Visual Information and Media Notes

Lesson Objectives

  • Identify and describe at least three dimensions of visual information and media.
  • Explain the processes involved in the formal and informal production, organization, and dissemination of visual information and media.
  • Apply selection criteria to evaluate the reliability and validity of different sources of visual information and media.

Visual Information

  • Definition: Artistic or creative representation or interpretation of an idea, concept, or emotion using different media.

Visual Media and Information

  • Comprises materials, programs, or applications used to formulate new information to support learning through the analysis, evaluation, and production of visual images.

Types of Visual Media

  • Photography: Capturing images using a camera.
  • Video: Moving visual media that conveys narratives or information.
  • Screenshots: Capture of display screens.
  • Infographics: Visual representation of information or data.
  • Data Visualization: Charts and graphs to convey data clearly.
  • Comic Strips/Cartoons: Sequential images to tell a story or convey ideas humorously.
  • Memes: Cultural ideas or behaviors that spread virally online through images or phrases.
  • Visual Note Taking: Combining notes with drawings to enhance retention and understanding.

Formally and Informally Produced Media

  • Formally Produced Media: Created by organized entities (e.g., schools, government).
  • Informally Produced Media: Created by individuals or non-professional sources, often shared online.

Purpose of Visual Information

  • Gain attention.
  • Create meaning.
  • Facilitate retention.

Visual Design Elements

  1. Line: Defines shapes and outlines; can vary in thickness and texture (e.g., vertical, horizontal, diagonal).
  2. Shape: Area with distinct boundaries; can be geometric or organic in nature.
  3. Value: Contrast between light and dark in a design, affecting perception and emotion.
  4. Texture: The perceived feel of an object’s surface, influencing visual interest.
  5. Color: Encompasses hue, intensity, and value; crucial for audience emotional responses.
  6. Form: A three-dimensional object’s volume and shape as represented in design.

Visual Design Principles

  1. Consistency: Maintain uniformity in margins, typeface, and colors across designs.
  2. Center of Interest: The focal point that attracts initial attention in a composition.
  3. Balance: Visual stability in the arrangement of elements.
    • Symmetrical: Evenly balanced.
    • Asymmetrical: Unevenly balanced yet visually stable.
  4. Harmony: Creates a cohesive look using similar design elements.
  5. Contrast: Variability in values that highlights differences between elements, enhancing emphasis.
  6. Directional Movement: Guides viewer's eye through composition using placement of elements.
  7. Rhythm: Repetition of elements to create a visual flow or pattern.
  8. Perspective: Arrangement of objects to create depth and realism in two-dimensional designs.

Selection Criteria for Evaluating Visual Media

  1. Accuracy: Check correctness and factual basis of the information presented.
  2. Source Credibility: Assess the creator’s expertise and reliability.
  3. Bias: Analyze if the visual presents information impartially or attempts to sway opinion.
  4. Consistency: Ensure alignment with credible information sources on the subject matter.
  • Practical Application: Analyze a news article with a misleading image; apply selection criteria to evaluate visuals.