COP1 Lecture 2: Visual Literacy - Language of Design

Within this lecture we were told/reminded of why we are here and the purpose of the work done on our course.

We are here in order to communicate and to solve problems of communication visually through images or motion to different ranges of audience. To be interested in words, language, message and meaning, and in a range of context communicate effectively ideas, concepts and contexts.

The lecture also mentions the meanings of Visual Communication, Visual Literacy, Visual Syntax and Visual Semantics.
Visual Communication:

• process of sending and receiving messages using type and images.
• shared understanding of signs, symbols, gestures and objects.
• affected by audience, context, media and method of distribution.

Visual Literacy:

• able to construct meaning from visual images and type.
• interpret images of present, past and a range of cultures.
• interpret, negotiate and make meaning of information in the form of an image.
• the idea that pictures can be read.

Visual Syntax of an image: refers to the illustrated structure and visual organization of elements (e.g. framing, format, colour, etc.).

Visual Semantics of an image: refers to the way an image fits into a cultural process of communication (e.g. cultural references, social ideals, religious beliefs, etc.).