Images and icons: which practice is recommended?

• A. Use commercial stock photos whenever possible
• B. Use real photos of employees and customers
• C. Avoid images altogether
• D. Use images sparingly and only as icons

Answer: (B)

Showing real photos of employees and customers builds trust and connection with users. When people see authentic images, they recognize the brand as transparent and approachable, which can boost engagement and credibility. Real photos also help users relate to the product or service because they can picture real experiences, see diversity, and imagine themselves in similar situations. To make this effective, obtain proper consent, ensure diverse representation, and use high-quality images with accessible alt text so everyone can understand the visuals.

Stock photos tend to feel generic or staged, which can undermine credibility and make the experience seem less authentic. Avoiding images altogether deprives users of quick, helpful visual context that aids understanding and memory. Limiting visuals to icons misses the warmth and immediacy that real photos provide, reducing emotional impact.

So, the best practice is to use real photos of employees and customers to convey authenticity, inclusivity, and trust, while keeping visuals high quality and accessible.