1. Document Design and Presentation Dr. David Blakesley, Professor of English, Purdue University Brought to you in cooperation with the Purdue Online Writing Lab

2. Effective technical communication integrates textual and visual elements: Topics: Document format and layout: Communicates document genre – a report, a letter, etc. Document headings: Helps aid document navigation and introduce and describe ideas in document sections Information graphics: Communicates technical information visually, ex. line graphs, bar graphs, pie charts, tables, flowcharts, diagrams, maps, etc. Using Visuals to Inform and Persuade

3. Effective technical communication integrates textual and visual elements: Topics, cont.: Typography: Fonts, typefaces, and point size help enhance readability Research posters: Good posters catch reader’s attention and make key information understandable Using Visuals to Inform and Persuade

4. Format and layout choices communicate information about the document’s genre Different genres have different purposes and different reader expectations Your format and layout choices begin communicating this message Compare the following documents and think about how the format and layout affects the message being sent. Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Format & Layout

5. Sample 1 What kind of document is this? Why do you think the author wrote this document? What kind of information is communicated in a document like this? How do you think format and layout affects a reader’s Expectations and needs? Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Format & Layout

6. Sample 2 What kind of document is this? Why do you think the author wrote this document? What kind of information is communicated in a document like this? How do you think format and layout affects a reader’s Expectations and needs?

7. Headings help document navigation and introduce and describe the ideas contained in each section. Headings should work with the table of contents to help readers find information quickly and easily Headings should be descriptive Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Headings

8. From The Thomson Handbook by David Blakesley and Jeffrey Hoogeveen. Boston: Cengage/Wadsworth, 2008. Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Headings

9. Information graphics work with text to communicate technical information Visual content correlates to the text but serves different functions Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics

10. From The Thomson Handbook Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics

11. From The Thomson Handbook Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics

12. Line graphs show relationships between and among types of data Data in line graphs are divided into logical units plotted along the vertical and horizontal axes Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics Example: The change in quantity (e.g. revenue) over time

13. Bar graphs show comparative relationships across a data set, correlated with a common reference point Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics

14. Pie charts show the relative quantities of the components of something Slices in any pie chart must add up to 100% Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics

15. Flowcharts include visual illustrations and arrows to show how a process unfolds over time or how one idea or action leads to another. Process Data Decision Manual Operation Document Terminator Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics

16. Tables are visual displays of data and enable readers to compare information and quickly view findings. Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics

17. Diagrams are illustrations of something that consists of parts (such as an engine) These illustrations provide viewers with an idea of orientation and perspective. Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics

18. Venn diagrams use circles or arcs to show how one thing intersects or overlaps with something else From Learn NC: http://www.learnnc.org/reference/Venn+diagramhttp://www.learnnc.org/reference/Venn+diagram Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics

19. Maps are visual illustrations of a physical space (such as a state, city, or mall) and/or are used to associate a region or idea with an event, action, or other phenomenon. Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics

20. 1. Every image should serve specific function Either as an illustration or as content for analysis 2. Always introduce and explain visuals Images and infographics should be placed after they are first mentioned and as near as possible to the point of reference (exceptions for Transportation Research Board submission guides) Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Tips How you use visuals is just as important as the textual content of a document:

21. Using Visuals, Tips (cont.): 1. Caption every photograph and illustration (exceptions for specific style guides and citation methods, ex. APA, MLA, etc.) Captions for charts, graphs, and tables should summarize the content of the visual (follow Transportation Research Board submission guides) 2. Copyright and Permission information should accompany all images and be properly cited in the caption 3. Proofread all infographics to make sure the information they convey is correct and makes sense 4. Leave enough padding (white space) around the image so that the text doesn’t run up against it Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Tips

22. Basic Principles of Graphic Design Proximity - a way to convey meaningful relationships between elements. Try to put closely related images and text close to each other on the page Alignment - the spatial layout of elements on a page; a discernible, visual pattern. Try to align every object on a page with the edges of other elements to establish a pattern and relationship (unless your goal is to show discord). Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Tips

23. Basics of Graphic Design (cont).: Repetition - a way to show meaningful connections among types of content, pages, or regions of a page. Try to keep design elements (page numbers, colors) consistent to help readers navigate documents Contrast - the sharp differences in color, typography, or other design elements used to highlight or prioritize information. Try to use contrast (black font against white paper) to help convey a clear message and/or to establish close relationships between important elements Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Tips

24. Fonts, typefaces, and point size enhance readability Typeface: fonts are classified as serif and sans serif Serif fonts have small strokes at the ends of some lines: ex. Times New Roman Works well as a body font Sans serif fonts do not have these additional strokes: ex. Arial Works well as a heading font Normal typeface is best for body text while special typefaces (ex. bold, italics, etc.) should be reserved for headings, titles, and other special elements Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Typography

25. Point size: For the body text in paper documents use 10-, 11-, or 12-point fonts For headings vary the point size modestly For posters and other display documents choose point sizes that will make information stand out Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Typography

26. Research posters should catch a reader’s attention & make key information understandable. Good posters: Display important information at conferences Summarize key findings of a research or lab project (etc.) Tell the story of the project and provide a snapshot of its key points or features Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Research Posters

27. From The Thomson Handbook Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Research Posters

28. Poster Tips: 1.Do your research - make sure all information is accurate 2.Storyboard - create a mock-up of your poster 3.Grab attention - be assertive with design by using striking (but relevant) visual elements 4.Hold attention - provide useful, precise information that is legible from a short distance 5.Use graphical design principles: Contrast Repetition Alignment Proximity Establish a color scheme that complements content Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Poster Tips

29. Poster Tips (cont.): 6. Revise and edit – ask at least one other person to read your poster 7. Using durable materials – materials should be able to survive ordinary “bumps and bruises” a.You may want to consider printing at home and assembling on site b.If you can, scout out print shops near the location of your presentation – just in case! Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Poster Tips

30. Cut out and use these textual and graphical elements to create your own mock up on the “trifold” slide Title: Lorem Ipsum Dolor Sit Amet Praesent Imperdiet Egestas Purus Introduction Method Results Conclusions Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam turpis nunc, rutrum eget, mattis ac, aliquet vitae, est. Quisque et neque. - Vestibulum tincidunt eros. - Donec ut orci. - Vivamus ut erat non tellus. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. - Vestibulum tincidunt eros. - Donec ut orci. - Vivamus ut erat non tellus. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam turpis nunc, rutrum eget, mattis ac, aliquet vitae, est. Quisque et neque. Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Poster Practice

31. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam turpis nunc, rutrum eget, mattis ac, aliquet vitae, est. Quisque et neque. - Vestibulum tincidunt eros. - Donec ut orci. - Vivamus ut erat non tellus. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam turpis nunc, rutrum eget, mattis ac, aliquet vitae, est. Quisque et neque. - Vestibulum tincidunt eros. - Donec ut orci. - Vivamus ut erat non tellus. Poster Practice (cont.)

32. Use this blank page as your trifold

33. Here’s what I did. How did you do?

34. Purdue University Writing Lab Heavilon 226 Web: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/http://owl.english.purdue.edu/ Phone: (765) 494-3723 Email: owl@owl.english.purdue.eduowl@owl.english.purdue.edu Where to Go to Get More Help

35. The End DOCUMENT DESIGN AND PRESENTATION Adapted by Allen Brizee & Dr. David Blakesley from The Thomson Handbook by Dr. David Blakesley & Dr. Jeffrey L. Hoogeveen Brought to you in cooperation with the Purdue Online Writing Lab