VISUAL PERCEPTION IS AN AWARENESS OF SEEING. Learners derive meaning from what they see based on their frame of reference (Barry, 1994). The meaning of what is seen is subject to individual interpretation. Designers can influence a viewer's perception. In the example below, viewers may interpret the picture in different ways.

• Do you see two faces?
• Do you see a vase?
• Do you see both faces and a vase?
  

A designer can direct the learner to perceive pictures as he intends them to be perceived by placing emphasis on particular aspects of the picture. Emphasis is used in graphics to attract attention and to dramatize certain aspects. Many techniques can be used to create emphasis in a graphic. These may include using light against dark, color against black and white, detail contrasted by lack of detail, variation of size, distortion, and movement.

To a large degree, readers see what they are told to see in an image (Pettersson, 1993). Below are examples of different ways in which a designer can emphasize that faces are what he intends the viewer to see.

Use a box to emphasize the faces 

Use color to emphasize the faces 

Use animation to emphasize the faces

Patti Wilmot