Goals of Document Design: 2/20

Here is what we will focus on today as we consider formatting and organizing BTS 1 (and of course, same considerations for other tech docs) (page 257):

1) To help readers understand the structure and hierarchy of information.

2) To help readers understand information.

3) To help readers remember the information.

Below is an outline of design principles.  Along with the reiteration of our textbook, I have connected the three goals above to those design principles below. Your job is to take apply these goals and principles into the design of your documents. In this case, BTS 1: Procedural How To.

Understanding Design Principles

Proximity - providing enough space between headers and text, between sections and sections. The human eye and mind need text broken up into related ideas, so you will want to make sure you give proper spacing between each of your three main parts of BTS 1. 

- Consider the distance between each section, even when use use section headings. 

- Consider the distance between a section heading and the text within that section.

- Related material should always be closer together, but still readable. 

Alignment - use indention, columns, etc. to help also clarify #1, showing the different levels of importance of information. Section headings, headings, graphics, and the text itself; how do you structure so that the reader can understand?

Repetition - for our BTS 1, it will be much clearer in your document if there is some repetition in the specific content within each section. For example, instead of inventing and using different examples to clarify each part you should use the characters from your first section, the hypothetical ethical dilemma...

- If Charlie and Jason are the two characters used in your hypothetical scenario, re-use them in your second part to explain the ethical dilemma. Then, as you provide the general steps to a solution, use them in the example part of your explanation of each step in the solution.

Contrast - bold, italics, COLOR, because using an appropriate amount of COLOR can really help your readers remember specific content.

IF there is time...we will start working on these simple design elements within class time. Otherwise, you will want to do such work at home.

BTS 1 will now be due on Sunday, by e-mail, for full credit. I am giving you extra time so that you can play around with the design, however it is due before Monday so that I have more time to provide feedback for you to a. revise for a higher grade, and/or b. use feedback as you put together our next tech doc!