Visual Literacy - The Language of Design

Today we had a lecture on Visual Literacy, the language of Design. Below is the notes i managed to create from this lecture.

Semiotics:

Semiotics is the study of different signs, and signs processes.  Semiotics is closely related to the field of linguistics, which is the study of the structure, and meaning of language. Semiotics also studies non-linguistic sign systems, visual language and visual literacy. The shortest definition for semiotics is the study of signs, but there is a much wider definition than that. Sign? you might ask... well there are signs everywhere, it is basically a sign in everyday life, such as road signs, pub signs, star signs, however there is a lot more thought and this goes a lot deeper.

Visual Communication:

The process of sending and receiving messages, by the means of type and images. it is based on understanding symbols, gestures, signs and objects. It is affected by different audience, context, media and different methods of distribution.

Visual Literacy: 

Visual literacy is the ability to construct a meaning from images and type. It interprets images of the present, past and a range of cultures, and also producing images that effectively communicate a message to an audience. Visual Literacy is the idea that pictures can be read.

Seeing images with other images could alter what the image is perceived as something else, for example  the + next to a X can be perceived as a mathematical equation

However next to other symbols such as Buddhism symbol, it could be recognised as a cross.

Visual Syntax:

The syntax of an image is when it refers to the structure and visual organisation of elements in an image. It is basically the building blocks of an image and how we read it. 

elements included: 

framing - format - scale - colour - font - stroke - weight - shape - composition - layout - motion - light - rhythm - space - depth - texture - text - words - tone - shade - line - mark - direction - editing - manipulation - simplification - emphasis layering - hierarchy 

Visual Semantics:

The different semantics of an image is when an image fits into a cultural process of communication. It also includes the different relationships between form and the way in which meaning is created.