THE INFLUENCE OF STYLISTIC SIMPLIFICATION OF IMAGES ON THE SPEED OF VISUAL PERCEPTION IN A DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/uad.2026.3.45Keywords:
illustration, visual perception, stylistic simplification, digital design, UX/UI, cognitive load, visual communication.Abstract
The article examines the problem of the influence of stylistic simplification and visual detail of illustrative solutions on the speed and characteristics of human perception of visual information in the context of the modern digital environment. The relevance of the study is driven by the significant increase in the volume of visual content and user information overload. This requires a reconsideration of approaches to the formation of visual messages in graphic and digital design. Particular attention is paid to how different types of detail affect cognitive load, the speed of image recognition, and the effectiveness of communication between a visual object and the user. The study also analyzes two main types of illustrations – detailed and minimalist. Detailed illustrations, although they can convey complex context and emotional depth, often require more time for understanding and analysis On the other side, simplified illustrations are characterized by a reduced number of elements, a limited color palette, and an emphasis on key semantic objects. This contributes to faster perception of information. The role of the digital environment as a factor that enhances the importance of rapid visual perception is also considered. In the context of UX/UI design, it becomes clear that the level of visual complexity directly affects the user experience, in particular decision-making time, ease of navigation, and the overall efficiency of interaction with the interface. It is noted that stylistic solutions in illustration can both increase and decrease the cognitive load on the viewer. In conclusion, it can be stated that stylistic simplification contributes to an increase in the speed of visual perception, while detailed images provide a deeper level of emotional perception but require more time to process what is seen. Thus, the choice between simplified and complex visual solutions should be determined by the context of use, the communicative goal, and the characteristics of the target audience
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