What is Visual Literacy?

Visual literacy is the ability to interpret, negotiate, and make meaning from information presented in the form of an image. It is based on the idea that pictures can be "read" and that meaning can be communicated through a process of reading.

This is a common example of visual literacy in our lives. Whenever people see this sign it is understood that we should watch for pedestrians crossing the street. The color yellow is understood to indicate caution and to slow down because it is predominately used in traffic lights. It is a bright color that immediately attracts the attention of the observer which allows the sign's message to be noticed easier.

There are a couple different components that make up visual literacy.

•  Layout: This is composed of alignment, shape, and balance. 
• Alignment is the adjustment of an object in relation to other objects. 
• Shape is a geometrical description of the part of that space occupied by the object.
• Balance is a state of equilibrium or equal poise; equal distribution of weight or amount.
• Color: This is composed of color schemes, color wheel, and color appeal/meaning.
• Color scheme is a planned combination of colors. 
• A color wheel is a circular diagram in which primary and usually intermediate colors are arranged sequentially, so that related colors are next to each other and complementary colors are opposite. 
• Color appeal/meaning is used to create a design that is aesthetically pleasing and catches the attention of the viewer. 
• Arrangement: This is composed of proximity and directionals.
• Proximity is nearness in place, time, order, occurrence, or relation.
• Directionals are aimed at indicating a specific direction and providing guidance.