Katie Jenney and Jesse Meyers
A visual is a table, graph, diagram, chart, drawing, map, or a photograph. Visuals, whether used to supplement text or used alone can aid in better understanding information presented. When using a visual in a document there are factors to be considered such as: placement, relevance, and audience. In a document, visuals should be used to support the text, so that information can be clearly understood by the audience. Visuals should be a part of the topic and can be alone if the situation warrants, however visuals need strategically placed. The audience is a major factor when using visuals, for example a surgeon does not necessarily need pictures of a routine surgery while a patient would probably need a visual to better understand the surgery. Visuals used in a document should be referred to using a figure number and title and include a label with a brief description, which will enhance the “flow” of the document.
Visuals have many different purposes, and there are seven different functions that a visual will fulfill. These functions as in the textbook are:
1. Provide immediate visual recognition
2. Organize numeric or textual data
3. Show relationships among numeric or verbal data
4. Define or explain concepts, objects, and processes
5. Presents chronology, sequence, and process
6. Illustrate appearance or structure, which may include describing objects or mechanisms
7. Identify facilities or locations
Color is an important factor in a visual, because too much or too little color can drastically change the quality of the document. When color is used in a document it needs to be functional within the document and at the same time as little color as possible needs to be used. Colors are sometimes used within a cultural standard, for example red means stop, and should be used appropriately.
Often certain colors are used to give signals about safety and are often standard to society, for example the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), uses yellow, red, and orange for symbols with strict meanings such as: red meaning danger, orange meaning warning, and yellow, meaning caution. Color is used to attract attention, show better detail, enhance organization, and highlight the function of a visual object. Sometimes color can be used in a visual to aid in an object’s comprehension by an audience for example, adding color to a black and white image enhances the detail and features of the image. Color can also be used to influence the interpretation of a visual object by showing changes with different colors.
This chapter adequately describes how the use of a visual object can benefit a document used in conjunction with text or alone, and how color can be used to enhance a visual object within a document and in society via symbols.
12 comments:
Very good descriptions of how to use color to your advantage when creating a graphic or visual. Color is very important for emphasis. In instruction manuals even, the cautions are usually printed in red. Very comprehensive.
This was a very good chapter based on something that although can be forgotten sometimes is something that is very obvious. People learn and interpret information better when there are visuals with color. People tend to retain information better when they use more than one or two of their senses. Very good information provided and great summary.
The importance of graphics and using the appropriately are very effective if done correctly. I think people have a tendency to over use color just because they can. If used correctly just a little bit of color or selecting just one color can be very effective. Also placing the graphic is the appropriate place is very important. When the graphic flows with the text and doesn't create any obstacles for the reader it can be very effective.
I have always liked pictures in my school textbooks. It is great to have a reference or example in the form of a image to help learn something. Color is also really important in stimulating the mind. Good job with the chapter review.
Chapter 12 was also an informational chapter for me. Like I said earlier design holds a large place in my life. Along with design comes color. When creating a document I like to add one or two accent colors, just so the paper isn't so boring. I also like to add color to help with the flow of the document, liek the chapter said, it helps people understand more. Visuals are always a plus in my book, when used correctly. In Interior Design one must use visuals daily to help portray to the client what you wish to accomplish or use in the project.
Chapter 12 talks about using visual forms. A person can incorporate visuals by using verbal and visual information together. The seven major functions of visuals are to provide immediate visual recognition, organize numeric or textual data, show relationships among numeric or verbal data. To define or explain concepts, objects, and processes. The fifth funcion is to present chronology, sequence or process. The sixth function is to illustrate appearance or structure. The seventh function is to identify facilities or locations.
Like corey said, this is very key things that we see everyday, but do not really stop to think about the effects of color or visuals in everyday life. For example without color on the signs we see while driving, some drivers would be extremely confused and it would be harder to navigate our way on the roads. and same things go with say text books, it gives emphasis to some of the things were learning!
Where did you get these color symbols, the terror awareness chart? I think this was a great summary and I like visually appealing attention getters that help me filter through info clutter and remember main points. My favorite part about color is that it allows knowledge to become entertainment because learning and fun don't always have to be enemies.
The most effective way to learn something is to visualize it. Adding the correct type of visuals (ones that dont divert the readers attention away from the main focus) can make or break a technical display. Great examples in the summary, very easy to read/understand.
I agree with the author here. It is always better to incorporate visuals in a presentation. As long as you arn't sending the wrong message or confusing your audience. Over all I feel that a visual or two is a must when it comes to trying to relay an idea to a specific audience.
Good summary
People learn and retain information in a variety of ways. I, too, feel using visual presentation methods important for capturing the audience. Visuals, pictures and color can help the audience understand and retain the information you are presenting better than a presentation without a visual.
I think we can all agree, presentations without visuals are much less interesting...this chapter gives information on visuals as part of a presentation or alone such as for graphics or safety signs. As Devin said, this is a key safety measure. Young children who cannot read yet usually know road signs such as stop and know that red means stop and green means go.
Visuals are also a good way to review information you have read...as Gena said, people learn if various ways, some are more visual than others. Graphics, charts, etc are helpful for easier comprehension of the material.
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