technical communication a practical approach chapter 13: graphics william sanborn pfeiffer kaye...
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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
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved.3
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
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved.4
Terms in Graphics
Tables Illustrations that place numbers or words in
columns or rows or both Figures
All graphics other than tables
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved.5
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
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved.6
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
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved.7
Reasons for Using Graphics
Graphics Simplify Ideas Graphics Reinforce Ideas Graphics Create Continuity Graphics Create Interest Graphics Are Universal
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
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Graphics Used to Simplify Ideas
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
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Graphics Used to Create Interest
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
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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
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
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Specific Guidelines for Graphics
Tables Pie Charts Bar Charts Line Graphs Flowcharts Organization Charts Technical Drawings Photographs Screen Captures
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
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Specific Guidelines for Graphics
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
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved.13
Tables
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved.14
Specific Guidelines for Graphics
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
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved.15
Pie Charts
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
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Specific Guidelines for Graphics
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
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved.17
Bar Charts
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
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Specific Guidelines for Graphics
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
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
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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
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
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Specific Guidelines for Graphics
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
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
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Flowcharts
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
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Specific Guidelines for Graphics
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
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved.23
Organization Charts
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
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Specific Guidelines for Graphics
Technical Drawings Choose the Right Amount of Detail Label Parts Well Choose the Most Appropriate View Use Legends When There Are Many Parts
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved.25
Specific Guidelines for Graphics
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
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved.26
Specific Guidelines for Graphics
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
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved.27
Misuse of Graphics
Problems with Graphics Distorted Elements
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
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Misuse of Graphics
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
Copyright © 2013, 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved.29
Misuse of Graphics
Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, Eighth EditionW. S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins
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Misuse of Graphics