Modes of Meaning Series
VISUAL
DESIGN
ELEMENTS�How to analyze art, media, and other visual texts
In today's fast-paced and increasingly digital society, the ability to effectively convey ideas, information, and emotions through visuals is more crucial than ever. Visual communication encompasses a wide array of mediums, including images, infographics, videos, and presentations, all designed to capture attention, clarify complex concepts, and evoke powerful responses. Embracing the visual mode not only enhances students' creativity and critical thinking skills but also equips them with a valuable tool for navigating the visual-centric landscape of the 21st century. Whether it's crafting compelling presentations, decoding visual messages in media, or expressing ideas through art and design, proficiency in visual communication opens doors to limitless possibilities in both academic and professional realms.
�The concepts, practices, and tutorials on this poster are meant to provide you with a metalanguage you can use when interpreting or creating visual designs. Consider how each of these design elements can be used individually or in unison to convey different moods and meanings to the viewer.
KEY CONCEPTS
TUTORIALS
MENTOR TEXTS
2023 Trevor Aleo
trevoraleo.com
Framing
Size
Layout
Perspective
Color
A mark between two points. Lines can be used for a wide range of purposes: stressing a word or phrase, connecting content, creating patterns, etc.
How small or large something is. Use size to define importance, create visual interest in a design (via contrasting sizes), attract attention, etc.
The area around or between elements in a design. It can be used to separate or group information. Use it effectively to give define importance; lead the eye through a design, etc..
There are three basic types:
geometric (triangle, square, etc.)
natural (leaves, animals, people),
abstracted (icons, styles, , etc.)
Relates to the surface of an object; the look or feel of it. E.g. Concrete has a rough texture; drywall has a
smooth and subtle texture.
Used to generate emotions, define importance, create visual interest and more. Some colors are warm and active. Others are cool and passive.
Style
Modes of Meaning Series
GESTURAL
DESIGN
ELEMENTS�How to analyze art, media, and other visual texts
Gestural communication involves the use of body language, facial expressions, hand gestures, and other nonverbal cues to convey messages, emotions, and intentions. In today's interconnected world, where interactions occur both in-person and increasingly through digital platforms, mastering gestural communication is essential for effective interpersonal relationships, collaboration, and self-expression. By understanding and utilizing gestural cues, students can enhance their communicative practices, develop empathy and cultural awareness, and navigate diverse social and professional settings with confidence.From interpreting subtle cues in face-to-face interactions to conveying emotions and intentions through emojis and gifs in digital communication, proficiency in the gestural mode enriches students' ability to connect, empathize, and express themselves in meaningful ways.
�The concepts, practices, and tutorials on this poster are meant to provide you with a metalanguage you can use when interpreting human gestures, actions, and behavior. Consider how each of these design elements can be used individually or in unison to convey different moods and meanings to an audience.
KEY CONCEPTS
TUTORIALS
MENTOR TEXTS
2023 Trevor Aleo
trevoraleo.com
Facial expressions
Hand Gestures
Body Language
Movement
Proxemics
Universal signals created by muscle movements in the face, communicating emotions (happiness, sadness, etc.) and mental states (confusion, concentration)..
Voluntary movements of the hands and arms that complement or emphasize spoken communication, varying in cultural significance.
Posture, stance, and gestures that convey emotions, attitudes, and intentions beyond spoken words
Visual elements that communicate identity, social status, and personality, including clothing, hairstyle, and accessories.
The way we physically carry ourselves, including gait, fidgeting, and overall energy level, impacting how others perceive us.
The study of personal space, exploring the distance we maintain during interactions based on cultural norms, relationship dynamics, and comfort levels.
Appearance
Modes of Meaning Series
AUDIO
DESIGN
ELEMENTS�How to analyze art, media, and other visual texts
Listen closely! There's a whole world of design happening not just in what you see, but in what you hear. Audio design is the art of crafting the soundscape that surrounds us, shaping how we experience everything from movies to podcasts to even everyday spaces. It's more than just music! Audio design considers a variety of elements to create the desired atmosphere. Imagine a suspenseful movie scene with sharp sound effects, a calming nature documentary filled with ambient noise, or a bustling city street brought to life with its unique sounds.
This unseen design mode uses our sense of hearing to tell a story, evoke emotions, and immerse us in the experience. It carefully considers how we use our voices (vocalics) to communicate, adding layers of meaning beyond words. But audio design isn't just about adding sounds. Silence, strategically used, can create powerful emphasis or a sense of peace. By understanding these elements, audio design becomes a powerful tool. It allows us to craft impactful soundscapes that not only complement what we see, but tell their own story and shape our experience.
KEY CONCEPTS
TUTORIALS
MENTOR TEXTS
2023 Trevor Aleo
trevoraleo.com
Vocalics
Sound FX
Music
Volume
Silence
The use of voice in communication, including pitch, pace, volume, and articulation, influencing how the message is perceived.
Organized sounds with melody, harmony, and rhythm, creating moods, emotions, and atmospheres (e.g., suspenseful thriller music, calming nature sounds).
Background sounds that create a sense of place or atmosphere (e.g., city traffic, ocean waves, chirping birds).
The loudness or intensity of sound, impacting the listener's attention, mood, and understanding of the message.
The absence of sound, used strategically to create emphasis, tension, or a sense of peace, depending on the context.
Ambient Noise
Short audio clips adding specific auditory details to a scene or emphasizing actions (e.g., footsteps, car horn, gunshot).
Modes of Meaning Series
SPATIAL
DESIGN
ELEMENTS�How to analyze art, media, and other visual texts
Spatial design isn't just about making spaces look pretty. It's the art of shaping environments that work for us. It considers how we move, feel, and interact within a space, ensuring it fulfills its purpose seamlessly. Imagine a classroom that fosters learning, a calming hospital waiting room, or a vibrant restaurant buzzing with energy – these are all products of thoughtful spatial design. This multifaceted mode of design considers several key factors. It ensures a space is functional, prioritizing the needs of the people who use it. But functionality doesn't mean sacrificing style. Spatial design understands the power of aesthetics to create a desired atmosphere and influence user experience. Spatial design also involves a keen eye for balance. It's about creating harmony within a space, ensuring elements work together seamlessly. Location too, is a key player.
By understanding these unspoken forces, spatial design unlocks its true potential. It allows us to create impactful environments that not only look good, but truly serve their purpose and enhance our lives.
KEY CONCEPTS
TUTORIALS
MENTOR TEXTS
2023 Trevor Aleo
trevoraleo.com
Functionality
Aesthetics
Sustainability
Location
Materials
The primary purpose of a space, considering how well it meets the needs of its users and the activities that will take place within it. Consider flow, accessibility, etc.
The visual appeal of a space, encompassing elements like color, shape, texture, balance. It influences user experience and perception, creating a desired atmosphere
The design's impact on the environment throughout its lifecycle. This considers factors like material use, energy efficiency and long-term usability.
The relationship between the size of various elements within a space. It creates a sense of harmony, visual interest, and influences how people move and interact within the space.
The physical placement of a space considering its surroundings, accessibility, and functionality. Factors like proximity to amenities, noise levels, sunlight exposure, etc.
The physical components used to construct a space, impacting aesthetics, functionality, sustainability, and cost. influence factors like durability, acoustics, light reflectance, etc.
Scale/Proportion