Media and

Information
Literacy
Quarter 2 – Module 4:

ii
Text and Visual Dimensions
of
Information and Media

iii
 What I Need to Know

MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY

Describe the different dimensions of:

• text information and media

• visual information and media

OBJECTIVES
After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Explain the principles in designing text and visual elements

2. Evaluate the impact of text and visual content and forms 3. Design a
personal brand or logo using appropriate text and visuals
4. Spread positive and affirming information through visual media.

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 2

Lesso Text and Visual

Dimensions of
n 1 Information and Media
This lesson is the beginning of a series that would lead you to creating an
appropriate multi-media content. For this part, we will focus on visuals, which is a
broad aspect in media. Remember that conveying valid and effective content
entails the use of the most suitable visual forms. These two must work side by
side to provide the correct informative experience to your audience.

It would really help if you would squeeze out your creative juices in this lesson, as
this may look like a refreshing course in arts. A phone camera may also come in
handy, as well as good word processing skills. Nevertheless, if you do not have
the technology for such at present, I would also love to see your handmade work.
Enjoy!

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 What is It

Text may be defined as a simple and flexible format of presenting information or

conveying ideas whether hand-written, printed or displayed on-screen. It is very
powerful in disseminating information, providing direction and giving
suggestions.

Text is available in different sources, which may be categorized into two:

1. Formal Example of these are news articles, published books,
newspapers, magazines, advertisements, research works, etc. Formal
textbased materials are created and distributed by established
institutions (such as publishing companies, news agencies, etc.) and go
through a rigorous process of editing or evaluation and are usually
governed by censorship of the state.
2. Informal Examples of these are blogs, personal e-mails, SMS or text
messages, online messengers, social media platforms, etc. They come
from personal opinions or views on different issues, processes, etc.

Text can be as short such as a single sentence or phrase, or they can be as

lengthy as news articles or investigative reporting. No matter how brief or
lengthy, however, a text is always carefully written with the intent of sending a
very specific message to the target audience.

As consumers of text media and information, we need to ask questions regarding

the text content to ensure its reliability:
• Who or what institution is sending this message?
• What techniques are used to attract and hold attention?
• What is the language used by the writer?
• What views are represented? Are they balanced?
• How might the message be interpreted in different ways?
• What is omitted (removed), slurred (unclear) or added in the message?

As producers of text media and information, we need to review the media and
information design framework:
• target audience,
• author or sender,
• key content,
• purpose,
• form/style, and  format.

Text as Visual

Typeface font, font type, or type) is the representation or style of a text. A

typeface is usually composed of alphabets, numbers, punctuation marks,

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symbols and other special characters. Fonts in digital format are installed in
forms such as True Type Font (.ttf), Open Type Font (.otf), etc. Fonts convey
different emotions and meaning, and you must be very careful in choosing the
right font for your content. The table below presents the different types of fonts,
their implications, uses, and examples.

Design Principles and Elements

The principles in designing text elements are emphasis, appropriateness,

proximity, alignment, organization, repetition and contrast. Observe how these
elements are presented in each text frame.

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 What’s More

Visual information and media are materials, programs, applications and the like
that teachers and students use to formulate new information to aid learning
through the use, analysis, evaluation and production of visual images. The
following are types of visual media:

Photography

Mt. Makiling, shot using

phone camera
Video

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A scene from the short film
“Kinamulatan”

Screenshot

Screenshot from a typical online

class

Infographic

This was created to

promote
netiquette in Mary Help of
Christians
College, Laguna

comic strips /
cartoons

Created by Johnrich Raymundo,

Ash
Nabalona and Alexandra
Ducay for Camp Vicente Lim
Integrated School

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Meme

Image: "Memes for NBA" by randycline5049 is

marked with CC
PDM 1.0

Graphs / Charts

Pie graph for

DepEd Tayo Camp
Vicente Lim Integrated
School FB
Page

Visual note taking

Image: "Visual Notetaking 101"

by jonnygoldstein is licensed
under CC BY 2.0

The primary purpose of visual information is to gain attention, create

meaning, and facilitate retention, but how can you create a striking visual? First,
you must consider the visual elements, or the basic units in the construction of a
visual image. The Design Elements are:

1. Line

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This describes a shape or outline. It can create texture and can be thick or thin.
Lines may be actual, implied, vertical,
horizontal, diagonal, or contour.

