Explaining Vectors in Visuals
Overview
This is a brief introduction to visual vectors in media for visual designers - or anyone who is curious about creating direction in media.
What are visual vectors?
Visual vectors are directional cues in visual design that tell the viewer how to look at your design - it tells them what to look at, where to look, and when they should be looking. They can be created with lines, shapes, words, movement or positioning. They help to create a flow within you work that helps viewers get information in a proper order and ensure key elements receive proper attention. If text is included visual vectors also help to enhance readability.
Below is a video that showcases strong use of visual vectors. Watch and notice how movement, shapes and lines help guide your eyes along the video. It feels very natural which is the result of great design. This is a great video to introduce more about vectors and the different types that exist.
Graphic Vectors
Graphic vectors are considered to be the weakest type of visual vector. They are elements that use lines, shapes and object placement to subtly suggest direction in a composition. It is important to remember that graphic vectors are static and suggest direction with careful placement. This works better in graphic design than in motion design but it is not overall a strong choice. Some examples of graphic vectors could be a horizon in a picture of a beach, a movie scene shot from the end of a hallway showing someone at the other end, or a diagonal line across a poster. Below is a visual example.
Index Vectors
Index vectors blatanlty suggest directions with things like gaze, gestures or subject alignments. As this is a more upfront method for guiding the eye of the viewer, it can be akin to pointing at what you want someone else to look at. These help create narrative clarity and are used more commonly in films. This type of vector is strong in both graphic and motion design. A well known example of this would be a character's gaze or eyeline in a close up or mid body shot or an arrow in a scene/ a character that is pointing at a specific direction.
Below is a visual example.
Motion Vectors
Motion vectors are the strongest type of vector. We're no longer suggesting a direction, we are showing it. When an element is moving across the frame this is a motion vector. This is because our eyes will naturally follow the object as it is moving, there is no question of what to look at or think where it's going as we will be actively following along. Movement can be actual, implied or graphic depending on the type of media it is. The strongest use of a motion vector is when an object moves along the x and y axis parallel to the lens it is shot from.
Below is a visual example/