Visual+Literacy

// Visual Literacy // // After scrutinizing the visual image “Overproteined” my overall opinion is that the information is not conveyed in a coherent manner. One obvious mistake is that the numbers are given in different and incomparable denominations; millions, billions, and the third column has nothing. Along the same lines the time frame of the information given is also incomparable; years and seconds. Another component that bothers me is that there is no link or bridge between the idea of eating fast food and being “overproteined”. What they mean to convey is that eating too much meat is an overconsumption of protein but there is no mention of other high protein foods such as eggs. The information seems incomplete. Lastly, in the overview, I don’t like the cartoon images used to enhance the table of facts. It seems to me that if you are trying to get the audience to believe your stats, you should use realistic images. I think the animations compromise the gravity of the argument. That being said, after looking at the PAT model, there are some positive elements in the image as well. One positive element that the image offers is proximity. The facts are each organized into its own box and put in table format that is easy to read (besides what was mentioned earlier). It offers quick and easy to read information. Also by using well known icons (KFC bucket and Big Mac) they are reinforcing their ideas visually by giving the audience the perception that being “overproteined” is a direct result of eating fast food. They don’t actually blame the fast food chains but by using the image, the argument is implied. Next the table collectively proves the point of the image. They are using Gestalt by making the sum greater than the sum of the parts. Each factoid alone doesn’t carry much weight but putting the facts together carries more meaning. Finally, the tools they use that are effective are contrast (each box is its own color), alignment (the facts are justified in the middle of the box), color (the images are bright and eye-catching). Now, on the contrary, there is no depth and there’s a lot of space left on the page (which could be intentional for effect but I don’t like it). All in all, while I will say that the image and all its parts are visually intriguing, I’m not sure the information is organized in an effective manner which kind of makes it obsolete. While my attention was grabbed initially, after really looking at it, I dismissed it as elementary and incomplete. This proves that as teachers we need to make sure that when we are using visual aids in our lessons, the visuals should be organized and convey the right information. Otherwise, our students aren’t learning anything. // // The following is a link to the visual that generated this response. // // //