Take note that lines provide meaning also. Horizontal lines are more static and
calm; vertical lines command attention and stability; diagonal lines may
convey movement; and contoured lines may evoke turbulence,
playfulness, and the likes.

2. Shape
A geometric area that stands out from the space next to or around it, or
because of differences in value, color, or texture. Shape may also be organic.

Three implied geometric shapes can be Organic shapes, like the

eggplant found in the picture above: diamond, pictured above, are
irregular and octagon and triangle. asymmetrical in appearance
and tends to have curves, as in the case of shapes found in nature.
3. Value
The degree of light and dark in a design. It is the contrast between black and
white and all the tones in between. Value can be used with color as well as
black and white. Contrast is the extreme changes between values.

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4. Texture
The way a surface feels or is perceived to feel. Texture can be added to attract
or repel interest to a visual element. Two contrasting visual textures are
presented in this picture taken in Bolinao, Pangasinan: the smoothness of the
sea and the roughness of the contorted branches.

5. Color
Determined by its hue (name of color), intensity (purity of the hue), and value
(lightness or darkness of hue). Color and color combination can play a large
role in the design. Color may be used for emphasis, or may elicit emotions
from viewers. Color may be warm, cool, or neutral. It plays a major role in our
visual perception, as it influences our reactions about the world around us. It is
therefore important to create color palettes that evoke the appropriate
audience reactions.

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6. Form
A figure having volume and thickness. An illusion of a 3-dimensional object can
be implied with the use of light and shading.

Through digital means, shadows are On the other hand, thick pen strokes are
placed in the drawing above in order used to achieve volume and thickness on
to provide a three-dimensional effect. the sketch in this sketch.

Principles in Visual Design

The visual appeal of artworks depends on its adherence to principles of design.

However, there is no strict commandment in designing. The personal
preferences of the artist remain a prime contributing factor in designing visuals.
Let me share with you some of my work as we discuss the designing principles.
Like what I have previously said, these are my personal take on designing. There
are many other styles that can also influence you in your works.

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1. Consistency of margins, typeface, typestyle, and colors is necessary,
especially in slide presentations or
documents that are more than one
page.

When designing posters, I tend to be

minimalist. I highlight important points
by lessening the other accessorial
designs, like in the case of this poster
for my school, wherein I used slight
geometrical gradient in. I used only two
dominant colors to go with the white –
blue and gold, our school’s the school
colors. I gave variation in the text by
using only two fonts, Impact and Arial,
and aside from the DepEd logo at the
bottom, I placed only a derivation of the
caring emoji, with the schools logo
replacing the heart.

2. Center of interest – an area that first attracts attention in a composition.

This area is more important when compared to the other objects or elements in
a composition. This can be by contrast of values, more colors, and placement in
the format.

In a picture, the center of interest should not actually be in the center. In fact,
you must avoid the “dead center in placing the portion that you wish to
highlight. The basic rule in “The Rule of Thirds.” Divide the frame into three
portions horizontally and vertically using imaginary lines, and place the point
you wish to highlight at any of the four intersecting points.

Putting the lines on the picture above, the girl’s face, which is the center of
interest, is right on an intersection point. Hence, the
picture has an interesting composition.

In portraiture, one tip in order to command the center

of interest in close ups (such as the picture of Liza
Soberano) is to place the dominant eye at the center of
the frame. Doing so, the image would have the illusion

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of staring back at you. (I did an exercise with my previous classes on assessing
the impact of visuals seen in magazines, and we all realized that many of Liza
Soberano’s photos in her printed product endorsement in magazines all had her
dominant eye at the center.

