Mastering Visual Literacy

We are shifting towards a visually mediated society. Reading is increasingly overshadowed by visual consumption, which is less mentally demanding. Words are easily forgotten, but pictures stay in our minds for decades. This shift has been ongoing for a long time, as evidenced by concerns from as far back as 1955 about the impact of visual media on literacy (see: Why Johnny Can't Read). The concern at the time was that an overload of images and visual media might impede reading skills. Lester highlights that visual messages follow their own syntax, which may be lost on those who are text-oriented. Thus, the new generation is also reading, but they are reading something different.

There is a clear distinction between text and images. Text is sequential and discursive, meaning it's organized in a linear narrative. In contrast, images are holistic, offering a comprehensive view at a glance. Pictures lack formal grammar and a standardized visual alphabet, making them challenging to "read" in the traditional sense. Susan Sontag argues that without narration, understanding through images is limited. However, as we consider this, we must also acknowledge that text, because it is sequential, cannot be understood without grammar and syntax. Without these elements, readers would have no way of deciphering the connections between the serial flow of signals. One could argue that the notion of grammar and syntax is a side effect or necessity stemming from the limitations of serial communication.

Semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, provides insight into how images function as a form of communication. Images are essentially collections of signs that convey meaning through viewer interpretation. While visuals can be powerful, they communicate most effectively when paired with verbal or written explanations.

Semiotics is divided into three domains:

1. Pragmatics: Studies the origins and uses of signs.

2. Semantics: Explores the significance of signs across cultures.

3. Syntactics: Focuses on combining signs to form messages.

Pragmatics and semantics are important but not unique to visual communication. Syntactics asserts that a sign by itself means nothing; meaning depends on other signs. The right combination of words and pictures can create a very effective synergy. For instance, research on newspaper reading shows that people first notice the photograph, then the caption, and finally the headline before delving into the article. This interplay of text and image enhances comprehension and impact. Since thinking always involves communication—whether to ourselves or others—a thoughtful orchestration of text and images in communication enhances our ability to see connections and find solutions.

According to Wilson Hicks, an early picture editor for Life magazine, "It is not correct to say that either medium [words and pictures] supplements the other. The right verb is complements."

This brings us to the conclusion of Lester's article, where he articulates his theory in three main tenets:

Words and images share a deep connection. Words originated from visual symbols, and over time, text gained prominence. With Gutenberg's press, words gained dominance over images, leading to a decline in visual literacy as text became standardized. Just consider how a printed page from Gutenberg’s press compares to a codex page from a visual stimulation standpoint.

However, both mediums are crucial in communication, each contributing unique elements.

Both words and images are symbolic. They represent ideas and concepts that are understood through cultural and contextual knowledge.

Tenet 3: Images Are Remembered by Thinking About Them in Words

We remember images by verbalizing them. Concrete nouns like "ball," "book," "bottle," "baby," etc., are recalled much better than abstract concepts such as "freedom," "peace," "ethics," or "love." Illustrations can help make abstract concepts more memorable by translating them into tangible (concrete) forms.

Six Takeaways to improve your thinking and note-taking

1. Text and Visuals Complement Each Other: Both play a reinforcing role in note-taking and communication. Aim for a cohesive design that aligns visuals with captions and text for maximum impact.

2. Deliberate Design: As we move towards a more visually-oriented society, balancing the use of words and images will facilitate better cross-cultural understanding and communication.

3. Visuals as Information Compression: Images can condense complex ideas into a single glance. Use visuals to summarize and reorganize information efficiently. (I demonstrate how I organize concepts using their visual summaries into a narrative at the end of my video Book on a Page Summary of Atomic Habits by James Clear and in Excalidraw Writing Machine)

4. The Importance of Narration: Adding verbal summaries to visuals is essential for making them truly effective. Use tools like Back-of-the-Card Notes in Obsidian-Excalidraw or slide notes or captions in other tools, to integrate visuals with text.

5. Transforming Abstract to Concrete: Creating illustrations involves converting abstract ideas into concrete forms, which aids memory and understanding. For more on the craft of creating concept visuals, check out my video Mastering Concept Visualizations: A Simple Workflow for Creating Effective Visuals.

6. Invest in Visual Skills: Given the emphasis on writing in traditional education, investing time in learning illustration can provide greater value. Consider exploring visual thinking courses to enhance your skills. Visit the Visual Thinking Workshop to learn more.