Page 7 - McMurrey Notes

247-262
McMurrey
DOCUMENT-DESIGN TOOLS:
Illustrative graphics
Illustrative graphics include things like drawings, photographs, diagrams, schematics, flowcharts, and so on. What can be illustrated in technical documents?
(1) Instructions. Actions and objects (various components) in a process should be illustrated to better convey the steps in an activity.
(2) Technical background reports. For example, maps and diagrams could clearly show the flow of an oil spill or the formation of El Niño. Photographs of the effects of an oil spill on shorelines or photos of several solar cars could be used to demonstrate the consequences or results of something.
Certain key elements in technical documents need to be illustrated:
(i) Objects, parts and features of objects. Objects (mechanisms, places, areas, things, stuff!) central to a dis- cussion must be illustrated. Photographs should also be used where applicable. Labelling is often necessary. (ii) Orientations, relationships. Certain illustrations, particularly for instructional purposes, should show the
position of things or people in relation to each other.
(iii) Actions, movements. Some illustrations must convey a sense of movement and direction (e.g. arrows). (iv) Concepts, ideas. Graphics can be used to illustrate concepts.
As you plan, write and revise technical documents, look for opportunities to illustrate important objects, parts or features of objects, orientations and relationships, actions and movements, and concept ideas.
Types of illustrative graphics:
3 4
Photographs (most detail)
Diagrams and schematics (removes all detail)
0
Flowcharts and conceptual drawings (shows flow and relationships)
Drawings (suppress unnecessary detail)
0
!! ??
QQuestion: Can you a) describe the purpose of headings, lists, tables, graphs,
charts and illustrative graphics, and b) explain how to use headings, lists, tables, graphs, charts and illustrative graphics correctly?