How Easy Read Helps the Brain Process Information And Why Pictures Matter More Than You Think
Most of us don’t think twice about reading. We skim news articles, check emails, and follow instructions without struggling.
But for millions of people, reading is exhausting, frustrating, or downright impossible.
People with a learning disability or a cognitive impairment struggle with long, complicated text.
Autistic people find vague or figurative language confusing.
Those with low literacy read slowly and with difficulty, making dense text a chore.
People who speak English as a second language (ESL) can understand spoken English well but get lost in complex written text.
This is where Easy Read comes in. It simplifies words, removes barriers like jargon and legalese, and—crucially—uses pictures to reinforce meaning.
Because here’s something important: our brains process images faster and more efficiently than words. Let’s break down why.
Why Traditional Writing Fails So Many People
Most official writing—government forms, legal documents, even healthcare letters—is designed without accessibility in mind.
Three big barriers make text hard to understand and hard to stick with:
Jargon – Overcomplicated words that only experts understand
Doctors, lawyers, and government officials love using fancy words that most people don’t use in everyday life.
Example: Instead of “cohabitation agreement”, say “a legal agreement for couples who live together.”
Legalese – Sentences stuffed with too many words and not enough clarity
Instead of “Failure to comply with the aforementioned requirements will result in termination of benefits”, say “If you don’t follow these rules, your benefits will stop.”
Patronising Language – When text is oversimplified in a way that feels insulting
Instead of “This is for people who aren’t good at reading,” say “This makes information clearer for everyone.”
These aren’t just annoying—they actively make people:
Give up reading entirely when it feels too difficult
Lose trust in the source if it sounds patronising
Feel excluded from important information
Easy Read removes these barriers—and pictures play a crucial role in filling the gaps where words fall short.
The Science: Why Our Brains Prefer Pictures Over Words
If you’ve ever been stuck in an airport and figured out where to go from a sign with a picture, you’ve already experienced why images are powerful communication tools.
Here’s what science tells us:
Our brains process images 60,000 times faster than text.
We remember 80% of what we see, but only 20% of what we read.
Visuals help people understand concepts 400% better than text alone.
That’s why Easy Read pairs pictures with words—so that if the text is hard to understand, the image reinforces the meaning.
Who Needs Visual Support in Easy Read? (Spoiler: More People Than You Think!)
Some people rely on pictures to understand information, while others simply find them helpful. Let’s look at different groups who benefit.
People with Learning Disabilities
Struggle with decoding words or holding onto information as they read.
How pictures help: A quick visual clue can instantly explain what a sentence means.
Example: Instead of just saying "This form must be signed", include an image of a pen signing a document.
Autistic People
Find abstract words and figurative language confusing.
How pictures help: Visuals provide concrete meaning, removing ambiguity.
Example: Instead of writing “We need to check your ID”, add a picture of an ID card to make it instantly clear.
People with Cognitive Impairments (e.g., Brain Injury, Dementia, ADHD)
May forget what they’ve just read or struggle with focus.
How pictures help: Images act as memory triggers, reinforcing key information.
Example: A picture of a clock next to an appointment time helps someone remember when to go.
People with Low Literacy Skills
Read slowly and with difficulty.
How pictures help: They allow people to grasp the meaning without struggling through the words.
Example: Instead of just saying “Go to the reception desk”, include a picture of a reception desk.
People with English as a Second Language (ESL)
May understand spoken English well but struggle with complex written text.
How pictures help: They act as universal language cues.
Example: Instead of “Use the stairs if the lift is broken”, show an image of stairs and a broken lift.
How Pictures Make Information More Engaging and Trustworthy
Beyond just making text easier to understand, pictures also keep people engaged.
When people see huge walls of text, they:
Feel overwhelmed and give up
Struggle to find the key information
Get bored and disengaged
When text includes relevant, well-placed images, they:
Find it easier to focus
Understand faster
Feel more confident that they’re getting the right information
And here’s a key point: when information is easier to understand, people trust it more.
Imagine receiving an official letter from the government. If it’s full of dense legal jargon, you might feel:
Confused
Frustrated
Suspicious
But if it’s clear, well-structured, and includes helpful pictures, you’re more likely to:
Read it properly
Understand what to do
Trust that it’s meant for you
Final Thought: Information Should Be for Everyone—Not Just Those Who Read Well
We live in a world where reading is required for almost everything—healthcare, money, benefits, safety. If you can’t access information, you’re locked out of making informed decisions about your own life.
Easy Read isn’t about “dumbing things down”—it’s about opening things up.
And pictures? They’re the key to making sure nobody is left behind.
So next time you write something, ask yourself:
Could someone who struggles with reading understand this easily?
Would a picture help reinforce the meaning?
Am I using jargon or unnecessary complexity?
Because if you’re not making things clearer, you’re making them harder—and that’s something we can all work to change.