a pioneer in the field of communication psychology and his models have had an enormous impact on our understanding of interpersonal communication and personal development. His work has numerous applications, from personal growth to professional development, and can make a significant contribution to avoiding misunderstandings and promoting more mindful communication.

Friedemann Schulz von Thun's concepts are basically quite easy to understand, but their application often requires a certain amount of practice and internalization. Good visualization can help to better grasp the concepts and intuitively understand what is meant by terms such as "sender and receiver" or the "inner team".

A vivid example from coaching seminars for employee training is the so-called "communication square", which illustrates various aspects of telling and listening. By depicting the sender, message, receiver and the different levels of interpretation and reaction, Schulz von Thun's model can be more easily understood and applied.

Another example is the visualization of the "inner team", which represents the different inner voices and perspectives that are present in each of us. By using symbols or images that represent the different team members, participants in a seminar can get a better idea of how these inner voices interact with each other and how they influence their behavior and reactions

Overall, the use of visualizations illustrates the importance of Schulz von Thun's work and shows how his concepts can be made more accessible through vivid representations. By integrating graphics, diagrams and other visual aids, seminar participants can better understand the concepts and apply them more effectively, which ultimately leads to improved communication and collaboration.

11. Promote self-directed learning: Good illustrations allow learners to explore content at their own pace.

Even the Teletubbies knew this: "Again, again, again!" Even if this call could quickly get on your nerves as a watching adult, it contains an elementary part of learning: Repetition. Learning not only thrives on repetition for internalization, but is all the more efficient if the learner can learn at his or her own individual pace. Illustrations not only help with understanding the material, but can also have a structuring and organizing effect. Icons, for example, can show what kind of exercise module it is, e.g. with a focus on activity, creativity, interactivity or teamwork. Ultimately, one of the simplest and most universal images is used by almost everyone: the tick that you place after completing a task 😉.

But a well-structured layout of graphics, a coordinated interplay of didactically sensible arrangements, graphic "guard rails", i.e. a clearly recognizable framework in which you can easily orient yourself and find your way around, also help enormously with learning. Well-structured training documents then have a similar effect to the little yellow pieces of paper that you stick in a book or the passages that you mark with a highlighter: you can quickly find the essentials again and don't have to strain your concentration and good mood by searching for a long time.

A good example of the implementation of these principles is the "Jugend in eigener Sache" project, which was developed in collaboration between Deutsche Bank and the University of Applied Sciences Ludwigshafen am Rhein. Here, a holistic design concept was developed that encompassed all aspects of visual communication. Not only were icons and key visuals designed, but also color codes, cartoons, interactive games, informative posters, playing cards, index cards and numerous other elements were integrated. These diverse design elements were instrumental in making the content engaging, accessible and effective by appealing to different learning styles and preferences of the target audience, enabling a holistic learning experience

12. Support in checking knowledge: Visualizations can serve as tools for review and self-assessment.

In the world of visual aids, there are numerous simple yet extremely effective representations and illustrations that can provide enormous support for self-assessment and checking learning success. In the last article "Promoting self-directed learning", we mentioned the very simple, yet effective, well-known tick to mark a completed task. It not only conveys a sense of accomplishment, but also serves as a visual confirmation of progress. However, symbols such as smileys or emojis can also accompany the learning process in a playful way and reflect emotions and the current state of mind.

In addition, forms and worksheets also play a crucial role in self-reflection and learning feedback. Through structured questions and assessment criteria, they offer learners the opportunity to critically scrutinize their own performance and identify potential for improvement. These simple visual aids not only create a transparent basis for self-assessment, but also promote the development of a conscious and reflective learning process.

It is therefore common in didactic design not only to create the illustrations, but also to design the environment, i.e. entire worksheets or learning units. This ensures that everything forms a well thought-out and intuitive whole

13. Promoting collaboration: Joint analysis of image material can improve teamwork and communication within the group.

There is a beautiful and often overused calendar saying: "The journey is the reward". This principle proves to be true for many scientific, technical or generally complex tasks. Faced with a wealth of information and possible interactions, even experts often find it difficult to see the big picture or identify the relevant links to other specialist areas. In such complex topics, new questions often arise during the creative process that need to be answered.

