Visual+Literacy

The following assignment was to respond to the data presented in a chart using the ideas that we learned regarding visual literacy. I found the assignment to be an interesting exercise that gave me an opportunity to critically evaluate the visual properties of a chart and was very useful. I plan to incorporate the principles of visual literacy in the classroom; I feel that doing so will help my students learn by more effectively conveying information.

I did not find the table given in the assignment to be a very effective use of the principles of visual design. While the table presented some interesting information, I felt that the way that it was organized and laid out was lacking. For example, the colors don’t seem to have any meaning or correspondence to the data that they are associated with. Perhaps instead of using solid colors, the person who designed this should have used pictures of fattening food, since their goal was to convey a sense that Americans eat too much protein. My second complaint is that the data given lacks any kind of a reference point—what is given are four facts side by side that all show that a lot of food (in absolute terms) is being eaten. If the author wants to convey the idea that Americans eat too much protein, they should compare these data points to the statistics in different countries, or statistics regarding how much protein is a healthy amount to eat. Perhaps side by side charts with these statistics among different countries would be a better way to convey the information. The one thing I liked about the chart was the simplicity and straightforwardness of its design; the title is apparent, and the data is presented with good flow below. There wasn’t any confusion as to what was being said, and it was presented simply and understandably.