3. 3-3
Know which document parts
need visuals.
Understand how visuals are
presented.
Construct textual and visual
graphics.
Learn common errors.
Place visuals effectively.
Learning Objectives
4. 3-4
Planning Visuals
Determine the purpose:
Clarify complex or difficult
information.
Emphasize facts.
Add coherence or
summarize.
Provide interest.
Filter vast amounts of data.
Enhance appearance.
5. 3-5
Considerations:
Size, orientation and type
Rules and borders
Color and cross-hatching
Clip art
Background
Numbering
Construction/placement of titles and captions
and footnotes
Constructing Visuals
6. 3-6
Size the graphic according to contents and
importance.
- Simple graphics can be small.
- Complex graphics must be large enough
to see clearly.
Consider using extra large paper for
extremely complex graphics!
Size
7. 3-7
Let size and content determine
orientation—portrait or landscape?
Select the one that’s easiest to read.
Orientation
8. 3-8
Be consistent in style and font.
Ensure the design of the font conveys the
message.
Determine the size appropriate for the
context.
Pay attention to readability!
ΑΒΓΔΕ
Type
9. 3-9
Rules and borders:
Provide unity for a graphic or among graphics.
Separate the graphic from text.
Emphasize a graphics contents.
Rules and borders should be used for
graphics of less than one page and stay
within margins.
Rules & Borders
10. 3-10
Help the reader see
comparisons and
distinctions.
Improve comprehension
and information
processing and retention.
Make a graphic more
visually appealing.
Color & Cross-Hatching
11. 3-11
Use it to add interest.
Avoid overusing.
Use it with purpose.
Keep nature and size
appropriate.
Make sure it’s audience-
appropriate.
Get permission to use
copyrighted art.
Clip Art
12. 3-12
Choose contrasting color to avoid
distracting from text.
Use background to draw the reader in.
Be aware of the emotional and cultural
associations of a color, such as blue.
Background
13. 3-13
Number graphics
consecutively by type.
Arrange graphics into
several categories if a
document contains many
types.
Group graphics into two
categories (tables and
figures) when a document
has several of each type.
Numbering
14. 3-14
Wording
• Construct a title that describes the
entire graphic, using the 5 Ws and
1H.
• Consider a subtitle to explain the
title more precisely.
• Capitalize using title case.
Placing
• Tables: Place the title above the
table.
• Other graphics: Place the title
either above or below the graphic
(be consistent).
Wording & Placing Titles
15. 3-15
Use footnotes to explain or
elaborate.
Use acknowledgments to identify
the party responsible for gathering
data.
Footnotes &
Acknowledgments
