Data in line graphs are divided into logical units plotted along the vertical and horizontal axes
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics
Example: The change in quantity (e.g. revenue) over time
Bar graphs show comparative relationships across a data set, correlated with a common reference point
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics
Pie charts show the relative quantities of the components of something
Slices in any pie chart must add up to 100%
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics
Flowcharts include visual illustrations and arrows to show how a process unfolds over time or how one idea or action leads to another.
Process
Data
Decision
Manual
Operation
Document
Terminator
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics
Tables are visual displays of data and enable readers to compare information and quickly view findings.
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics
Diagrams are illustrations of something that consists of parts (such as an engine)
These illustrations provide viewers with an idea of orientation and perspective.
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics
Venn diagrams use circles or arcs to show how one thing intersects or overlaps with something else
From Learn NC: http://www.learnnc.org/reference/Venn+diagram
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics
Maps are visual illustrations of a physical space (such as a state, city, or mall) and/or are used to associate a region or idea with an event, action, or other phenomenon.
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Information Graphics
Every image should serve specific function
Either as an illustration or as content for analysis
Always introduce and explain visuals
Images and infographics should be placed after they are first mentioned and as near as possible to the point of reference (exceptions for Transportation Research Board submission guides)
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Tips
How you use visuals is just as important as the textual content of a document:
Using Visuals, Tips (cont.):
Caption every photograph and illustration (exceptions for specific style guides and citation methods, ex. APA, MLA, etc.)
Captions for charts, graphs, and tables should summarize the content of the visual (follow Transportation Research Board submission guides)
Copyright and Permission informationshould accompany all images and be properly cited in the caption
Proofread all infographics to make sure the information they convey is correct and makes sense
Leave enough padding (white space) around the image so that the text doesn’t run up against it
Proximity - a way to convey meaningful relationships between elements.
Try to put closely related images and text close to each other on the page
Alignment - the spatial layout of elements on a page; a discernible, visual pattern.
Try to align every object on a page with the edges of other elements to establish a pattern and relationship (unless your goal is to show discord).
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Tips
Basics of Graphic Design (cont).:
Repetition - a way to show meaningful connections among types of content, pages, or regions of a page.
Try to keep design elements (page numbers, colors) consistent to help readers navigate documents
Contrast - the sharp differences in color, typography, or other design elements used to highlight or prioritize information.
Try to use contrast (black font against white paper) to help convey a clear message and/or to establish close relationships between important elements
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Tips
Fonts, typefaces, and point size enhance readability
Typeface: fonts are classified as serif and sans serif
Serif fonts have small strokes at the ends of some lines: ex. Times New Roman
Works well as a body font
Sans serif fonts do not have these additional strokes: ex. Arial
Works well as a heading font
Normal typeface is best for body text while special typefaces (ex. bold, italics, etc.) should be reserved for headings, titles, and other special elements
For the body text in paper documents use 10-, 11-, or 12-point fonts
For headings vary the point size modestly
For posters and other display documents choose point sizes that will make information stand out
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Typography
Research postersshould catch a reader’s attention & make key information understandable.
Good posters:
Display important information at conferences
Summarize key findings of a research or lab project (etc.)
Tell the story of the project and provide a snapshot of its key points or features
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Research Posters
From The Thomson Handbook
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Research Posters
Poster Tips:
Do your research - make sure all information is accurate
Storyboard - create a mock-up of your poster
Grab attention - be assertive with design by using striking (but relevant) visual elements
Hold attention - provide useful, precise information that is legible from a short distance
Use graphical design principles:
Contrast
Repetition
Alignment
Proximity
Establish a color scheme that complements content
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Poster Tips
Poster Tips (cont.):
Revise and edit – ask at least one other person to read your poster
7. Using durable materials – materials should be able to survive ordinary “bumps and bruises”
You may want to consider printing at home and assembling on site
If you can, scout out print shops near the location of your presentation – just in case!
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Poster Tips
Cut out and use these textual and graphical elements to
create your own mock up on the “trifold” slide
Title: Lorem Ipsum Dolor Sit Amet Praesent Imperdiet Egestas Purus
Introduction
Method
Results
Conclusions
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam turpis nunc, rutrum eget, mattis ac, aliquet vitae, est. Quisque et neque. - Vestibulum tincidunt eros.
- Donec ut orci.
- Vivamus ut erat non tellus.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. - Vestibulum tincidunt eros.
- Donec ut orci.
- Vivamus ut erat non tellus.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam turpis nunc, rutrum eget, mattis ac, aliquet vitae, est. Quisque et neque.
Using Visuals to Inform & Persuade: Poster Practice
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam turpis nunc, rutrum eget, mattis ac, aliquet vitae, est. Quisque et neque. - Vestibulum tincidunt eros.
- Donec ut orci.
- Vivamus ut erat non tellus.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nam turpis nunc, rutrum eget, mattis ac, aliquet vitae, est. Quisque et neque. - Vestibulum tincidunt eros.
- Donec ut orci.
- Vivamus ut erat non tellus.
Poster Practice (cont.)
Use this blank page as your trifold
Here’s what I did. How did you do?
Purdue University Writing Lab
Heavilon 226
Web: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
Phone: (765) 494-3723
Email: owl@owl.english.purdue.edu
Where to Go to Get More Help
The End
DOCUMENT DESIGN AND PRESENTATION
Adapted by Allen Brizee & Dr. David Blakesley from The Thomson Handbook by Dr. David Blakesley & Dr. Jeffrey L. Hoogeveen
Brought to you in cooperation with the Purdue Online Writing Lab
