The document outlines the principles of using graphics and visuals in communication, emphasizing design elements such as balance, contrast, and alignment. It presents guidelines for effective visuals that enhance understanding and storytelling while adhering to ethical standards. Additionally, it provides tips for using photographs, illustrations, and screenshots to support written content effectively.

1. KAREN O’HARA
MARCH, 2015
USING VISUALS

2. USING GRAPHICS &
VISUALS

3. BEGIN WITH PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
•Balance
•Contrast
•Consistency
(Repetition)
•Alignment
•Grouping (Proximity)

4. Gerson, S. J., & Gerson, S. M. (2010). Workplace writing:
Planning, packaging, and perfecting communication. Upper
Saddle River, N.J: Prentice Hall.

5. Name that graphic!

6. Name that graphic!

7. Name that graphic!

8. Name that graphic!

9. Name that graphic!

10. Name that graphic!

11. They should…
• tell a simple story
• reinforce written text (not
replace it)
• be labeled & placed properly
• be ethical
FOUR GUIDELINES FOR VISUALS

12. What story does this graphic tell?
How to Zombie-Proof Your Shed
TELLING A SIMPLE STORY

13. REINFORCING WRITTEN TEXT

14. LABELED AND PLACED
PROPERLY

15. ETHICAL
MISLEADING REALISTIC
0
10
20
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40
50
60
70
80
90
100 94.4 93.9 93.4 93.1 92.8

16. http://gizmodo.com/how-to-lie-with-data-visualization-
1563576606
Cumulative graphs (number of visitors, revenue, etc.)
OTHER WAYS TO “LIE WITH
DATA VISUALIZATION”

17. http://gizmodo.com/how-to-lie-with-data-visualization-
1563576606
Ignoring conventions
OTHER WAYS TO “LIE WITH
DATA VISUALIZATION”

18. FUN WITH DATA VISUALIZATION
Tomas Nilsson’s Little Red Riding Hood:
http://vimeo.com/3514904

19. https://s3.amazonaws.com/m.h
elpscout.net/blog/2013/jul/color
-emotion.jpg
A WORD ABOUT COLOR

20. INFOGRAPHICS

21. PHOTOGRAPHS,
ILLUSTRATIONS, &
SCREENSHOTS

22. • Tell a story
• Include people when possible
• Use the Rule of Thirds (focal
point touches top third of
scene)
• Minimize background clutter
Pros/cons of using photos?
TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHS

23. Used to simplify, create focus, enable
labeling, create symbols/signposts
Types:
• Line drawings
• Maps
• Icons, clip art
Pros/cons of using illustrations?
ILLUSTRATIONS

24. Many browsers & OS have screenshot
utilities built in (example: Win7 Snipping Tool)
The old-school way to take screenshots:
PC: Press Print Screen to copy entire
screen to clipboard (or ALT + Print Screen
for active window.) Then paste into a doc or
image editing program. Crop to suit your
needs.
Mac: Press Command-Shift-3 at same time.
Picture appears on desktop. Edit as needed.
SCREENSHOTS
(SCREEN CAPTURES)

25. http://cdn.morguefile.com/imageData/public/fil
es/s/Schick/10/l/1349749654wg5sz.jpg
Flickr Creative Commons
(http://www.flickr.com/creativecommons/)
FreeImages (http://www.freeimages.com)
Stokpic (http://www.stokpic.com)
IconsPedia (http://www.iconspedia.com/)
Note: PowerPoint or Word clip art is free to
use and DOES NOT need citation unless it
is used outside of the program.
SOME FREE IMAGE RESOURCES
(LICENSE & USAGE RESTRICTIONS APPLY)

26. Follow me on Twitter
Visit my Workplace
Writing Blog
PICTURE THIS!