Transcript Graphics4709.ppt

Graphics
Any visual form of presenting information
M. Reber
© 4/7/2009
Overview
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Types of Graphics
Types of Illustrations
Ways to Integrate Graphics
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Overview
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Types of Graphics
Types of Illustrations
Ways to Integrate Graphics
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Types of Graphics
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Tables
Graphs
Charts
Illustrations
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Types of Graphics:
Tables
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Tables are rows and columns of numbers, words, or
symbols
They provide efficient means of presenting comparative
information
 Information that is suitable for a table generally has two
comparative axes
 Tables should have headings for columns and/or rows
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Check for information in your text that could be
presented as a table
Tables should be introduced within the text to provide
context
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Types of Graphics:
Tables (cont.)
Name
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John Smith
Email Address
[email protected]
Phone #1
Phone # 2
408-000-0000
650-000-0000
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Types of Graphics:
Graphs
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Graphs show changes in data over time
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Types of Graphics:
Charts
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Charts plot specific information, such as
scientific data
The most common charts are: pie charts and
bar charts
 Pie charts show percentages of a whole:
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Types of Graphics:
Charts (cont.)
 Bar charts show the same information with the length
of each bar representing a percentage or amount:
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Types of Graphics:
Illustrations
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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
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Overview
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Types of Graphics
Types of Illustrations
Ways to Integrate Graphics
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Types of Illustrations
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Photographs
Drawings
Flowcharts
Diagrams and Schematics
Screen Shots
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Types of Illustrations:
Photographs
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Provide most detail with picture-perfect representation
Figure 4. Removing
the back wheel from
the bicycle.
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Figure 5. Using a tire
lever to separate the
tire from the wheel.
Can include unnecessary or distracting detail
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Types of Illustrations:
Drawings
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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
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Types of Illustrations:
Flowcharts and Org Charts
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Flowcharts and other conceptual drawings represent more
abstract information such as positions within a workflow:
Import audio
and storyboard
files
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Adjust length of
audio and
video files
Add and edit
transition
effects
Create an
MPEG movie
file
Organizational charts represent hierarchical information
such as positions within an organization:
Chief Executive
Officer
Warehouse
Manager
Shipping Clerk
National Sales
Manager
Warranty
Inspector
Western Sales
Manager
Eastern Sales
Manager
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Types of Illustrations:
Diagrams and Schematics
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A diagram is a plan, drawing, or outline that explains how
something works or the relationship between parts of a whole
A schematic represents the elements of a system using
abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures
 Omits all irrelevant details, often rendering the object unrecognizable
 May add unrealistic elements to aid comprehension
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Types of Illustrations:
Screen Shots
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Reproduces the screen or dialog box a user sees when
operating hardware and software
Verifies to the user that they are in the correct part of the
procedure
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Overview
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Types of Graphics
Types of Illustrations
Ways to Integrate Graphics
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Ways to Integrate Graphics
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Purposes of Graphics
Uses of Graphics
Sources of Graphics
Format of Graphics
Tips on Using Graphics
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Purposes of Graphics
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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
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Uses of Graphics
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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
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Sources of Graphics
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You can find graphics using these sources:
 Search on the internet and copy from the web
 Use clip art (professional sources only)
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You can create graphics by:
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Using a digital camera
Creating screen shots
Drawing your own illustrations
Creating graphs and charts using software applications
If you did not create the graphics, remember:
 You may need to crop, size, and label the illustrations
 You must always give credit for the illustration you copy
 Ask permission to use the illustration if necessary
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Format of Graphics
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Use sans serif fonts (Arial, Helvetica, etc.) for
flowchart text, figure titles, callout text, and row and
column headings in tables
Use smaller fonts for items listed above (at least 1
pt. smaller than body text)
Use straight lines without arrowheads for callout
text, not diagonal lines
Use arrowheads to indicate direction only
Center text in flowchart boxes vertically/horizontally
Adjust individual column width within tables
according to text density
Introduce most graphics with lead-in text
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Tips on Using Graphics
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Pick the most appropriate type of graphic for
the information you are presenting
Do not include a graphic without a purpose
Make graphics easy to understand and use
Include callouts or captions as necessary
Integrate your graphics with your text
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