Using Graphics Effectively

1. Using Graphics Effectively

2. Why Use Graphics: Visual Learning • Show use of tools • Show results of actions • Present overviews • Suggest uses/functions • Make the abstract concrete • Explain processes • Support text

3. Screen shots (windows, dialog boxes, etc.) Reports/results Photographs & drawings Exploded drawings Icons Maps Charts & diagrams Graphs Tables Types of Graphics

4. Rules & Lines Straight Consistent Hierarchical Size 1 page (rotate larger ones) Crop for impact Colors Use meaningfully Use consistently Elements of Graphics • Title • Numbered • Listed • Labels (“callouts”) • Brief • Aligned • Consistent • Placement • Consistent • Close to relevant text

5. Where is it? Graphics that locate key elements Maps Labeled illustrations What is it? Graphics that illustrate concepts Examples Metaphors Flow diagrams How do I do it? Graphics that show process Process diagrams Where am I? Graphics that locate users Maps Progress bars What’s the big picture? Graphics that summarize Flow charts Meeting Users’ Needs

6. Making Things Visual • Show program/project elements • Illustrate abstract concepts • Make visuals clear and easy to read • Sized for viewing • Uncluttered

7. Making Visuals Effective • Keep styles consistent (fonts, lines, boxes, etc.) • Use graphics as needed, not just because you can • Label graphics consistently • Labels shouldn’t hide graphics • Graphic shouldn’t hide labels • Labels should line up • Figure titles should be consistent

8. Rely on typographic techniques Important things larger Important things darker Important things central Important things sharper Related things aligned First left, later right Lay out the image correctly Use enough White space & boundaries (¼” - ½”) Stay within margins Size for readability Larger is usually better Making Visuals Effective (cont’d)