Users' trust in a security product is built on authenticity. Most users explicitly stated that photos helped them assess whether the product was relevant to their own life. Opposition to real photos came primarily from privacy anxiety, not from an aesthetic preference for illustrations. This suggests "real photos" need not be literal photography — 3D renders, photorealistic illustrations, or lifestyle scene imagery can also qualify, as long as they convey a sense of real-world context. Avoid cartoonish or abstract vector-style figure illustrations.
"Because I can see real live video was actually going on I don't want to see a illustration"
"I'd preferred the left description because the picture displays a realistic detail"
"Having real photos are usually way more appealing than just illustrations. It gives life to a page and makes it relatable"
"Real photos seems more personal, more relatable."
"I prefer the illustrated version more because the images make each function more understandable."
"Create an immediate connection with users by showing authentic, relatable visuals or products, people, or environments. They provide a realistic and tangible feel, making it easier for users to visualize the product or scenario in real life."
"The feature focus was much easier to imagine due to real people. It made it easier to see your own life reflected."
"real photos are important to me. It gives me a better visual of what is happening."
"I prefer illustrations over the images of real people"
"I definitely prefer the real photos for security for my family"
"i feel like when you use real photos it could lead to a problem later on depending on wher the photos come from"
"real photos is easier to understand how it could be used in my life"
"I prefer the illustrations, it makes it more light hearted"
"I prefer the real photos because they seem to fit the background better than illustrations and the illustration don’t look very well done to me. Those illustrations are very generic and lots of brand use them."
"Real photos allows me to connect with the product better."
"i Prefer it because the real photos are more relatable to me."
"Illustration is better because it’s always fun to watch"
"Real photos make it feel that much more important"
"I prefer illustrations because I don't want to imagine someone else's family"
"It’s showing real moment with real people I prefer this to an illustration"
"real photos always make the product feel more real. some people like the color of illustrations but i like the personality of the real photos"
"Illustrations best because it makes me not think about the camera recording me as well:"
"I like the illustrative one because it helps me focus better on the actual message and not so much on the photos."
"I think the real photos will be the audience feel more connected and draw them more into subscribing."
"The real photos were more engaging to me and I prefer the overall look of it"
"I Prefer real photos. It’s easier to connect to"
"I slightly prefer the illustrations if you are going to use AI to make the photos"
"Its easier to visualize with real pictures"
"For a home security subscription, I think real photos works so much better because this is a system or devices used in someone's real home and it connects to the customer so much more when you see real people using it and it being used in real scenarios not illustrated ones"
"This make the app feel more realistic and trustworthy, especially for a home security product"
"More realistic. Easier to see in my home"
"Illustration layout explains everything with both picture and words thereby eliminating room for confusion."
"Definitely real photos, makes it seem less computer generated and more relatable"
"Real photo increase trust and help us for make a perfect decision"
"I prefer the real photos design for the subscription page. It will give me a sense of reality and help picture other people using similar security security service without feeling alone. It will make me feel assured being in touch with reality. So I would prefer real photos design on the page because it will make me feel safe and assured, and also create a relatable sense of things that feel very human."
"I prefer the real photos. They feel more trustworthy and make the security features feel more real and relatable."
"Illustrations are easier to grasp. Models can be distracting."
"It’s what attracted me honestly to one of my cameras simply bc it represents the picture quality in a real life situation"
"When comes to the trustworthy then real photo is the best option"
"Illustrations are less distracting from the message. Photos are distracting."
- Makes the product feel credible and authentic — critical for a security context where trust is the primary purchase driver
- Helps users assess whether the product fits their own home, lowering the decision barrier
- More intuitive than illustrations — users can see actual installation states
- Creates an immediate connection between user and product, supporting subscription intent
- Viewing someone else's home creates psychological distance rather than relatability
- Triggers privacy anxiety — a reminder that cameras record the user too
- AI-generated "realistic" figures feel dishonest and can damage rather than build trust
- Low-quality stock photography underperforms relative to intentionally designed illustrations
Consistency across cohorts: Both cohorts show a strong, consistent preference for Real Photos over Illustrations.
Key Finding: Participants overwhelmingly prefer real photos for security and subscription products. Real photos make the product feel more realistic, relatable, trustworthy, authentic, and premium. They help users visualize the product in their own homes and feel more confident in their purchasing decision. Illustration supporters are a clear minority, with some preferring them to avoid distraction or because they find models unsettling.
Minor difference: Cohort 1's quantitative scale showed a moderate preference for Illustrations (55%), while Cohort 2's slider showed a strong preference for Real Photos (67%). The slider format likely reduced hypothetical bias, revealing the true preference. Which is consistently reflected in the qualitative comments across both cohorts.
Takeaway: Security interfaces should prioritize authentic, realistic imagery over illustrated or stylized alternatives. Real photos build trust and credibility which are critical factors when users are making decisions about personal safety and home protection.
- Use authentic home environment product photography on the subscription page, showing devices in real installation contexts
- Avoid real human faces or identifiable family members in photos — convey safety through spaces and devices themselves
- Ensure image quality is high enough to distinguish product details; brand perception should convey security, reliability, and authenticity
- Avoid stylized illustrations or AI-generated "realistic figures" as primary visuals
- Photography should visually reinforce benefit descriptions, not serve as decorative background