Visual Language – the ideal language of communication in 21st Century
Abstract
We are a generation of tech-savvy people and digital technology has great importance in our lives for communication. Thanks to internet, people of various cultures around the globe can connect and communicate, irrespective of the limitations of their knowledge of different languages. Human beings love to socialise and language which is one of a barrier for socializing can be overcome if we communicate through a language which is based on drawings, pictures, photos and moving pictures, that is nothing but visual communication.
Keywords
Visual Communication, 21st century communication, Multimedia Communication
Introduction
We all communicate but have you ever
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Drawings, illustrations, sketches, paintings, computer generated graphics, digital paintings are digital formats of Art. Visual Communication is a multidisciplinary field which include graphic design, illustration, fine arts, multimedia, and photography. Visual Communication applies the fundamentals of major art forms to convey specific ideas and messages for the purpose of professional problem solving. The applications of Visual Communication include advertising, interior design, industrial design, and publication design, etc. where images are used to convey ideas. Other fields whether it is print-based, or computer technology based, are growing progressively more important in our fast-paced, image-reliant society. The art and technique of communication design require knowledge of fields such as graphic design, illustration, or photography and many more such fields. Whatever is the case, an eye for detail, an ability to think creatively, and good problem-solving skills are needed to be a good communicator. [Princeton Review.com] Recent research supports that the visual communication can be more influential than verbal communication, signifying in many cases that people learn and retain information that is presented to them visually better than that which is only provided verbally. These are welcome findings to anyone who use visual presentations to persuade or instruct others. Even more welcome is the news that today; presenters have more resources than ever available to them for creating and displaying the most visually rich programs possible. [The Power of... (HP.com)] Visual communication is everywhere today, from electronic media like Web pages and television screens to environmental contexts such as road signs and retail displays. As the National Education Association of the United States has pointed out, “Western civilization has become
Graphic design is an art that entails visual communication, which tends to combine words, images or even an idea in an effort to bring out some information to an audience. Graphic designers effectively put their art and profession mainly in the design of graphics, logos, and posters among other forms of visual communication. In addition, these designers assist in creation of continuity among the different instruments of communication. Principles of graphic design and elements of graphic design are what graphic designers commonly utilize (Lupton et al, 2008).
A variety of communication media can be considered when planning to produce a presentation, for example verbal communication and written communication, each type of communication media has its advantages and limitations. When developing my presentation I decided to use both verbal and written communication, although both communication methods were used I had to ensure that they were used in the correct quantities. To keep my presentation engaging I tried to use as much visual representation as possible limiting the amount of text per slide. I chose to use PowerPoint because of its combination of written and verbal communication (not to mention the cost effectiveness of choosing PowerPoint and simplistic interface); the written aspects included the text on the slides, screenshots and images. The screenshots proved particularly useful as they was of the actual database used in the daily running of the Apprenticeships Store, once paired with the demonstration of inputting data into the database it ensured greater understanding due to more practical learning as opposed to theoretical learning. More detail was provided in my handouts ensuring I didn’t give too much information at once and this allowed the audience to document any supplementary information I said during the presentation, by speaking and interpreting what was on the slides ensured the presentation remained fluid and
Scott McCloud’s graphic essay “Show & Tell” demonstrates how the relationship between pictures and words can be used to convey a message efficiently. By showing many visual examples of the different ways images and words can be used together, McCloud establishes that information is easier to interpret when paired with visual aid. By also pointing out that people are naturally inclined to show something visually as means of explaining, McCloud demonstrates his main point: the combination of words and images is very effective in conveying a message.
Read Ch. 10, “Using Visual Aids in Technical Communication,” of Technical Communication Process and Product.
Graphic design is a vast industry in visual communication, using information, typography, isotopes, and diagrams as a way to communicate across to its audiences. Through detailed investigations of design and taking on Robin Kinross (1985), claims that the distinction between design for information and design for persuasion “cannot be a clear one” this work will explore the possibilities of visual rhetoric in graphic design.
in today's society and is important to have in life. Graphic design is used in media, the
Whether an artist sits at a work desk or steps up to an easel, they all have a common goal; to create a message. Some express their message through visual mediums and others through text. Each type has its pros and cons but certain messages are more accurately represented by a specific medium.
Ryan, W. (2012). Visual literacy: Learning to see. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/
“Some images [visual and multimedia] are so iconic that they become part of our cultural memory.” (Pg.326). Take, as an example, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge video—an ingenious idea, a powerful visual argument that is spreading ALS awareness nationwide. For the past few weeks, social media have been shown videos of people pouring icy water on themselves for the ALS Association. If, before the video, the image of people throwing icy water on themselves was associated with summer games--or with the hot weather-- now the same image belongs to the ALS Association.
Every visual should tell a story and in exercise 16.3, five visuals are presented originally designed to communicate specific information. From pie charts to infographics, the tools used to visually communicate can either effectively portray the desired information or can confuse their audience as to their message.
When attempting to convey an idea, one must choose a form of media to express that idea to his or her audience. Depending on the message, some forms of media may be more expressive or accurate than others; however, I argue that the synergetic use of language, symbolism, photography, cartoons, and actions shown in film is the most expressive form of discourse. Furthermore, I argue for a new form of media that would be even more expressive by allowing a creator to make multiple art forms and communication styles that can be presented to the reader in a format that allows for the most idea expression of any previous discourse style in the past. Since many creators’ goals are to express their idea to the audience, it has been historically demonstrated
Moreover, the use of pictographs can improve cross cultural communication. Pictograms is a visual language aim to establish the most important type of communication using visual language to transcending language barriers. For instance, it was stated, “Languages allow us to communicate with each other in a relatively effortless way because they rely on many types of conventions (e.g., morphological, syntactic, semantic, phonetic)” (Nakamura & Zeng-Treitler, 2012, p. 535). It is a language that enables the essential meaning to be understood visually at a glance, irrespective of differences of cultural or language.
| There are 5 principles to help get your messages noticed. 1) Consider audience expectations. 2) Ensure ease of use. 3) Emphasize familiarity (Use words, images, and designs that are familiar to your audience.) 4) Practice empathy. 5) Design for compatibility. Using familiar words, images, and designs are likely to draw attention, decrease frustration, be viewed positively,
Learning the fundamentals of Digital Media is essential to laying a solid foundation to allow for a sturdy backing in digital design. Digital design theories, practices, and technologies can provide designers a stable of skills to build core competencies and over time wisdom. Mastering digital design fundamentals will provide opportunity for career growth. Depending on the industry, an entry-level designer can rise from senior designer, to art director, and then creative director. As digital media continues to mature, categorical design disciplines will continue to evolve, shape, and style the visual culture. From magazines to web pages, the spectrum of visual design will continue to move people everywhere on an emotional level.
During the past years, graphic design has been changing all over the world, especially regarding the use of certain techniques of designing. Traditional principles and techniques of design allow designers to be more creative, but more and more designers are using computers. So, is new technology good or bad? It may seem strange to consider the different aspects of graphic design because most people only know the technological side. Though most people think graphic design is more about the digital media, it is actually a complicated process that requires creativity that computers cannot supply.