The Psychology of Layers: How Overlays Influence Perception

When talking about visual information, we must understand that images have a big influence on our perception. They do this by capturing our attention, provoke some kind of sentiment in us, and more importantly, they communicate a hidden message without the need of words. In this blog, we would like to highlight a more complex technique: image overlays. What makes this approach so extraordinary is that influences the perception of the viewer in a more subtle way.

The Art of Layering

The best way we can describe image overlays as the technique of overlaying one or more images over a background image. To be clear, image overlays is not only about an image looking aesthetically pleasing, but it is actually about cognitive manipulation. Yup, you read that right. It is possible to add context, depth, and meaning to a simple image with the help of layers, turning it into a tapestry of emotions and information.

Visual Hierarchy and Focus

One of the most important aspects about image overlays is how it can create a hierarchy of visual elements. How come? Designers manipulate the contrast, opacity, and color of images in order to guide the viewers' eyes and focus to where they want. This way, designers make sure that the most important information and elements are seen first, which makes this hierarchal structure pretty effective to prioritize certain information.

Contextual Framing

Many artists use image overlays to provide context. Let's take a historical photograph, like a picture of the airplane that the Wright brothers invented in 1903, and overlay modern visual elements of planes in the 21st century. This contrast serves as a narrative that puts the invention of airplanes together with their presence as of today. In other words, the overlay adds a backstory that would be otherwise absent.

Emotional Resonance

Emotions are deep-rooted into perception, and image overlays can specially be used to evoke a specific response. Color psychology can also play a big role here, since it can also be use to make viewers feel something in particular. Moreover, overlays can serve as some kind of intermediary for symbolism by using known icons and concepts that create an emotional trigger. Curiously, companies use this technique to create an emotional connection between them and their customers.

Cognitive Load and Complexity

Image overlays is such an intriguing subject, because they have the capacity to either deepen the understanding of a person or completely confuse them. How? By making the viewer's brain work hard to decode the multiple layers and the connection between all of them. However, it is utterly important to mention that they are extremely well-planned for their complexity to be enriching rather than overwhelming.