Topic selection and document design

Document design and revision

Purpose of design

 To help readers find, understand and remember information

 To make a good impression/be professional

What is design?

 Organization  Table of contents  Section headings  Index  Glossary

 Typography  Readable font/hierarchical sizes, colors

 Appearance  Binding, paper weight, coating, size

 Three ring, saddle, heavy, coated or lightweight paper, portability

Paper/binding

 Type depends on use

 Paper weight, coating, size

 Binding type  Spiral

 Book

 Three ring, etc.

Will it get wet, be used outdoors, need to be added to/changed?

Content

 Audience centered  Arranged logically: spatially,

chronologically, etc.  Definitions  Explanations  Graphics

Typography: Why does it matter?

 Size indicates importance

 Style can indicate content

 Consistency improves readability

 Spacing affects readability

Typestyles/fonts

 Serif has tiny strokes, or serifs at the tips of each letter. Times New Roman, for example.

 San serif sans means without in French. No tiny strokes. Straight edges. Arial, for example.

Other styles not likely appropriate

 Cursive Looks like it’s handwritten

 Novelty Add vAriety or flAvor – use in smAll doses

Sizing  Points define size

 Standard body copy 9-12 point

 72 points per inch

 Six picas per inch

72, 60, 48, 36

Spacing

 Leading

 Space between lines

 Space between lines  Space between lines

 Kerning/tracking  Space between l e t t e r s

Alignment

 Left  Right

 Center  Justification

Design to aid the reader

 Remember to break up sections into manageable pieces

 Label things correctly  Be consistent with headings, page

numbers, formatting  Use graphics when they clarify

concepts