Captions
BackgroundCaptions are text that is linked to an image or visual portrayal. This is not meant to be body copy but a brief description or elaboration on the element (typically between one and 5 words).
A caption should do more than just repeat the meaning that is already communicated by an image. It should clarify the interpretation of the image or gives new insight into the image . When images and words are combined without an increase in meaning, the solution fails (Adams, 2013). meaning is SubjectiveCaptions help direct understanding because visual and auditory forms of representation are often ambiguous. Shared meaning is often difficult without additional cues to differentiate meaning. Here is an example in the following slide show.
Many people would not necessarily think of Leonardo da Vinci without the addition meaning communicated with the caption.
Floating Ideas
Since meaning is subjective, it is always useful to test your ideas on a variety of people (stakeholders) to get an honest response and see if they understand your message. Knowing the audience is useful in creating communicative captions. |
PurposeCaptions should enhance or clarify meaning of an video or image.
Only use captions to enhance or clarify meaning of an image. ExerciseTake an image and then add a one word caption to change the meaning of the image in a significant way.
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References
Adams, Sean. (2013). Foundations of Layout and Composition, Lynda.com. retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/Design-tutorials/Foundations-Layout-Composition/