AN ASSESSMENT OF SOCIAL IMPACT OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION: A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED GRAPHIC VISUALS FOR CORONAVIRUS ENLIGHTENMENT CAMPAIGNS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper assesses the impact of graphic visuals in vividly communicating social issues to the public. Socially responsible graphic visuals focus on exploring contemporary issues that focus on humanity. The paper enunciates the role of graphic visuals in conveying essential information aimed at shaping social behaviours in a period of health crises. This study evaluates the impact of selected graphic visuals developed by the design unit of Nigeria Center of Disease and Control (NCDC) to campaign against the spread of coronavirus pandemic in Nigerian communities. The visuals were categorized into areas of information dissemination, education, readiness, response and prevention. The selected graphic visuals were subjected to the assessment of respondents totaling two hundred (200) using a closed questionnaire. The data was analysed with the Statistical Package of Social Science. These visuals were further analysed using content analysis of the art historical method. Results showed that the developed graphic visuals played a central role ineffectively reawakening the consciousness of the populace in acknowledging the existence of the virus in Nigeria and the appropriate ways of protecting themselves from it.