Visual

Visual Information and Media

Definition of Visual Media

  • Symbols, pictures, icons, signs that communicate through sight.

Examples of Visual Media

Ideograms

  • Graphical symbols representing ideas.

  • Examples: signs, logos.

Statistical Visualization

  • Study and creation of data using visual representation (e.g., charts, graphs).

Pictures

  • Photography, painting, and drawing used for expressing ideas and sentiments.

Graphic Design

  • Art of combining text and images to convey information.

  • Includes infographics and advertisements.

Video

  • Combines motion (video) and audio to convey messages.

3-D Images

  • Three-dimensional visuals, including sculptures and architecture.

Importance of Visual Media

  • Visual media facilitates understanding through ideograms, statistical visualizations, pictures, graphic design, videos, and 3-D images.

Visual Communication

  • A powerful tool for evoking intellectual and emotional responses (Pettersson, 2015).

Visual Literacy

Definition

  • The ability to interpret and create visual messages (Heinich et al., 1982).

Levels of Competencies Developed by Professor Raymond Paquin (1999)

Primary Level

  1. Manipulation (changing objects)

  2. Construction (producing simple visuals)

  3. Abstraction (identifying concepts from art elements)

Skilled Level

  1. Manipulation (using tools for problem-solving)

  2. Construction (drawing with perspective)

  3. Abstraction (creating visual plans, interpreting instructions)

Advanced Level

  1. Manipulation (mental manipulation of complex representations)

  2. Construction (creating multimedia information)

  3. Abstraction (describing visual ideas verbally)

Criteria for Using Visual Information and Media

  • Consider relevance, triangulation, point of view, medium, and audience before using visual media.

Producing Clear Visual Information

For Pictures

  • Ensure words/images are large and bold.

  • Maintain good contrast and suitability for the audience.

For Symbols

  • Use simple designs and bold colors.

  • Ensure distinct visibility at any size.

For Maps

  • Utilize bold symbols in a consistent size.

  • Limit complexity and provide contrast.

Guidelines for Effective Visual Messages (Pettersson, 2015)

Pictures

  • Write captions and choose illustrations carefully.

  • Avoid unnecessary details.

Symbols

  • Use color, position, and size effectively.

  • Combine pictographs with words.

Maps

  • Limit the number of symbols and keep designs simple.

Color Usage

  • Use color to express emotions and highlight elements.

  • Assist in recalling information.

Emphasis in Visual Messages

  • Achieved by highlighting essential elements and reducing less important ones (Pettersson, 2015).