Photo: "Hope Elizabeth ''Liza'' Soberano DOB January 4, 1998 (age 20 years)" by aeroman3 is marked with CC PDM 1.0
3. Balance – a feeling of visual equality in shape, form, value, color, etc.
Balance can be symmetrical and evenly balanced, or asymmetrical and
unevenly balanced. Objects, values, colors, textures, shapes, forms, etc. can
be used in creating balance in a composition.

4. Harmony – brings together a composition with similar units. If for

example your composition was using wavy lines and organic shapes, you
would stay with those types of lines and not put in just one geometric shape.
(Notice how similar Harmony is to Unity - some sources list both terms).

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On the left is the cover design I illustrated for an entry to the 2 nd National
Competition on Children’s Storybook Writing. I decided to change the cover
page on the published version, since I want to put an element of surprise on
who the “friends” are. I focused on circles, which is the shape of the
characters’ eyes. The result is a playful harmony of common shapes and colors
fit for young learners.

4. Contrast – offers some change in value creating a visual discord in a

composition. Contrast shows the difference between shapes and can be used
as a background to bring objects out and forward in a design. It can also be
used to create an area of
emphasis.

I love to play on the contrast

provided by light and darkness.
It simplifies my composition
and allows the viewer to focus
on the subject of my shoot, as
in the case of this statue of the
Blessed Virgin Mary taken at
night.

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5. Directional Movement – a visual flow through the composition. It can be
the suggestion of motion in a design as you move from object to object by way
of placement and position. Directional movement can be created with a value
pattern.
It is with the placement of dark and light areas that you can move your
attention through the format.

On the left, the lines implied by the children’s arms provides a direction that
leads to the element that unites them: a trophy. On the right, the blurred
image of children in frenzy during the Buhayani festival evokes a sense of
directionless motion.

6. Rhythm – a movement in which some elements recur regularly. Like a

dance, it will have a flow of objects that will seem to be like the beat of music.

You can find rhythmic patterns everywhere, for a simple cup of cappuccino
prepared by a barista, to a festive street dance.

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7. Perspective – created through the arrangement of objects in two-
dimensional space to look like they appear in real life. Perspective is a learned
meaning of the relationship between different objects seen in space

Lines disappearing in the horizon and objects getting smaller conveys a

perspective of distance. In this still from the short film “Awit ng Puso,” the child
is seen moving far beyond, and the viewer gets the hint that he still has a long
way to go before him.

Types of Shots

How do we go about telling a story in visual form? Let’s take wisdom form
children’s fairytales.

Normally, a fairy tale begins with “Once upon a time, in a land far, far
away, there lived a… and so on and so forth.” That sounds too elementary, but
that is the basics to start a story: tell the place and time and introduce the
characters, and the rest will follow. Now, it would be awkward to have somebody
narrate that for you, that is why visuals need to be properly executed to tell a
story effectively.

Sometimes, a single picture is more than enough to tell a story. However,

a series of pictures can be used also, as in the photo essay, which is a series of
photos that tell a story, and in film, which is practically a series of frames also. To
achieve this, you must remember that capturing visuals is not just a matter of
point and shoot. Shots must be planned and well-framed to contribute well to the
story. A single frame may give so much meaning already, so if you add other
frames, then you can get much more. Here is a list of the types of shots (Contis,
2019).

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Extreme Wide Shot / Extreme
Long Shot

This reveals to the viewer the

world where the story takes
place. Through this shot, the
audience must have a feel of
the time and place of the
story – whether it is morning
or evening, hot or cold, wet or
dry, and so on.

The subject may be shown on

a small scale in order to
picture his/her relation to the
scene.

