Visual literacy is the ability to interpret, negotiate, and make meaning from information presented in the formForm refers to three dimensional objects. While shapes have two dimensions (height and width), forms have three dimensions (height, width and depth). The overall unity... of an image, extending the meaning of literacy, which commonly signifies the interpretation of a written or printed text.
The term “visual literacy” was defined in 1969 by John Debes, the founder of the International Visual Literacy Association, as:
“Visual Literacy refers to a group of vision-competencies a human being can develop by seeing and at the same time having and integrating other sensory experiences. The development of these competencies is fundamental to normal human learning. When developed, they enable a visually literateThe capability to interpret, negotiate, understand and make meanings from information presented as images and symbols person to discriminate and interpret the visible actions, objects, symbols, natural or man-made, that he encounters in his environment. Through the creativeBeing creative or 'creativity' relates to or involves the use of the imagination or original ideas to create something. use of these competencies, he is able to communicate with others. Through the appreciative use of these competencies, he is able to comprehend and enjoy the masterworks of visual communication.”
– John Debes, 1969
Since this definition by Debes, researchers and practitioners have re-defined ever more complex definitions that reflect the breadth of its applications. The term itself takes on different meanings in different contexts and you will therefore encounter new ideas in education, science, graphic designThe art or skill of combining text and pictures in advertisements, magazines, or books The art and profession of selecting and arranging visual elements —..., artArt refers to a diverse range of human intellectual and expressive activities and the outcomes of those activities. Within this context art is further defined..., technology, philosophy and so on.
Visual literacy is, by nature, an organic concept that requires us to continually define and re-define its meaning as our world changes. Digital technology has greatly impacted our understanding of visual literacy as we now see children growing up with tablets and computers and what appears to be highly developed visual literacy instincts. But are they instincts, or are they picking up this new ‘language’ as a result of their interactions with digital technologies? These, and many more, are the questions that we ask and explore on this website. We welcome you to put forth your own definition of visual literacy so that our collective knowledgeFacts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. can continue to inform progressIn education, progress refers to a student's grasp of essential knowledge and educational skills. In the past, a student was considered to be progressing if they... in this important field.