Chapter 13: Visual

Information and Media

Different
Dimension of
Visual
Information and
Media
Lesson 1
1. Are you fond of taking pictures?
2. What kinds of pictures usually get your
interest?
3. Do you think pictures can tell stories?
4. What kinds of stories do pictures
commonly tell?
Before, taking photographs was a luxury and was
only used for significant purposes like occasions and
gatherings. However, because of the continuous
innovation of technology, this practice has gradually
become common among people, and today, taking
pictures can be done by anyone who has access to a
camera, smartphone, and other devices.
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So, why do people love taking pictures? On social media,
uploading photos is already a common practice. Themes
vary: self-portrait, which is now known as "selfie," food
photography, landscape photography, and many others.
People are naturally visual. Sometimes, these visual
representations of things are enough in conveying a
message. As the saying goes, "a picture says a thousand
words."
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 Visual Information
According to Merriam-Webster, something "visual" is
something to look at such as picture, chart, or film, to make
something more appealing and easier to understand. Meaning,
unlike text that uses words, visual information uses pictures and
graphics to convey messages. For some, visuals can actually be
more effective, because of the absence, if not, minimal use of
tedious looking words.

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 According to Kolker (2009), visual representation,
especially in the context of photojournalism, is
important because it borders on realism. Because of
this, people who see these visuals get engaged and
therefore, develop emotional attachment to the subject
matter. This idea proves how visual representation can
be more powerful than the other kinds of information.

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 Sources of Visual Materials
Since visuals are widely used, sources of this kind of information
can be found from several forms. These sources play crucial roles
in conveying the necessary information. These are:
Original Art. These are artworks that function as sources apart
from being on display because of their significant values.
Paintings, drawings, watercolors, graphic art, prints, sculpture,
and architectural drawings and plans fall under this category.
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 Sources of Visual Materials
Prints. Print are artworks that are intentionally created for
the purpose of sending information. This visual source
includes graphic art, etchings, engravings, lithographs,
woodcuts, mezzotints, posters, trade cards, artists' prints,
computer generated graphics, and book illustrations. The
beauty of this kind of source is that it can be manipulated;
therefore, the elements that can be put are not limited to a
certain extent.
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 Sources of Visual Materials
Moving Images. This is a new format that brings
back the rich sources of documentaries and newsreels
in the past that are gone due to some reasons. It aims
to bring back memories from the past through the use
of moving images. However, this will be further
discussed in different chapter of this book.
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 ADVANTAGES AND
DISADVANTAGES
Visual information has advantages and
likewise disadvantages in terms of use and effect.

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 ADVANTAGES
Effective for illiterate receiver.
Visual information is helpful in providing knowledge to
those who cannot read or understand texts or words.
Helps in oral communication.
Aside from verbalizing ideas through oral communication, ideas
can be explained well with the presence of visual information.
Also, this may establish recall, which is barely achieved by oral
communication alone.
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 ADVANTAGES
Easy explanation. This kind of information provides illustrations
that can be easily understood compared to plain text information.
Graphs, tables, and charts generate understanding, because they
combine both text and visual presentations at the same time.
Simple presentation. As mentioned, complex information can be
aided and can be presented easier through the use of graphics,
photos, and others.

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 ADVANTAGES
Prevents wastage of time: Writing text information can take a lot
of time because of the number of words necessary. Whereas, using
visual materials can help save time. Also, it can be more
convenient to use.
Helps in quick decision. It can generate quick decisions, if needed.
This is because of its simple yet extensive content that can be
easily understood.

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 ADVANTAGES
Popular. A lot of people prefer visual content because
it is enticing, unlike text information, which can be
boring.
Others. This kind of information can make creative
presentations, can put impact to information, and can
facilitate easier understanding.

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 DISADVANTAGES
Costly. Visual methods can be costly especially if there is a need to produce
sophisticated presentations. This dilemma starts from the demand of whoever
asks for the presentation. An example is a businesses presentation, which is
expected to be edgy and catchy.

Complex presentation. If information is too complex, even some visual

presentations might be limited and might not be good enough. If such
problem occurs, then the information giver has to think of other possibilities
in executing his or her presentation through other visual materials.

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 DISADVANTAGES
Incomplete method: One has to bear in mind that visual content is
not good enough in conveying messages. There is a need for
further explanation which can be done orally to support what the
visual information shows.
Wastage of time: Contrary to the previous statement, there are
times when creating visual information can take a lot of time,
especially if the presentation is too grand and sophisticated.

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 DISADVANTAGES
Difficult to understand. If there are too many elements, visual
information can also become confusing. Hence, there should be
principles that have to be considered, which will be discussed later
on in this chapter.
Problem for general reader. Inarguably, there are people who are
not inclined to visual learning. This is normal, because people
have various learning styles. Therefore, this cannot be given any
immediate action, but acknowledgment that this is-a natural
limitation for this kind of information.
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 DISADVANTAGES
Others. Visual information can be ambiguous (multiple
interpretations), may have situational problems, and may have
delays in taking decision.
It is important to know that visual information can be
helpful in several ways, but can also be confined with
limitations. Nevertheless, it still functions as one of the main
sources of information, and can be highly useful depending on
how well it will be handled by the information giver.

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 SUMMARY
Visual information is known to be
an easy way of presenting ideas.
Being close to realism, it appeals to
people re easily compared to other
kinds of Information. However,
this kind of information has
advantages and likewise
disadvantages, which can be
properly addressed using
appropriate considerations.