In Understanding Comics, Scott McCloud explores how comics use time, space, words, and images to create meaning. He explains that the sequence of panels in a comic represents the passage of time, and the spaces between these panels, known as gutters, invite the reader to imagine and infer the actions or events that occur in between.
McCloud also discusses the interplay between words and images, explaining how they work together or independently to convey meaning. He identifies several ways that words and pictures interact, such as when one carries most of the meaning or when they are equally dependent on each other to communicate a message. This relationship between text and visuals is crucial in creating a layered, multifaceted storytelling experience.
Reflection:
In comics, readers play an active role in interpreting the story, as they must infer meaning or predict what happens between panels based on their own experiences. This mirrors how design functions in UX, where transitions or step-by-step workflows guide users through an interface. Just as comic readers make connections between sequential panels, users connect various parts of a digital experience, using their knowledge to anticipate the next action or navigate seamlessly.
The balance between words and visuals is crucial in both comics and design. In a well-crafted interface, visuals such as icons, diagrams, or data visualizations work together with text to deliver a clear and intuitive message. An overreliance on one form—whether too much text or too many visuals—can confuse or overwhelm users. Similarly, in comics, an imbalance between text and imagery can disrupt the storytelling flow, making it harder for readers to engage with the narrative.