Scientists and teachers are well aware of the ability of graphics to deliver immediate insight. Educational research has shown that the form in which information is represented has a great influence on how well that information leads to understanding. When we visualize through the use of external means such as computers, we structure a problem so that more of it is processed by the preconscious part of our brain - the visual system that is our silent partner. In this way, consciousness can be devoted to the highest levels of analysis and synthesis. There are many models and theories in chemistry which lend themselves to visual presentation and molecular graphics have become significant to the chemistry curriculum.
Visualization is particularly important in organic and biological chemistry.
A clear perception of molecules in their actual three dimensional shapes and volumes is needed to understand stereochemistry. Looking back at chemistry textbooks from 30 years ago we find only conventional chemical formulas. Over time, black and white drawings, first of stick figures, then of ball and stick models evolved into photographs of models and pictures showing orbital shapes. The advent of color illustrations about 10 years ago was a significant improvement, because the color could be keyed to different elements or to particular structural features of molecules. Textbook publishers offer sets of colored overhead transparencies so that lecturers have a source of images to project during lectures.