Final answer:
A sort order is a method to organize information based on specific criteria. In visual texts, arrangement determines how viewers interpret images. Different organizational patterns are crucial for structuring information effectively in both visual and verbal contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
A sort order is a way of ordering task or resource information in a view by the criteria you specify. When creating visual texts, such as images or videos, arrangement plays a critical role in how information is perceived. For example, in Figure 17.4's case, the creator has used arrangement to emphasize the digital waterfall over the interacting individuals, which in turn affects the viewer's experience and interpretation of the image. This concept is not limited to visual media; in verbal contexts, organization patterns like topical, chronological, or cause-and-effect are key in structuring information to guide the audience's understanding and response.
In essence, the way information is arranged can vastly impact the effectiveness and clarity of the presented ideas. The choice of arrangement or organization pattern should be deliberate, aiming to enhance the conveyance of the central theme or argument of the piece, be it an image, a sculpture, an essay, or a presentation.