Visual+Literacy

In the begining of the semester I had to familiarize myself with several design principles. I then had to criticize an image presented. I thought it was important to learn the disign priciples for when I begin designing my own classroom materials.

The visual message presented, Overproteined, left me wanting more; more information and more pizzazz. I picked up on the main concept; Americans are eating quiet a lot of protein. However, this image does provide enough information to make a thorough conclusion on if Americans are eating a disproportionate amount of protein versus carbohydrates or fats. The proteins that are highlighted in the visual message are fast-food oriented. I believe that the creator is making a sly implication that the protein consumed by Americans is unhealthy. this visual image does spur many different thoughts and connections but there is just something missing. When creating a visual message there is a method behind the madness. By following the simple acronym PAT, one will be able to create and analyze almost any image. Overprotiened, the visual message, has a great base for building upon but needs a facelift to really strike home. Starting with P, Perceptions, I like how all of the sections are equal in size but I would have like more emphasis on the whole. The title should have been made a little more prominent. I also think that the images could have been placed differently to create a more balanced ground. Moving on to A, Actions, I like the alignment of the facts and the title, this was a safe choice. I believe that there needed to be more contrast between the facts and the title. Finally, T for Tools, I like how each fact is represented in its own color. I do not like that he colors are so dull and close in shade. The font also has little to be desired it is boring and does not pop off the page. Overall, this visual image was a safe design to create but there is room for improvement. I would start by adding more emphasis to the whole, by this I mean, showing the facts in a more creative way to push the message across. I would change the title size and the contrast level between the facts. I would then add more color to differentiate between all of the facts. I then might change the location of the images to create a more pleasing depth for the image as a whole. Being that I am pursuing a career that is very child oriented I believe that my opinions have been altered and thus force me to crave color and pizzazz.