Watch the video below and try to recall the images presented. Don’t make any notes.

What were the images?

If you recalled some office supplies, congratulations, but you probably most easily recalled the puppy, which was different from the other items. The picture itself was also larger than those of the office supplies.

The Von Restorff effect is also known as the isolation effect. When an item stands out, it is more likely to be remembered than other items. Hedwig von Restorff was a psychiatrist and pediatrician in Germany and first documented this effect in a study published in 1933. The principle is straightforward: when presented with a list of items similar in nature and one unique item, the unique item is more likely to be recalled. This occurs because the different-looking item creates a contrast in your perception, making it more memorable.

The Von Restorff effect is important because it has the potential to significantly help with memory and attention. When people take notes using only text in a linear or outline format, nothing visually stands out or draws attention to more important information. Different-looking elements capture our focus more effectively. Remembering the Von Restorff effect is critically important when taking visual notes.

You can highlight the most essential information by making certain elements stand out through color, size, or unique shapes. Using a bright color or a bold font for key points while keeping the rest of the text in a standard color and font can make those points more memorable.

For visual notes, the Von Restorff effect can be employed using visual elements such as banners, arrows, and borders to highlight information. Making visual distinctions clear and noticeable helps you remember important information.

Apply the Von Restorff Effect by adding sparkle lines around words, changing your writing style for keywords, and drawing boxes around text.