Wide Shot / Long Shot

This shot establishes the

character and how he/she is
related to the scene. The
characters can be seen from
head to toe. Because of its
wide coverage, the wide shot
can also be used as an
establishing shot. This can
also be used as a master shot,
which introduces a new
location or scene.
Full Shot

Like the wide shot, the full

shot also shows the character
from head to toe, but this time
around, the character is
already the focus. Through
this, you can clearly see what
the character looks like as a
whole or what he/she is doing.

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Medium Shot

The character is seen waste

up. This is often used in
dialogue scenes, because it is
wide enough to show two or
more characters but close
enough to show details.

Medium Close-up

This shot rests between the

medium shot and the close-
up, with the subject framed
from shoulders up. Through
this shot, more body language
can complement the facial
expressions to show emotions.

Close-up

This frames the character’s

face and provides emotional
clues that cannot be
effectively shown with the
medium shot. Other things
may be shown up close –
shaking hands, tapping feet,
etc,

Tip: Cropping the crown of the

head in a close-up conveys a
more intimate appeal.

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 Extreme Close-up
This is a tighter frame that
highlights the facial features
or any subject more. It can be
highly detailed, much more
intimate, emotionally
heightened, and even
uncomfortable to view.

Camera Angles and Points of View

Establishing the angles of your shots will also help in providing the
desirable meaning on visuals. Through this, you can suggest a specific emotion,
establish strength or weakness, or take the story from the eyes of a character.
Here is a list of shots based on angles and points of view (Ricart, 2018).

Bird’s-eye view

Bird’s-eye view is the name

given to the type of shot
taken from an elevated point.
As its own name indicates, it
offers a perspective similar to
that which birds see while
flying.

Drones may be used to

capture this type of shot, such
as the picture on the left.
However, you can still do this
shot as long as you strategize
your location, like shooting a
subject while you are standing
on a bridge.

High angle

A high angle shot is taken

pointing the camera down on
the subject. As a result, the
subject is seen as vulnerable
and powerless.

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Eye level

The eye level shot is

considered the most natural
camera angle. Capturing the
shot at eye-level offers a
neutral perception of the
subject. Because it is the way
in which we usually see
people, this camera angle can
help the audience connect
with the subject.

Low angle

A low angle shot is taken from

below the subject’s eye line,
pointing upwards. This camera
angle makes a subject look
powerful and imposing.

Worm’s-eye view

The worm’s-eye view camera

angle looks at an object or
subject from below. It is
commonly used to capture tall
elements in the scene, such
as trees or skyscrapers, and
put them in perspective. This
type of camera shot is mostly
taken from a subject’s point of
view.

Over the Shoulder Shot

Also called OTS or third

person shot, this is created by
placing the camera at the
back of one character while
facing the other character.
This is used to highlight the
relationship of characters in a
dialogue.

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 Dutch Angle

Also called Dutch tilt, canted

angle, or oblique angle, this
shot is noticeably tilted or
tipped. This is used to signal
to the viewer that something
is wrong, disorienting, or
unsettling (Lannom, 2020)

References

Commission on Higher Education (2016). Teaching Guide for Media and

Information Literacy.
Creative Commons AttributionNonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International
License

Contis, E. (2019). Types of Shots. Retrieved from

https://www.careersinfilm.com/types-ofshots-in-film/.

Lannom, S.C. (2020). Dutch Angles: Creative Examples of Camera Movements &
Angles. Retrieved on 5 November 2020 from
https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/dutchangle-shot-camera-movement/
#Dutch-Angle-Basics

Ricart, J.R. (2018). “20 Types of Shots, Camera Angles, and Movements All
Videographers Should Know”. Wix Blog & Social Media.
https://www.wix.com/blog/ photography/2018/12/06/types-of-shots

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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education - Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)

Ground Floor, Bonifacio Bldg., DepEd Complex

Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600

Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985

Email Address: blr.lrqad@deped.gov.ph * blr.lrpd@deped.gov.ph