Visual+Literacy

I was asked to analyze the following visual representation of the over consumption of protein. I immediately understood the point that this image is trying to get across; Americans are consuming much more protein, in the form of meat, than is really necessary. However, I think there is a little more information and some different techniques that could be used to make this image more effective. First, I'll start with what I think this graphic does well. I think the different boxes of information are well aligned, and the viewer’s eye is drawn from the first box to the last box. I think alternating the position of the pictures, the first picture above the text, the second below the text, and so on, balances the image and keeps things fresh and interesting. I think the sheer amount of protein being consumed isn’t well represented in this image, and that is an important part of its message. If we were to substitute the existing pictures for some sort of scale representation of the numbers, I think it would emphasize the point much more. Also, some information on the amount of protein that is really necessary to feed our population might make the disparity between the numbers more clear. It would be important to include any such information in a concise manner that flows with the existing feel of the image.