Difference between revisions of "Graphics"

...by students

Terms

• Graphics: This is a generic term describing any portion of a document or oral presentation that is not text.
  
  
• Illustrations, Visual Aids: A synonym to the word graphics - it is any part of a document that is not text.
  
  
• Tables and Figures: Tables and figures are types of graphics. A table consists of text organized in columns and rows. A figure is any graphic that is not a table.
  
  
• Charts/graphs: A type of graphical figure displaying text in visual form. For example, bar, pie charts, and lines on graphs.
  
  
• Technical drawing: A type of graphical figure displaying a visual representation of a physical object.
  
  

Why Do You Want to Use Special Fonts, Colour, and Graphics?

Special fonts, colour, and graphics:

1) Simplify Ideas
Ideas are simplified by cutting down the amount of words used.

2) Reinforce Ideas
Ideas are emphasized with the use of special fonts, colour, and graphics because they are distinctive from the rest of the document.

3) Create Interest
Because you are using special fonts, colour, and graphics, the audience's attention will be drawn to the area that is unique from the rest of the document.

4) Are Universal
A graphical representation of an object is a universal language that can be understood no matter what country you are from or what language you speak. Graphics have been used since the beginning of time with the use of cave drawings.

Using Fonts

Font Guidelines:

1) Remember the Reader’s or Company’s Preferences
Considering how you will write a message is just as important as what you should write in your message. If you know your audience has a clear preference, stick with those preferences.

2) Consider the Reason Why You’re Changing Fonts
You want your message to be clear. Consider the following questions before you change fonts:

• Will the font change attract or deter the audience's attention?
  
• Will the font change be used for a large portion of the document?
  

Please note there are two main types of fonts:

• Sans serif font styles: "without feet or tails"
  
• Serif font styles: letters have little "feet or tails" on the ends
  

3) Consider Your Document Layout
Depending on your document layout, you have limited space to write all your information. Using a smaller and clearer font might be a solution to getting your message across effectively without loss of clarity.

You can also change the font leading (space between rows of typed material) or change the kerning (the space between characters).

4) Remember the Document’s Purpose
The document's purpose is to deliver a message. Make sure the font style emphasizes and compliments this purpose.

5) Consider Your Document’s Tone
Font styles can set the tone of your document. Choose your font style carefully.

For example, this font type does not match the meaning of the message:

Using Colour

• Cost and Time of Using Colour
  • Is There a Budget?

Unfortunately our creativity can be limited by the budget we have to adhere to. Colour is costly and takes a longer time to print. When choosing colour graphics, be sure they are able to print clearly even without colour.

• • Who Will Receive the Document?

Your budget may only allow you to print a certain number of colour copies. Ensure the most "important" people, such as executive directors receive these coloured copies.

• • Are There Alternative Options?

If your budget is rigid yet you still want to colour copies, consider the following options:

• • • Use colored paper for different sections
    • Consider printing coloured copies for the most important readers
    • Use one color

• Create a Colour Style Sheet

• • Help the Audience Read and Retain the Document’s Message

Define levels of headers with the use of different colours.

• • Accentuate Important Data
  • Make Colours Noticeable
• Colour Guidelines
  • Use Colours That Will Have Your Audience Reacting Positively
  • Use Colours That Compliment Your Company’s Logo
  • Use Dark or Textured Backgrounds Sparingly
  • Use Colours According to Your Medium

Using Graphics

• Graphic Guidelines
  • Refer to Graphics in the Text
  • Plan Where to Place Graphics in Your Document
  • Place Graphics Vertically

Specific Guidelines for Eight Graphics

• Using Pie Charts
• Using Bar Charts
• Using Line Charts
• Using Schedule Charts
• Using Flow Charts
• Using Organization Charts
• Using Technical Drawings
• Using Tables