Visual+Literacy

=**Visual Literacy Assignment**=

Please see the attached file for the visual image that is to be critiqued (and the prompt questions) for this assignment.

(1) My interpretation of the visual message is that Americans eat massive amounts of protein. Because of this, it can be said that we are “overproteined.” The visual suggests that we are “overproteined” because we eat so many hotdogs, Big Macs, and chickens.

(2) In terms of the PAT model, I would give this visual a rating of “fair.” For perception, there is a sense of gestalt (closure) because even though only a couple of examples were given, I am able to deduce a larger trend in protein consumption in America. Furthermore, gestalt (experience) was used because the image capitalizes on our cultural knowledge of Big Macs, KFC, and hotdogs as sources of protein. For actions, I feel that the contrast between facts was appropriate - tools were utilized to make the color different for each fact and rectangular shapes helped separate the facts. Furthermore, for actions, I felt the proximity of the facts with their respective clip art helped reinforce the message as well as added to the visual effects. Although I have addressed most of the tools aspect, I must point out that clip art is a form of “shape” that is considered a tool.

Before I move on to section 3 and talk about the improvements, I must first point out the negative aspects of the visual using the PAT model. The Big Mac fact should be moved next to the hotdog or KFC fact (proximity issue). It should not be separated by the 8 billion chickens raised fact. Furthermore, the chickens raised fact seems un-similar to the other three facts. Should it even be in the same proximity? The 127 is un-similar to the magnitude of the other numbers. Finally, my perceptions of the image are clouded by the existence of clutter in the top left corner. What does “situational, table enhancements, a, and b” have to do with anything?

(3) The improvements I would suggest build off the negative aspects I found. I would move the Big Mac fact next to the KFC or hotdog fact. Second, I would delete the chickens raised fact (though not absolutely necessary). Third, I would use dimensional analysis to express how many chickens (KFC fact) are eaten in one year. This will give a value of 4 billion per year (now we have similar magnitudes of numbers). Finally, I would delete the clutter in the top left corner.

// June 19, 2010 //