Technical Communication A Practical Approach Chapter 13 Graphics

Graphics n n n Terms in Graphics Reasons for Using Graphics General Guidelines for

Terms in Graphics n n Illustrations n n Any non-textual portion of a document

Terms in Graphics n Tables n n Illustrations that place numbers or words in

Terms in Graphics n Charts and Graphs n n A subset of “figures, ”

Terms in Graphics n Photographs n n Another subset of “figures, ” photographs accurately

Reasons for Using Graphics n n n Graphics Simplify Ideas Graphics Reinforce Ideas Graphics

Graphics Used to Simplify Ideas Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S.

Graphics Used to Create Interest Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S.

General Guidelines for Graphics n n n n Determine the Purpose of the Graphic

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n n n n n Tables Pie Charts Bar Charts

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Tables n n n Use informal tables as extensions

Tables Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Pie Charts n n n Use pie charts especially

Pie Charts Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K.

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Bar Charts n n n Use a limited number

Bar Charts Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K.

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Line Graphs n n n Use line graphs for

Line Graphs Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K.

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Flowcharts n n n Present Only Overviews Limit the

Flowcharts Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Organization Charts n n n Use the Linear “Boxes”

Organization Charts Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K.

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Technical Drawings n n Choose the Right Amount of

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Photographs n n n Choose an appropriate angle to

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Screen Captures n n Include only when your reader

Misuse of Graphics n n Problems with Graphics Distorted Elements Technical Communication: A Practical

Misuse of Graphics Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and

Slides: 30

Download presentation

Technical Communication A Practical Approach Chapter 13: Graphics n n William Sanborn Pfeiffer Kaye Adkins

Graphics n n n Terms in Graphics Reasons for Using Graphics General Guidelines for Graphics Specific Guidelines for Nine Graphics Misuse of Graphics Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 2 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Terms in Graphics n n Illustrations n n Any non-textual portion of a document or an oral presentation Used synonymously with “graphics” Visual Aids n Often limited to oral presentations Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 3 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Terms in Graphics n Tables n n Illustrations that place numbers or words in columns or rows or both Figures n All graphics other than tables Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 4 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Terms in Graphics n Charts and Graphs n n A subset of “figures, ” these synonymous terms refer to a type of graphic that displays data in visual form Technical Drawing n Another subset of “figures, ” a technical drawing is a representation of a physical object Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 5 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Terms in Graphics n Photographs n n Another subset of “figures, ” photographs accurately document their subject Screen Capture n Another subset of “figures, ” screen captures present images of all or part of digital displays on devices such as computers and smartphones Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 6 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Reasons for Using Graphics n n n Graphics Simplify Ideas Graphics Reinforce Ideas Graphics Create Continuity Graphics Create Interest Graphics Are Universal Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 7 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Graphics Used to Create Interest Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 9 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

General Guidelines for Graphics n n n n Determine the Purpose of the Graphic Evaluate the Accuracy and Validity of the Data Refer to All Graphics in the Text Think About Where to Put Graphics Position Graphics Vertically When Possible Avoid Clutter Provide Titles, Notes, Keys, and Source Data Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 10 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n n n n n Tables Pie Charts Bar Charts Line Graphs Flowcharts Organization Charts Technical Drawings Photographs Screen Captures Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 11 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Tables n n n Use informal tables as extensions of text Use formal tables for complex data separated from text Use plenty of white space Follow conventions for dividing and explaining data Pay special attention to cost data Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 12 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Pie Charts n n n Use pie charts especially for percentages and money Use no more than 6 or 7 divisions Move clockwise from 12: 00, from largest to smallest wedge Be creative, but stay simple Draw and label carefully Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 14 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Bar Charts n n n Use a limited number of bars Show comparisons clearly Keep bar widths equal and adjust space between bars carefully Carefully arrange the order of bars Be creative Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 16 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Line Graphs n n n Use line graphs for trends Locate line graphs with care Strive for accuracy and clarity Do not place numbers on the graph itself Use multiple lines with care Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 18 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Flowcharts n n n Present Only Overviews Limit the Number of Shapes Provide a Legend When Necessary Run the Sequence from Top to Bottom or from Left to Right Label All Shapes Clearly Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 20 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Organization Charts n n n Use the Linear “Boxes” Approach to Emphasize High-Level Positions Connect Boxes with Solid or Dotted Lines Use a Circular Design to Emphasize Mid- and Low-Level Positions Use Varied Shapes Carefully Be Creative Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 22 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Technical Drawings n n Choose the Right Amount of Detail Label Parts Well Choose the Most Appropriate View Use Legends When There Are Many Parts Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 24 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Photographs n n n Choose an appropriate angle to provide and overview Focus your readers’ attention on details Present images form the readers’ perspective Indicate scale when necessary Label parts for clarity Follow legal and ethical guidelines when using photographs Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 25 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Specific Guidelines for Graphics n Screen Captures n n Include only when your reader needs to see Place region screen captures in context Match the screen capture to the text Indicate key elements on the screen Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 26 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.

Misuse of Graphics n n Problems with Graphics Distorted Elements Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth Edition W. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins 27 Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. , All Rights Reserved.