Technical Communication A Practical Approach Chapter 13: Graphics William Sanborn Pfeiffer Kaye Adkins

Technical CommunicationA Practical Approach

Chapter 13: Graphics

William Sanborn Pfeiffer Kaye Adkins

Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins

Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved.2

Graphics

Terms in Graphics Reasons for Using Graphics General Guidelines for Graphics Specific Guidelines for Nine Graphics Misuse of Graphics



Terms in Graphics

Graphics Any non-textual portion of a document or an

oral presentation Illustrations

Used synonymously with “graphics” Visual Aids

Often limited to oral presentations



Terms in Graphics

Tables Illustrations that place numbers or words in

columns or rows or both Figures

All graphics other than tables



Terms in Graphics

Charts and Graphs A subset of “figures,” these synonymous

terms refer to a type of graphic that displays data in visual form

Technical Drawing Another subset of “figures,” a technical

drawing is a representation of a physical object



Terms in Graphics

Photographs Another subset of “figures,” photographs

accurately document their subject Screen Capture

Another subset of “figures,” screen captures present images of all or part of digital displays on devices such as computers and smartphones



Reasons for Using Graphics

Graphics Simplify Ideas Graphics Reinforce Ideas Graphics Create Continuity Graphics Create Interest Graphics Are Universal



Graphics Used to Simplify Ideas



Graphics Used to Create Interest



General Guidelines for Graphics

Determine the Purpose of the Graphic Evaluate the Accuracy and Validity of the

Data Refer to All Graphics in the Text Think About Where to Put Graphics Position Graphics Vertically When Possible Avoid Clutter Provide Titles, Notes, Keys, and Source Data



Specific Guidelines for Graphics

Tables Pie Charts Bar Charts Line Graphs Flowcharts Organization Charts Technical Drawings Photographs Screen Captures




Tables Use informal tables as extensions of text Use formal tables for complex data separated

from text Use plenty of white space Follow conventions for dividing and

explaining data Pay special attention to cost data



Tables




Pie Charts Use pie charts especially for percentages and

money Use no more than 6 or 7 divisions Move clockwise from 12:00, from largest to

smallest wedge Be creative, but stay simple Draw and label carefully



Pie Charts




Bar Charts Use a limited number of bars Show comparisons clearly Keep bar widths equal and adjust space

between bars carefully Carefully arrange the order of bars Be creative



Bar Charts




Line Graphs Use line graphs for trends Locate line graphs with care Strive for accuracy and clarity Do not place numbers on the graph itself Use multiple lines with care



Line Graphs

FAX Installations

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

Govt.

Home

Business

Govt. 1572 3451 3245 3980

Home 1456 1789 2134 2385

Business 2502 3890 6823 8974

1999 2000 2001 2002




Flowcharts Present Only Overviews Limit the Number of Shapes Provide a Legend When Necessary Run the Sequence from Top to Bottom or

from Left to Right Label All Shapes Clearly



Flowcharts




Organization Charts Use the Linear “Boxes” Approach to

Emphasize High-Level Positions Connect Boxes with Solid or Dotted Lines Use a Circular Design to Emphasize Mid- and

Low-Level Positions Use Varied Shapes Carefully Be Creative



Organization Charts




Technical Drawings Choose the Right Amount of Detail Label Parts Well Choose the Most Appropriate View Use Legends When There Are Many Parts




Photographs Choose an appropriate angle to provide and

overview Focus your readers’ attention on details Present images form the readers’ perspective Indicate scale when necessary Label parts for clarity Follow legal and ethical guidelines when using

photographs




Screen Captures Include only when your reader needs to see Place region screen captures in context Match the screen capture to the text Indicate key elements on the screen



Misuse of Graphics

Problems with Graphics Distorted Elements



Misuse of Graphics



Misuse of Graphics



Misuse of Graphics

Documents

Technical Communication A Practical Approach Chapter 13: Graphics William Sanborn Pfeiffer Kaye Adkins