Visual+Literacy

Visual Literacy Critique  The message sent by the visual is that Americans consume too much protein on a daily and yearly basis. The design, however, is lacking in all areas under PAT (Perceptions, Actions, Tools). With regard to Perceptions, the Figure-Ground would be enhanced by separating the data boxes from the Title. This would allow the title to be more pronounced, helping the reader to better and more rapidly comprehend the message. The KFC bucket and Big Mac on top detract from the title in between them and might better serve the graphic were they to be located elsewhere. The organization of the text should also be reviewed in terms of hierarchy. I suggest removing the box relating to 127 chickens consumed per second as the rest of the information relates to yearly consumption, these boxes should be organized from lowest to highest (or vice versa). In regard to Actions, singularity of each image fails to convey the message of the massive amounts of proteins consumed by Americans as related by the text, as such using repetition of the graphics would help relate the gravity of the numbers being related. In regard to Tools, the size of the boxes is fairly small given the weight of the information contained therein, and especially in relation to the graphics chosen. The boxes utilize colors that convey a calming effect instead of an alarming one, which, given the information provided as well as the title, appears to be the intention. In order to achieve an alarming effect, the author would be better off using colors such as yellows, reds, and oranges. Using all caps for the numbers in each box (ie 8 BILLION instead of 8 billion) would also help draw attention to the sheer quantity of each type of protein being consumed.

