VISUAL AND INFORMATION MEDIA

DEFINITION

VISUAL AND INFORMATION MEDIA refers to the use of visual elements (images, graphics, videos, diagrams) to communicate ideas, information, or narratives.

VISUAL INFORMATION is the artistic or creative representation or interpretation of an idea, concept, or emotion using different media. These visuals can be standalone or combined with other forms of media to enhance understanding and engagement.

PURPOSE OF VISUAL INFORMATION

• To gain attention
• Create meaning
• Facilitate retention

CHARACTERISTICS

• Immediate Impact: Visuals are processed faster than text, making them more effective in grabbing attention.
• Universal Language: Visuals can often cross language barriers, allowing for broader communication across cultures.
• Emotional Appeal: Visuals can evoke emotions more directly than text, making them powerful for storytelling or persuasion.
• Interpretation: Visuals can be open to interpretation depending on the viewer's background or context.

TYPE OF VISUAL MEDIA

• PHOTOGRAPHY: The art or process of producing images by the action of radiant energy and especially light on a sensitive surface (such as film or an optical sensor).
• VIDEO: A series of recorded images or a sequence of images that form a moving picture which are shown on television or viewed on a screen.
• SCREENSHOTS: An image of a computer screen or phone screen that can be saved as a graphics file.
• INFOGRAPHICS: A representation of information in a graphic format designed to make the data easily understandable at a glance.
• DATA VISUALIZATION: The graphical representation of information and data. By using visual elements like charts, graphs, and maps, data visualization is an accessible way to see and understand trends, outlines, and patterns in data.
• COMIC STRIPS: A sequence of several related cartoon drawings that tell a story.
• MEMES: A humorous image, video, piece of text, etc., that is copied (often with slight variations) and spread rapidly by Internet users.
• VISUAL NOTE-TAKING: A process of representing ideas non-linguistically, including concept mapping but in an artistic way of visually capturing and representing ideas.

IMPORTANCE

• ENHANCED COMMUNICATION: Visuals enhance understanding by complementing or replacing text, especially for complex topics.
• ENGAGEMENT: Visual media is more engaging, especially in digital and social media contexts, attracting more viewers and increasing interaction.
• MEMORABILITY: People are more likely to remember information when it's presented visually.

ADVANTAGES

• Quick and impactful communication of ideas.
• Easier to remember compared to text-based content.
• Can simplify complex information (e.g., through infographics or charts).

LIMITATIONS

• Can be misinterpreted or oversimplified.
• Requires design skills and tools to create effectively.
• Limited in conveying detailed information compared to text.