Posted by SuperKennyLim | Posted in Document Design | Posted on 4:23 PM
Documents are used to present selected information which takes form in brochure, magazine, poster, book, presentation slides and what not, depending on its purpose.
In fact, the success of a document largely depend on whether it serve its purpose as well as how effectively it convey its message in a way which designated readers could interpret accordingly. As Reep (2006, p. 134) said, readers do not only read the words on a page, they also 'read' the visual presentation of the text which pretty much explains that communication does come in a package, both verbally and non-verbally.
The meaning composition however, does not necessary mean using nice words and pictures to attract readers but rather, how does it function to engage and align one particular group of readers in a particular context through the interplay of text, visual and other useful elements.
To emphasize further, Reep (2006, p. 134) highlighted the ways design features can enhance documents' effectiveness:
Slide 1
Certainly, pinpointing information in PowerPoint does it best with use of bullets while highlighting keywords. However, the PowerPoint slide can be improvised through use of visual aid to activate 'schema'. Use of visual does not only attract attention and keeping readers focused, it also provides better understanding and representation of meaning to readers.
While graphic use aids in determining a good document , it should also be used wisely.
As Anderson (1987, p. 254) points out, balance of text and visual within the page is important. The PowerPoint slide above is not balanced, causing the left to look heavier than the right while leaving negative white space.
In designing good document, lengthy text should be paraphrased to provide readers space to rest their eyes.
According to Anderson (1987, p. 254), good document design should consider the following steps:
References
Putnis, P and Petelin, R 1996, Professional Communication: Principles and Applications, Prentice Hall, New York
Reep, DC 2006, Technical Writing, 6th Edition, Pearson/Longman, New York.
In fact, the success of a document largely depend on whether it serve its purpose as well as how effectively it convey its message in a way which designated readers could interpret accordingly. As Reep (2006, p. 134) said, readers do not only read the words on a page, they also 'read' the visual presentation of the text which pretty much explains that communication does come in a package, both verbally and non-verbally.
The meaning composition however, does not necessary mean using nice words and pictures to attract readers but rather, how does it function to engage and align one particular group of readers in a particular context through the interplay of text, visual and other useful elements.
To emphasize further, Reep (2006, p. 134) highlighted the ways design features can enhance documents' effectiveness:
- Guide readers through the text by directing attention and increasing readers' ability to remember important information.
- Increase readers' interest in the document. Eye-catching graphic aids in keeping readers focused on the information they need.
- Create a document that reflects the image you wish readers to have such as traditional, formal etc.
Certainly, pinpointing information in PowerPoint does it best with use of bullets while highlighting keywords. However, the PowerPoint slide can be improvised through use of visual aid to activate 'schema'. Use of visual does not only attract attention and keeping readers focused, it also provides better understanding and representation of meaning to readers.
While graphic use aids in determining a good document , it should also be used wisely.
As Anderson (1987, p. 254) points out, balance of text and visual within the page is important. The PowerPoint slide above is not balanced, causing the left to look heavier than the right while leaving negative white space.
In designing good document, lengthy text should be paraphrased to provide readers space to rest their eyes.
According to Anderson (1987, p. 254), good document design should consider the following steps:
- Ensure there is recognisable pattern or flow of information
- Consider readers' expectations of a document in the genre you are using
- Balance negative (white) space with the positive (text, visual) space
- Align the edges and borders of visuals and text in an orderly fashion
- Balance visual and text within the page
- Do not use more than two typefaces
References
Putnis, P and Petelin, R 1996, Professional Communication: Principles and Applications, Prentice Hall, New York
Reep, DC 2006, Technical Writing, 6th Edition, Pearson/Longman, New York.
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