Visual+Literacy

This is an analysis of a photo diagram about protein consumption. In this page, I go through the steps of analyzing a visual artifact, and analyze this diagram for my self. This is particuarlly handy tool for social studies, being that we use this type of analysis particuarlly for maps and geography items. I will absolutely using this in my classroom!

Interpretation: At first glance, from the title, "Overproteined" one would think that this is a chart for protein consumption for Americans. It is, but the numbers it gives does not give any idea of what that means for each person. If they divided those numbers by population, then the numbers may be more meaningful. They also incorporate "chickens raised for consumption per year". This doesn't even apply to protein consumed. Why not use pork, or fish? How does big Macs equate to just protein? there sure is a lot of carbohydrates in that bun. They need to change the numbers to direct protein sources, as well as same time comparison. You don't jump from year to second in numbers. They also need to change it to just protein, such as eggs, chicken, pork, beef, fish.

PAT: The hierarchy is that the symbols of the food items jump out at you first. The figure and ground don't seem to coincide. There needs to be a whole background the image is sitting on instead of the symbols hanging off of the chart in nothingness. The alignment really bothers me with the symbols being all over the place. The contrast seems to be slightly off, with a little bit of fuzziness that is really bothering me. The title should be bigger to draw the eye into the figure, as well as more organizing of the symbols. In general, the eye doesn't know where to go. The colors are bland, and the symbols are drab and pail looking.

Improvements: There's always room for improvements! First, the numbers need to be changed to same denomination across the board, and have 4 items that more closely resemble each other. If its about protein consumption, then stick to just protein. Also include the average eaten per person as well. Fix the blurry photo quality. Change the symbols to something that is less dreary color wise, and have them better organized in the chart. Overall, make sure a background covers the ENTIRE chart, and make the colors less bland, or maybe eliminate the colors all together.