Visual+Literacy

· I interpret the visual message to be a depiction of the over-consumption of protein by Americans. The message is conveyed by displaying various facts about meat production and consumption and paring that information with corresponding icons to illustrate the point. · In my opinion the graphic could be organized a bit better in terms of a number of PAT model elements. For example, I feel that the data could have been arranged better, either in a hierarchical fashion (e.g. lowest to highest numbers) or by improving the similarity of the information used (i.e. only including data on consumption). There are also issues of alignment in that the food icons are arranged a bit haphazardly and could be better utilized to convey information. Additionally, I think that the graphic could be improved by contrasting the consumption of vegetables by Americans to emphasize just how much protein they are eating. I also think the proximity of the information included is too close and could be better highlighted by putting some space between them. However, I also feel that the colors, type, and shapes are used effectively. · If I were to create a visual message from scratch to convey the same information I would include the changes mentioned above and would consider using a larger area.