Flashing images

How many times have you received an email and there is a flashing image in it. I know for me it has been too many times, and it isn’t something that I appreciate happening. I think some businesses think that the flashing images in emails will get your attention and help you remember them. For me it does the opposite as it quickly makes me close the message and quite often delete it. 

Images in emails should yes communicate a message but not distract the reader from seeing what you are saying. For some individuals this could be a health risk because of the flashing that they see when they open an email. Understanding what good communication is when it comes to emails is important.

Now when it comes to presentations, presenters or designers or presentations need to understand that having those flashing images that repeat over and over until the next slide is clicked doesn’t help with the message. What is does is makes me stop listening to your message because that flashing image is extremely distracting. Also, when you have these images that are flashing you are once again potentially causing a health risk to individuals. If you are going to have those flashing images in your presentation you should say it upfront so that something with health issues can be prepared for them. These flashing lights or images can trigger seizures in some individuals and impact individuals that suffer from migraines, dizziness and other health issues.

Being aware that flashing images can cause harm to other individuals is something that you need to be aware of when you are trying to communicate your message. I know for me as someone that suffers with migraines it is difficult for me to remain focused on the message you are trying to communicate and too often, I end up sitting with my eyes closed for quite a while hoping that there won’t be a migraine abut to happen. So next time you are putting together an email or presentation, and you think that flashing image is cute think about those that don’t think they are cute and end up dealing with issues because of that “cute” image you inserted.