Introduction to Visual Literacy

Essential Questions: What does it mean to be a “Visually Literate Person” (VLP)? Why is it important for teachers and students to understand visual literacy?

Basic Design Principles Contrast Repetition Alignment Proximity

Contrast One of the most effective ways to add visual interest to a page.

Contrast

Repetition You can repeat colors, shapes, textures, line thicknesses, fonts, sizes, graphic concepts, etc. This develops the organization and strengthens the unity.

Repetition

Alignment Nothing should be placed on the page arbitrarily. Every element should have some visual connection with another element on the page.

Alignment

Alignment Activity “Bad” version

Alignment Activity “Good” version

Proximity Items relating to each other should be grouped close together. This helps organize information, reduces clutter, and gives the reader a clear structure.

Proximity

Putting It All Together

Basic Design Principles- Recap Contrast Repetition Alignment Proximity

Typography Sans Serif –No “feet” at the end Use for titles, subtitles, and headings e.g. Arial Serif – Letters have “feet” Easier to read; best for body text e.g. Times New Roman

Typography Use to add emphasis and personality to text: “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”

Recommended Books The Non-Designer’s Design Book (2 nd edition) Robin Williams Dynamics in Document Design: Creating Text for Readers Karen A. Schriver