What Makes Holography WOW in ID and Travel Documents?

As part of a research initiative led by Reconnaissance International, a recent industry survey set out to define the elusive ‘WOW factor’ in holographic security features.

Building on input from a global cross-section of document security professionals, the study focused on the use of holography in ID cards, passports, and driving licences – aiming to uncover which visual characteristics truly capture attention and reinforce trust.

With a high level of familiarity and seniority among participants, the insights gained offer a practical understanding of what the WOW factor means in real-world applications.

The survey confirmed that the WOW factor in ID and travel documents is fundamentally about instant visual impact. In scenarios such as border control or ID checks, where decisions are made quickly and often without specialist tools, holographic features must immediately draw the viewer’s attention and reinforce the legitimacy of the document.