Reading: Section 1 - Getting Graphics

 
The Meaning of Pictures                                                                                                                                               
Even though pictures are nothing but a 2 dimensional object, we as designers can activate emotions, experience, previous knowledge, age, gender and more, to bring the viewer to an entire narrative. Given that we can never know exactly where this will take the viewer, our job is to make an educated guess as to lead the viewer to a conclusion.  

Human Information Processing System                                                                                                                                            
The Human Information Processing System is a representation as to how our brain processes raw data.  Starting with the immediate sensory information that is collected with our eyes, ears, nose, touch, taste, etc.(unconscious), our brain will than pass this information onto the working memory. The working memory receives a small portion of the raw data that is taken by the sensory memory.  The reaction of the working memory depends on the information brought from the sensory memory.  Reactions vary from immediate actions to storing of important information. This is a conscious action (hence working).  The information that is coded for storing will than be moved in the long-term memory.  The long-term memory is unconscious as to what it is doing but is always active with coding and decoding back down to the working memory.


"The human information-processing system is the model that cognitive scientist use to understand how people transform sensory data into meaningful information."

Dual Encoding
                                                                                                                                           
Our brains process verbal and visual information in different channels.  As these two channels are collected they are also communication with each other and cross linking information for storage in the long-term.  That's why when information is introduced with both verbal and visual information we can retain it easier. 


Informative Value
                                                                                                                                            
As a designer we produce graphics that suit a responsive action (even if that viewers action is to just look). But the reaction could be to build or opening a container properly.  The end action is direct result of our design.  If the design is effective than the proper action is achieved. 


"By understanding the mental processes required to meet specific informative goals, designers can find the most suitable graphic approach for their purpose."