The Research on Visual Persuasion
87% of visual information is retained, while only 10% of information we hear is retained.
Jurors can recall 65% of evidence presented three days earlier if that evidence was a combination of visuals and oral testimony.
Studies have shown that jurors who view testimony with computer animation recall information more accurately and in more detail than those who did not view animation.
From the Bench
Pugh v. State (Georgia Court of Appeals, 2024)
A concurring opinion emphasized the persuasive power of computer-generated animations in court:
"Even though computer-generated animations can be 'demonstrative,' they are vastly more persuasive than other demonstratives like diagrams or charts. Because of their persuasiveness, when the prosecution seeks to use computer-generated animations at trial, the defense should not sit on its hands."
"Computer-generated animations are increasingly part of the courtroom experience. More commonly found in high-stakes civil litigation, they have been found more and more in criminal cases."
"A computer-generated animation, even if it exactly replicates the oral testimony of a witness, can be much more persuasive than a traditional demonstrative exhibit."
Source: Pugh v. State on Casetext
Legal Commentary
International Association of Defense Counsel
A comprehensive overview of acceptance and limitations of computer animation in court, state by state and circuit by circuit, appears in "The Use of Computer-Generated Animations and Simulations at Trial" by attorneys Victoria Webster and Fred E. (Trey) Bourn III.
Source: IADC Defense Counsel Journal
Our View
Why We Do This Work
Over 90% of people are visual learners. When flooded with words, people remember what they see.
You can influence what and how people understand when you control those visuals.
Using even the best words alone means leaving some persuasion on the table. Sometimes that tips the scales.
Don't leave a part of your case strategy exposed. Expect the other side to use visuals and have something to match theirs.