Effective visualization and a thoughtful illustrator can be excellent factors in getting closer to the goal in such situations. To name one of many examples, this can be graphic recording - i.e. recording the course of a conversation with the help of live drawings. The visualization of intermediate steps or the representation of sub-processes can also be extremely helpful. Complex infographics are always the result of intensive engagement with the topic and extensive communication.

In addition, the presentation of interfaces can also promote cooperation enormously. An example of this is the training of skilled trades

In the skilled trades, the interfaces between different trades are diverse and of crucial importance for the smooth functioning of a project. For example, the carpenter who installs windows needs to know how the electrician who lays the cables for the electric roller shutters works. It is also important that the tiler understands how the system mechanic's connections run.

With increasing specialization within the professions, these interfaces are becoming ever more subtle and complex. It is therefore essential that tradespeople develop an understanding of the work and needs of other trades in order to work together effectively.

Illustrations can play an extremely useful role in this context. Drawings make it possible to sharpen the focus on the working methods and requirements of other disciplines. Through visual representations, craftspeople can better understand how their work interacts with neighboring disciplines and how together they can contribute to the successful completion of a project.

14. Increasing accessibility: Images can make learning materials more accessible for people with reading or writing difficulties.

"A picture is worth a thousand words" - I like to put this tenner in the phrase box, because this statement often hits the mark. An illustrative example of this can be found in the promotion of children with language deficits:

Many children now have difficulties understanding and expressing language even at kindergarten age. This is partly because their parents' native language is different, but also partly due to a lack of encouragement or excessive and uncontrolled media consumption. There are many reasons for this. Pictures offer an alternative approach to communication and learning. Visual representations can be used to convey concepts, sentence structures and contexts in an easily understandable way.

A child with language deficits, for example, can better understand and empathize with stories through pictures. Pictures can also serve as an aid to improving vocabulary by depicting concrete objects or situations that the child may not be able to put into words.

In addition, pictures allow children to express their thoughts and feelings, even if they have difficulty doing so verbally. They can communicate their own ideas and experiences through drawings or other visual media, which not only supports their language development but can also boost their self-confidence.

Pictures can therefore play an extremely valuable role in supporting children with language deficits by opening up new ways of communicating and learning and helping children to better navigate their environment

In the therapeutic and medical field, it is also essential to present information to patients in such a way that it can be intuitively understood by people with reading and writing difficulties. This requires good communication with therapists and doctors as well as an understanding of patients' needs.

Here is an example from the field of physiotherapy

For therapists who deal with the treatment of back problems, for example, a collection of frequently used exercises for specific complaints can be invaluable. This collection can be modular so that it can be individually adapted to the patient's needs and abilities. This makes it easier to perform the exercises independently at home and thus actively contribute to improving their health, even if they may have limited language or literacy skills. The ability to perform the exercises independently without instruction can be crucial to the success of the therapy.

In addition, it is important to pay attention to inclusion right from the design stage, regardless of the topic or content being taught. An illustrative example: Illustrations should be designed in such a way that important information is not conveyed exclusively through colors, as people with red-green deficiency may have difficulty distinguishing these colors. If the information coding is created by colors, then they can be created in such a way that they still have sufficient contrast for people with red-green deficiency. Taking such aspects into account ensures that the materials are accessible and understandable for a broad target group, which ultimately contributes to successful therapy.

15. Promoting multimodality: The use of images together with text and sound appeals to more senses and promotes comprehensive learning.

The human brain likes versatility. It has been shown that the more senses or sensory associations are addressed, the better the learning content is remembered. The combination of images and sound and the integration of movement further reinforce this effect, as movement is perceived more intensively than static images. The holistic appeal to different senses is therefore at the heart of effective didactics and teaching.

