Name: Jacob Johnston

Visual Literacy, FRIT 7090 D

Description of Graphic

This is a very vertical poster listing the thought processes of a good mathematician. My
mom had this poster in her high school math class for years, so the audience is high
school math students. This poster is illustrated with a cartoon version of Albert Einstein.

Analysis of Graphic

Type

The type is relatively easy to read. The poster is fairly large, but the type is not large
enough to be read from across the room. Also, there is no variation in the font or other
elements of type except between the title at the top and the rest of the list. This is good
because it doesn’t create distracting and unneeded variation, but it does not draw any
attention to important words.

Shape

Shape is used in several ways. First, the shapes of the math symbols reinforce the content
area this information is most important for, and the Einstein character is frequently
pointing or holding something that points in the direction of the text to move the eye
toward the text. However, the greater than and less than symbols both point off the page,
which directs the eye in the wrong direction.

Color

This is a full color graphic, but color is used judiciously to allow for good contrast and to
avoid unneeded visual distraction. The background is perhaps not perfect. The very pale
blue allows for good contrast with the foreground elements, but the crosshatching is a
little distracting.
Space

There is extra space between the elements on the list, but things are a bit cramped.
Einstein is bumping his head on the title and at times the items do not seem as distinct as
they should and it is not entirely clear which elements belong together and which are
separate. This is more like a problem of trying to get too much information into a set
space than a clear disregard for the usage of space to convey meaning.

Depth

The mathematical symbols have a drop shadow, which creates some depth, but otherwise,
this is a very flat image.

Contrast

As mentioned in color, contrast is fair. The navy blue of the title and the black of the rest
of the test is mostly clear against the pale blue and white of the background. I would have
preferred solid colors in the backgrounds as the checked background is mildly distracting.

Alignment

The text is center aligned and each list element is on the opposite side of the page of the
previous element. This does not really provide a sense of connection between the
elements, which is appropriate as these elements are not always closely related concepts.

Repetition

Einstein is repeated. He is to the left or right of every list element and usually helps direct
the eye toward the text. Also, the font, size, and style are unchanged throughout and the
pattern of text on the left then text on the right is repeated. This creates a coherent whole
for the poster.

Proximity

All elements are equally spaced. This creates a sense of equality among the ideas. None
are being stressed. However, this also gives the impression that while all are aspects of
good mathematicians, they aren’t necessarily related otherwise.

Improvement Suggestions
One of the main problems with this graphic is the spacing is much too cramped. To make
this graphic more useful it would probably need to be increased in size so that it looks
less cluttered and graphic elements can be more clearly associated with the text. Also, the
graphic elements do not seem to be assisting in the understanding of the elements. The
mathematical symbols may tell the viewer what subject this goes with, but they do not
help the viewer visualize the concepts that the text discusses. Similarly, Einstein is more
decoration than visual aid. He may help direct the eye, but he does nothing to help add to
the text. For example, instead of just standing there for “They seek new ways to find a
solution” Einstein could be peering through binoculars searching.
Appendix A
 References

Lohr, Linda L. (2008). Creating Graphics for Learning and Performance: Lessons

in Visual Literacy (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson

Education, Inc.