Visual Principles
“The Computer as an Educational Tool:
Productivity and Problem Solving”
©Richard C. Forcier and
Don E. Descy
Examples of Visuals
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Transparencies
Slides
Video programs
Computer courseware
Role of Visuals
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Motivate the learners
Attract attention
Hold attention
Simplify difficult information
– Each x has one y
– Vertical line test
Visual Literacy
• Learned ability to interpret
messages
• Input strategies - help decode
• Output strategies - help encode
Decoding: Interpreting
Visuals
• Developmental effects
– Parts not the whole
• Cultural effects
– Old west
• Visual preferences
Encoding: Creating Visuals
• Writing spurs reading
• Creating PowerPoints
– Computers
– Clipart
Visual Design
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Elements
Patterns
Arrangement
Visual planning tools
Digital images
Visual Elements
• Visual - how realistic
• Analogic - use of analogies
• Organizational
Verbal Elements
• Visible lettering
• Letter style
– Sans serif when projected
– Simple serif when written (Palatino)
• Typefaces - no more than four
• Capitals only when necessary
Verbal Elements
(Continued)
• Color, size, and space between
letters
• Space between lines
• Add texture - make it 3D
• Interactive
Element of Surprise
• Unusual metaphor
• Dramatic change in
size
• Dramatic change in color
• Helps keep attention
Pattern
• Alignment - words with correct
picture
• Shape
– Rule of 3rds
– Z, L, T, or U shape
• Balance
– Informal is best
Color Scheme
• Complimentary colors
• Analogous colors
• Important to use contrast
Color Appeal
• Cool = blue, green, violet
• Warm = red, orange
• Use warm when
highlighting
• Cultural differences
with color
Arrangement
• Figure-ground contrast
• Consistency
– Keep pictures in same spot
• Proximity
• Directionals
Proximity
• Related elements close
• Nonrelated elements farther
apart
Football
Skiing
Weightlifting
Baseball
Good Proximity
• Football
• Baseball
• Weightlifting
• Skiing
Directionals
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Arrows
Bold type
Bullets
Color
Visual Planning Tools
• Storyboard
• Types of letters
• Drawing, sketching, and
cartooning
Digital Images
• Cameras
• Scanners
• Photo CD’s
Photo CD’s
• Instead of prints
• One CD stores 100–150 pictures
• Additional pictures can be added