A decisive aspect here is the careful elaboration and coordination of these different stimuli. They should not only be well designed, but also intelligently and didactically coordinated. An apt example of these principles are educational films and animations in the education and information sector. They offer a lively presentation of complex topics and enable learners to actively engage with the material.

Take, for example, the presentation of symptoms and causes of a rare disease such as "limb-girdle muscular dystrophy" (LGMD for short) in a short animation. The use of animations with sound and images intensifies the appeal considerably compared to pure graphics. This medium appeals not only to the mind, but also to the emotions. It has the potential to touch learners emotionally and encourage them to engage more deeply with the topic. Thus, such animations can not only impart knowledge, but also help to develop a deeper understanding and empathy for complex issues

16. Cultural relevance: Illustrations can address culturally relevant issues and promote cultural diversity in the classroom.

Cultural issues are often characterized by associations or, to put it more drastically, prejudices. These can be extremely persistent and deeply rooted, and they can lead to tensions or misunderstandings. However, these prejudices are often based on pure ignorance or fear of the unknown. It is therefore very important to be sensitive in your communication and to look beyond your own horizons. Appealing and positive illustrations can demystify such topics and arouse curiosity about what is unknown or unexplored.

A personal experience that illustrates this was when a friend had a visitor from Brazil and we sat alone in the kitchen for a while - without an interpreter or dictionary. Neither I could speak a word of Brazilian or Portuguese, nor could the visitor speak German or English. Our salvation was a map of Brazil hanging in the kitchen. After a while and using gestures and facial expressions, or "hands and feet" as they say, I found out which part of Brazil the person was from, and with the help of an atlas that I quickly got hold of (the internet didn't exist to this extent back then - it's hard to imagine today), I was also able to quickly point to Frankfurt am Main. Communication with the help of a map.

This is why maps on topics such as "Where do I come from?" or "Where am I going on vacation?" are always wonderful starting points for language development and for making contact, along with many, many other picture motifs. They provide a common basis for promoting understanding and empathy and breaking down barriers

17. Historical contextualization: Images can bring historical events and contexts to life and make them vivid.

History maps are more than just simple maps - they are illustrations of concentrated knowledge about historical events. A single map can literally represent the quintessence of a doctoral thesis, and they invite history buffs to linger long and curiously. These maps are like windows into the past, making it possible to grasp and understand complex historical contexts at a glance.

A successful history map is characterized by various features that make it indispensable. These include, for example, the combination of highlighted focal points as a "picture within a picture", whereby important events or developments can be particularly emphasized. The use of easy-to-understand icons and pictograms also helps to make historical information quick and easy to grasp. Overview maps and scale information also make it possible to locate yourself precisely and better understand the spatial relationships. Historical and current boundaries can also be compared using easily distinguishable area coloring, hatching or outlines.

Beautiful examples of the quality of such history maps can be found in the science magazine "epoc" published by Spektrum-Verlag Heidelberg, which unfortunately no longer exists in this form. There, complex historical facts were visualized and illustrated in a fascinating way, enabling readers to delve deep into history and see it with different eyes. Such history maps are not only informative, but also aesthetically pleasing and inspiring, and they contribute significantly to a deeper understanding of past events and developments.

Here is a double page on the subject of the Hanseatic League. In addition to the trade routes and the important cities, branches and offices, the main flows of goods were depicted, i.e. raw materials such as copper, lead, iron, glass, wood and wool, but also products such as linen or weapons, foodstuffs such as grain, fish, wine and butter as well as livestock or horses

18. Promoting media literacy: Working with visual media teaches important media literacy skills.

An important, almost burning issue: media literacy! In a world where media plays an increasingly important role and images convey not only information but also emotions, it is important to understand how these images can be manipulated to create a distorted reality. This trend is reinforced by advances in artificial intelligence, which is now able to generate deceptively real images.

