Conceptual Framework

For this assignment, we were asked to design a visual for the competencies in the COE conceptual framework. It had to be in a poster format so that students could see them hanging up and easily recognize what is being said. We had to create icons that were simple and visually appealing. For this, Carly and I chose the images we wanted to use and changed the colors to be purple and gold for JMU and then placed them in a bubble. Next, we had to convey a message about each competency so that students could easily recognize each competency. Making the icons was the easiest part of this assignment. The hardest part was aligning the words and icons on the poster to make sure they all fit and were readible. We wanted the icons to be the largest because that is what is most appealing to our audience of students. Another difficult part in this assignment was figuring out how we wanted to describe each competency with the space we were given. In the end, I am really pleased with how it turned out. 

Answers to Krause's questions

Connotation: The visual style of this component ties in with the theme of the James Madison Educational Program because the colors of purple and gold that we used. All of the icons are in the same format to convey the same goal of attracting students into reading our message on our poster. We made the title font a lot larger because it explains who the message is towards. We then used the same font for all of the conceptual framework descriptions. We bolded and italicized the words that were most important for that specific framework. For the framework words, we had them outline the circular icons that we made. As our poster was getting passed around to the class, it was nice to see that others perceived our message clearly and enjoyed our poster.

Attributes: I am extremely satisfied with the visual weight, structure, color and presentational style of the graphic elements on this poster. It goes very well with our backdrop of lined paper because paper is something we connect to school work. The icons stand out clearly as well as the words framing the icons. The color scheme of purple and yellow and placed throughout our poster. The intended audience can see the bolded words from afar, while the definitions are a little bit smaller. To grab people's attention, it is best to get to the point of what we want our audience to get from our poster. No one is going to read a paragraph for each framework, so we tried to keep it simple and to the point. 

Placement: We wanted the icons to be pretty large so they could call attention to the audience. Nothing on this poster is meant to be unnoticed, but there are things that are meant to stand out more than others. All the icons are aligned vertically, but the middle row is aligned differently horizontally while the other two columns are aligned horizontally as well. The title is centered and the captions under the icons are centered with the icons they are underneath of. Nothing on this poster should be further cropped, rotated, moved, sized or altered in any way.