Visual Noise: Publicity in Winneba and Its Impact.

Abstract
Visuals are meant to enhance recall of experience, support in-depth research, dispel myths, create
new experiences, and provide context for vital information, and help in forming value judgments.
Many discourses try to find out whether visual noise is detrimental or a helpful technique for
spreading information to the community, spectator, or reader. Billboards and posters for outdoor
advertising remain the best mediums for the disseminating information to the general public. In
spite of the exceptional role of visual artefacts, the concerned authorities have not given the matter
enough attention regarding positioning these visuals in order to lessen the detrimental effects on
the environment, especially for road users who patronize this service. The study examines some
visual artefacts used in Winneba, the impact they have on the community, and the responses from
road users. The study deployed “Perception Theory of Visual Communication” and “Uses and
Gratification Theory” to form the foundation of the study. The study uses a cross- sectional study
design with a minimum sample size of 10 participants. The findings revealed that outdoor visuals,
when not properly sited, distract attention from important information, defy and lower ethical and
moral standards, as well as pose risks to road users. The study concluded that cluttered visuals
pose a challenge that requires consideration and that the placement of outdoor visuals must be
regulated and implemented to guarantee that a restricted quantity of commercials are permitted in
order to minimize visual disarray.