When you look at these two images, what feelings come to mind?

Although they may appear to be very similar in appearance, these images have been edited in ways to invoke contrasting emotions and feelings.

The power of empathetic imagery in learning

It is often the case that images are shoehorned into digital learning solutions without much thought. But with the power that visual elements possess when it to comes to evoking feelings and reactions, it is certainly worth having a more considered approach when selecting images for your learning content. This is especially true when it comes to empathetic imagery.

Empathetic imagery in digital learning is the use of images and visual representations that evoke emotions and connect with learners in a meaningful way, often going beyond the purpose of simply providing useful visual cues. The goal of empathetic imagery is to create a sense of understanding, and an emotional connection between the learner and the content being presented.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend in digital learning from more forward-thinking providers. This is because empathetic imagery can greatly enhance learning outcomes and improve engagement.

For example, images that depict real-life scenarios or relatable characters can help learners connect with the content in a more personal way, making it easier to remember and understand. This is especially true now businesses have taken a more relaxed approach to working from home. Using real-life people rather than illustrated characters can help with keeping the sense of community that your people may miss when not working in an office.

How to use empathic imagery in digital learning experiences

There are several ways we can use empathetic imagery in digital learning experiences. One of the most effective ways to use empathetic imagery is through storytelling. By creating stories that are relatable and emotionally resonant, learners can better connect with the content and retain information more effectively. Here are three things to consider:

• Character representation: The use of relatable characters in digital learning can help learners connect with the content on an emotional level. Seeing people of a similar age, or background or just depicting a reaction they can relate to can resonate much more than an illustration.
• Real-life scenarios: Empathetic imagery can also be used to depict real-life scenarios, such as people at work, in social settings, or in challenging situations. This can help learners understand and relate to the content in a more meaningful way.
• Emotive images: Such as photographs, illustrations, or animations, can also be used to evoke emotions and connect with learners. For example, images of people smiling, laughing, or expressing other emotions can help learners relate to the content and feel more engaged.

Additionally, you should be thinking about how you are able to make imagery appeal to specific demographics. Keep the end user in mind. Think about your workforce generally, or utilise variables in your solutions to gather information about the learner and tailor the imagery shown to them! This is a tactic that we employ to great effect and it gets a great response every single time from clients and learners alike.

In summary

Incorporating empathetic imagery into digital learning can greatly enhance the overall learning experience. By connecting with learners on a deeper emotional level, digital learning can become more engaging, memorable, and effective. As the use of digital learning continues to evolve, empathetic imagery will play an increasingly important role in establishing enjoyable and successful learning experiences.