Graphics: Any visual form of presenting information Teco 61 M. Reber 11_05_03

Types of Graphics Tables: Tables are rows and columns of numbers, words, or symbols. They provide efficient means of presenting comparative information. Check for information in your text that could be presented as a table. Information that is suitable for a table generally has two comparative axes. Tables should have headings for columns and/or rows. Tables should be introduced within the text to provide context.

Types of Graphics (table) Name Address Phone #1Phone # John

Types of Graphics Graphs: Graphs show changes in data over time.

Types of Graphics Charts: The most common charts are pie charts and bar charts. Pie charts show percentages of a whole. Bar charts can show the same information with the length of each bar representing a percentage or amount.

Types of Graphics (charts)

Types of Graphics Illustrations: Give a graphic representation of a thing or action. Common illustrations include: Objects, parts, features of an object (mechanisms) Actions or movements (the direction one object needs to be inserted into another) Orientation or position (CPR positioning) Concepts or ideas (an organizational chart) Screen Shots

5 Types of Illustrations Photographs Provide most detail with picture-perfect representation Can have too much detail Figure 4. Removing the back wheel from the bicycle. Figure 5. Using a tire lever to separate the tire from the wheel.

5 Types of Illustrations Drawings Often considered the ideal illustration Suppress unnecessary detail and allow reader to focus on important objects, tools, and actions Illustrate relationships and concepts photography can not

5 Types of Illustrations Flowcharts and other conceptual drawings Represent more abstract information such as positions within an organization or workflow Import audio and storyboard files Adjust length of audio and v ideo files Add and edit transition effects Create an MPEG movie file

5 Types of Illustrations Diagrams and schematics Removes so much detail that the object being described is no longer recognizable (such as a wiring schematic for a microwave oven)

5 Types of Illustrations Screen Shots Reproduces the screen or dialog box a user sees when operating hardware and software. Allows the user to verify that they are in the correct part of the procedure

How do I find illustrations? Search on the internet and copy from the web Make screen captures Use clip art Draw your own illustrations In all the cases above, you may need to crop, size, and label the illustrations Make sure to give credit for all graphics you copy!! Remember copyrights and ask permission if necessary.

Why use graphics? To summarize and condense information To make information easier to access To show comparison or contrast To appeal to right-brained users To add variety and increase interest To emphasize important information To convey quantitative relationships (percentile rankings, trends, etc.) To communicate internationally

What can graphics do? Show how something looks or is constructed Show how to do something Explain how a process works Show how something is organized Help the reader find specific facts Show relationships Make a persuasive point

Tips on using graphic? Make sure to pick the most appropriate type of graphic for the information you are presenting Make sure to include callouts or captions as necessary Do not include a graphic without a purpose Make graphics easy to understand and use Integrate your graphics with your text