Why People Remember Pictures More Than Words
Think back to the last conference you attended. Do you remember the slide deck? The bullet points? Probably not. But chances are, you remember a specific image, a diagram, or a sketch that made an idea click.
That’s not a coincidence. It’s science.
The human brain processes visuals far faster than text and retains them much longer. Research shows that when people hear information, they typically remember about 10% of it three days later. Add a visual, and that number jumps to around 65%.
This is why visual storytelling isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential when you want people to truly remember and act on your message.
The Science Behind Visual Storytelling
There are three main reasons visuals work so well:
- Dual Coding Theory – Our brains process information through two channels: verbal and visual. When both are used, comprehension and recall increase dramatically.
- The Picture Superiority Effect – Simply put, people remember pictures better than words. Visuals are encoded into long-term memory more effectively.
- Cognitive Load Reduction – Complex ideas can overwhelm an audience. Turning those ideas into visual metaphors (a mountain for challenges, a bridge for connections) makes them easier to grasp.
This is why we’ve built Marker.ae around visual storytelling. Our role isn’t to “decorate” conversations—it’s to anchor them.
How Visual Storytelling Boosts Alignment
In fast-paced workshops or strategy sessions, alignment is everything. But when people come from different backgrounds—different departments, different cultures, or even different languages—alignment can be hard to achieve.
Visuals bridge that gap.
- A visual map shows the whole conversation at once, not scattered across notes or slides.
- Participants can literally “see” how their contributions connect to the bigger picture.
- Teams leave with a shared reference point, reducing misunderstandings and duplication.
At Marker.ae, we’ve seen leaders return to our visuals weeks later and use them as rallying points for their teams. It’s not just about memory—it’s about unity.
Examples in Action
Here’s how visual storytelling plays out in real events:
- Leadership Retreats – Leaders often wrestle with abstract concepts like vision or transformation. A visual map makes the discussion tangible and memorable.
- Government Workshops – In bilingual settings, visual storytelling helps bridge English and Arabic conversations, ensuring no one is left behind.
- Innovation Labs – Complex processes are broken into clear visual flows, allowing teams to move faster from idea to action.
Whether the session is traditional (on paper) or digital (on iPad), the principle is the same: visuals help people understand, remember, and align.
Why Marker.ae’s Approach Works
Not all visuals are created equal. Some look artistic but don’t clarify the message. Others capture words but lose meaning.
At Marker.ae, we design every visual with purpose:
- Metaphors with meaning – We use bridges, journeys, and frameworks that instantly click with the audience.
- Bilingual clarity – Our visuals work in both Arabic and English, ensuring inclusivity.
- Post-event usability – Every drawing is delivered in digital formats that can be repurposed in reports, decks, or social content.
This is how we make sure visual storytelling delivers value long after the session ends.
The Lasting Impact
When the markers are capped and the session is over, the conversation often fades. But a strong visual stays.
It hangs on a wall, lives in a deck, gets referenced in meetings, and keeps ideas alive long after the room has emptied. That’s why clients tell us our visuals are “the thing people actually remember.”
In a world of endless words, a drawing can be the difference between ideas that vanish—and ideas that stick.
Conclusion
Visual storytelling is more than illustration. It’s a proven way to help people process, remember, and act on what matters most.
At Marker.ae, we bring that science and strategy to every session we support. Whether you’re planning a government summit, a leadership retreat, or a corporate innovation lab, our visuals will help your team align—and remember.
📩 Contact us at: hello@marker.ae
🌐 Learn more: www.marker.ae
