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Class 5: Using graphics

Class 5: Using graphics Introduction to graphics Samples of different graphics Guidelines for using in documents Methods for creating Another Channel for Learning

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Class 5: Using graphics

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  1. Class 5: Using graphics Introduction to graphics Samples of different graphics Guidelines for using in documents Methods for creating

  2. Another Channel for Learning “The idea of illustration is to create another “channel” of information, one that repeats the text, reinforces it, and adds to it. Providing content in both visual and verbal forms gives people a better way to determine the meaning of the content than through text or pictures alone.” – Olav Martin Kvern

  3. What Are Graphics? • Charts • Diagrams • Drawings (line art) • Photographs • Screen shots • Maps

  4. Why Are Graphics Important? • Help communicate information that is difficult to convey in words • Help clarify and emphasize information • Catch the reader’s attention • Help communicate information to multiple audiences • Help non-native speakers of English understand the information

  5. Graphics Are More Effective Than Text • Demonstrate logical and numerical relationships • Convey spatial information • Give overall picture in a glance • Outline steps in a process • Save space

  6. Diagram Showing Logical Relationships

  7. Information Graphics • Charts • Pie charts: parts-to-whole relationships • Bar charts: makes comparisons • Stacked bar charts: parts that contribute to the total • Line charts: shows trends

  8. Sample Pie Chart

  9. Sample Vertical Bar Chart

  10. Sample Stacked Bar Chart

  11. Sample Line Chart

  12. Information Graphics • Diagrams • Organizational diagrams: shows dominant and subordinate relationships • Flow/process diagrams: shows sequences • Timelines: communicates historical perspective • Floor plans/cutaway product drawings: displays spatial relationships

  13. Sample Organizational Chart FCC Org Chart Source: http://www.fcc.gov/fccorgchart.html

  14. Sample Flow Diagram: Closed Source: Markel, 348

  15. Sample Flow Diagram: Open Source: http://www.smartdraw.com/

  16. Sample Timeline Source: www.history-timeline.com

  17. Sample Cutaway Diagram

  18. Drawings (Line Art) • Can focus the reader’s attention on targeted information • Can highlight information that might be obscured • Sometimes easier for readers to understand

  19. Sample Diagram Check connections to handles carefully Source: Precor Icarian Safety Manual

  20. Sample Exploded Drawing

  21. Photographs • Use for visual detail • Offer concrete visual proof to back up your text • Enhance credibility • Evoke a greater sense of urgency and drama • Can provide too much information

  22. Sample Photograph Source: http://www.bmw.com

  23. Screens Shots • Reassures the user • Makes procedures easier to follow • Serves to simplify complex information • Makes documents more inviting

  24. Sample Screen Shot

  25. Issues with Using Screen Shots • Users may follow screen shots only • May need frequent updating • Take up a lot of space on page • Take up a lot of memory on computer • Used to support poorly done material • Adds to maintenance costs • Can show too much detail

  26. Using screen shots • Use a screen shot when it has purpose • Use appropriate shots for audience • Use figure caption to explain purpose • Use callouts to identify important items • Make sure screen shots are accurate • Make screen shots readable

  27. Creating screen shots • Use a program to capture screen • Use a feature on computer to capture screen • Save as BMP, EPS, or TIF • Save with descriptive filenames

  28. Maps • Convey spatial information • Are generally scalable replicas

  29. Sample Map

  30. Guidelines for Effective Use • Do not crowd the graphics • Vary size and shape for interest • Be consistent in style and design • Less is more

  31. Additional Guidelines from a Technical Writer • Design the graphics based on audience • Keep the graphics simple • Make sure graphics are accurate • Tell the reader that a graphic exists • Make sure reader understands what is important about a graphic • Be consistent with how you use graphics

  32. Additional Guidelines Continued • Use callouts to guide readers • Place graphics near their corresponding discussions • If appropriate to company standards, graphics should have a number and caption • Omit graphics that do not contribute • Try to keep flowcharts to one page

  33. File Formats • Bitmap files – stores pictures as matrices (rows & columns) of squares known as pixels • Vector files – contains sets of instructions for drawing objects

  34. What Programs to Use • Paint image editing programs – bitmap images • Photoshop • Paint • Drawing vector-based programs – object oriented image creation, uses postscript to define lines • Freehand • Illustrator

  35. Digital File Formats • EPS: Encapsulated Postscript • TIF: Tagged Image File Format • GIF: Graphics Interchange Format • JPEG: Joint Photographics Expert Group • BMP: Windows bitmap • PICT: MAC bitmap

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