©M. Reber 04/21/23

GraphicsAny visual form of presenting

information

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Overview

Types of Graphics Types of Illustrations Ways to Integrate Graphics

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Overview

Types of Graphics Types of Illustrations Ways to Integrate Graphics

Types of Graphics

Tables Graphs Charts Illustrations

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Types of Graphics:Tables 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

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.)

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  Name Email Address Phone #1 Phone # 2

1.

John Smith smithjohn@email.com 408-000-0000 650-000-0000

2.

       

3.

       

4.

       

5.

       

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Types of Graphics:Graphs Graphs show changes in data over time

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Types of Graphics:Charts 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:

Types of Graphics:Illustrations 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

Types of Graphics Types of Illustrations Ways to Integrate Graphics

Types of Illustrations

Photographs Drawings Flowcharts Diagrams and Schematics Screen Shots

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Types of Illustrations: Photographs Provide most detail with picture-perfect representation

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Figure 4. Removing the back wheel from the bicycle.

Figure 5. Using a tire lever to separate the tire from the wheel.

Can include unnecessary or distracting detail

Types of Illustrations: Drawings 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 Flowcharts and other conceptual drawings represent more

abstract information such as positions within a workflow:

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Organizational charts represent hierarchical information such as positions within an organization:

Warehouse Manager

Shipping Clerk

Chief Executive Officer

National Sales Manager

Warranty Inspector

Western Sales Manager

Eastern Sales Manager

Import audio and storyboard

files

Adjust length of audio and video files

Add and edit transition effects

Create an MPEG movie

file

Types of Illustrations: Diagrams and Schematics 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

Types of Graphics Types of Illustrations Ways to Integrate Graphics

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Ways to Integrate Graphics

Purposes of Graphics Uses of Graphics Sources of Graphics Format of Graphics Tips on Using Graphics

Purposes of Graphics

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

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

You can find graphics using these sources: Search on the internet and copy from the web Use clip art (professional sources only)

You can create graphics by: 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

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

Tips on Using Graphics

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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