Document Design Basics Document Design Focus The Rule
Document Design Basics
Document Design: Focus “The Rule of Ones” One idea per sentence One topic sentence per paragraph One thesis/main point per document
Document Design: Format Informative Intro of problem Main point Details Summary (restating main point) Persuasive Instructional Intro of problem n Main point n Supports n Summary n Request for action n Intro of n problem n Steps in sequential order n Sources of further help
Document Design: Flow Front load vs. back load Roadmap Statement of purpose Overview of content Signposts (Text) Transitional phrases and words Cues (Visual) Visual elements guiding reader Headings, highlighted text, dividers, white space Chunking (Grouping related elements) Parallel form
Document Design: Graphics Integrate graphics into text See Tips for Using Visuals Maintain a graphic theme Generally do not use clip art or extraneous graphics formal documents Follow corporate/publication guidelines Adhere to copyright law
Document Design: Text 10 -12 point type (body text) Serif vs. San Serif Consistent type styles (“Magic 3”) Bold/italics to emphasize Avoid all capitals Ragged right – justified left margins Text boxes, large size, color for emphasis
Document Design: Other Issues Headings, spacing, pagination, type Titles, length, submission Documentation of sources All of these are dependent upon the publisher and style guide
- Slides: 7