Illustrators face a double challenge

Firstly, they need to explain why their work is still relevant, even though AI-based tools can create images quickly and easily "at the touch of a button". There are many answers to this question, which will be the subject of a separate article when the time comes. One example is that AI ultimately only copies with enormous computing and data power, but does not understand. Complex topics and contexts, the entire communicative clarification and goal-setting process, which goes through a creative, communicative process and ultimately results in a multi-layered, meaningful, correct and easily understandable information graphic, cannot be achieved by an AI, as there is no real understanding.

On the other hand, it is the responsibility of illustrators and photographers to point out the differences between real and AI-generated images. With their trained eye, they can often tell whether an image is authentic or not. Therefore, they must not only be able to draw, but also use their expertise to educate and advise the public. They can use AI as an advanced tool, but also ensure that the limits and possibilities of this technology are understood

19. Improving teaching methods: Teachers can develop more varied and dynamic teaching methods through the use of images.

Pictures play a crucial role in almost all areas of learning and media. It is impossible to imagine school books and textbooks without them, and many children's first learning experiences involve looking at picture books.

One outstanding example that I would like to present here is the collaboration with Bildung 3000 GmbH, which has already been mentioned in the articles on "Increasing accessibility" and "Cultural relevance": Drawings for children with language deficits. This project goes beyond the simple visualization of terms and makes it possible to convey complex linguistic concepts in a playful way.

The concept behind the drawings for children with language deficits is based on sound scientific findings. It is the result of many years of research and has already proven to be extremely successful in kindergartens and schools. Instead of just illustrating individual words, whole sentences, grammar rules, singular and plural nouns, the use of articles, diminutives and much more are illustrated using pictures. This visual approach enables children to grasp language in a vivid, playful and tangible way, which is invaluable, especially for children with language deficits.

The use of pictures illustrates complex linguistic concepts and makes them easier for children to understand. In addition, the project not only promotes linguistic understanding, but also children's cognitive development and creativity. It is a remarkable example of how images can not only convey information, but also serve as an effective tool for education and integration

20. Long-term learning benefits: Good visuals can have long-term positive effects on learning behavior and educational success.

There are numerous situations in which we recognize the effective role of images in education and training, be it during our school days, in training or at university. Images are memorable. They can lead to "aha" experiences by presenting simple connections in an understandable and comprehensible way. Often it is even our own sketches that we make on a particular topic, which we later recall when preparing for exams or tests, or which even help us to remember important content in our professional lives. Images have the unique ability to anchor themselves in our memory and present complex concepts in a vivid way.

For this reason, the use of illustrations also plays a decisive role in training for highly specialized professions, such as dentistry. Here are some examples of how illustrations are used in the training of dentists:

1. Anatomy: Detailed illustrations help future dentists to understand the complex anatomy of the mouth, teeth, skull and jaw. These images enable students to get an accurate picture of the various structures and understand their positional relationships.
2. Disease patterns and pathologies: Illustrations of various dental diseases and pathological conditions help aspiring dentists to recognize and diagnose them and understand appropriate treatment options. Visual representations enable students to better understand the characteristic features of certain clinical pictures and remember them more easily.
3. Treatment techniques: Images and diagrams are also used to illustrate various dental treatment techniques, ranging from tooth cleaning to fillings, the use and correct location of image carriers in radiographs, and complex surgical procedures. These visualizations allow students to better understand and prepare for the steps of a treatment.
4. Preventive measures: Illustrations can also be used to illustrate preventative measures such as proper dental care and nutrition. Prospective dentists learn how to give their patients effective advice on how to maintain oral health.

Overall, illustrations make a significant contribution to communicating complex concepts and procedures in medicine in general and, as in this example, in dentistry in particular in an understandable way and to preparing prospective dentists for their professional practice. They serve as a valuable tool for illustrating, consolidating and communicating knowledge.

Matthias Emde Information graphic designer, medical-scientific illustrator, graduate geologist, author

www.emdegrafik.de | www.linkedin.com/in/matthiasemde/