Graphics:
Any visual form of presenting
information
Teco 61
M. Reber
11_05_03
Types of Graphics
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Tables: Tables are rows and columns of numbers,
words, or symbols. They provide efficient means of
presenting comparative information.
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Check for information in your text that could be presented
as a table.
Information that is suitable for a table generally has two
comparative axes.
Tables should have headings for columns and/or rows.
Tables should be introduced within the text to provide
context.
Types of Graphics (table)
Name
1
.
2
.
3
.
4
.
5
.
6
.
7
.
John Smith
Email Address
smithjohn@email.com
Phone #1
Phone # 2
408-000-0000
650-000-0000
Types of Graphics
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Graphs: Graphs show changes in data over
time.
Types of Graphics
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Charts: The most common charts are pie
charts and bar charts.
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Pie charts show percentages of a whole.
Bar charts can show the same information with
the length of each bar representing a percentage
or amount.
Types of Graphics (charts)
Types of Graphics
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Illustrations: Give a graphic representation of a
thing or action. Common illustrations include:
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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
5 Types of Illustrations
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Photographs
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Provide most detail with picture-perfect representation
Can have too much detail
Figure 4. Removing
the back wheel from
the bicycle.
Figure 5. Using a tire
lever to separate the
tire from the wheel.
5 Types of Illustrations
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Drawings
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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
5 Types of Illustrations
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Flowcharts and other conceptual drawings
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Represent more abstract information such as positions
within an organization or workflow
Import audio
and storyboard
files
Adjust length of
audio and video
files
Add and edit
transition
effects
Create an
MPEG movie
file
5 Types of Illustrations
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Diagrams and schematics
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Removes so much detail that the object being described is
no longer recognizable (such as a wiring schematic for a
microwave oven)
5 Types of Illustrations
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Screen Shots
Reproduces the screen or dialog box a user sees when
operating hardware and software.
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Allows the user to verify that they are in the correct part
of the procedure
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How do I find illustrations?
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Search on the internet and copy from the web
Make screen captures
Use clip art
Draw your own illustrations
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In all the cases above, you may need to crop, size,
and label the illustrations
Make sure to give credit for all
graphics you copy!! Remember
copyrights and ask permission if
necessary.
Why use graphics?
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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
What can graphics do?
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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
Tips on using graphic?
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Make sure to pick the most appropriate type
of graphic for the information you are
presenting
Make sure to include callouts or captions as
necessary
Do not include a graphic without a purpose
Make graphics easy to understand and use
Integrate your graphics with your text