Purpose

Issues in publication and design of documents are open for discussion in this blog. It is created to stimulate understanding about the important of document design in publishing your work through several media. The target audiences are those who are interesting or fancy to learn more in publication and document design area, especially tertiary level students.

Document Design

Readers are exposed to countless documents daily. It is not surprising that they filter out documents based on visual presentation that is preferable. According to Nielsen (1997), people rarely read word by word from the web. They usually scan through the page and pick up relevant information. Hence, a good document is vital to make the information accessible.

Document design refers to the physical appearance of a document which format elements taken up essential roles in retaining important information and help readers move through the document (Reep 2006). The most important format elements, white space will be discussed.

Slide 1 (Previous)

Slide 2

Slide 1 is too wordy and unbalanced between white and text space as there is too little space between one point to another. Changes have made in slide 2 with larger space provided between points. According to Reep (2006, pp.157-158), ‘white space rests readers’ eyes and directs them to important information’. It also enhances the readability of a document and assists readers in processing the text efficiently (Reep 2006, p.158). They will find it easier to get information from slide 2. Slide 1 is too lengthy which would make them stop reading. Putnis and Petelin (1996, p.254) also stressed the important of balanced white and text space in the specific strategies of documents design.

In addition, a good document highlights the essential contents of the document which assists readers read efficiently (Andersson, cited in Putnis and Petelin 1996). Slide 2 has worked this out rather than slide 1. The main points, ‘text’ and ‘image’ were highlighted and information shown below is separated with different headings. Besides, information is presented in bulleted list and short sentences in slide 2. This would draw readers attention towards the document rather than slide 1, in long sentences and wordy. According to Parker (2003, p.280), the use of bulleted list to organize information and keep it as short as possible will enhance the visual appealing and noticeable to readers.

Slide 3 (Previous)

Slide 4

A good writing should be specific and include relevant details. There is no fixed format, right or wrong writing (Putnis& Petelin 1996). The things that concerned are the readership and effectiveness of the writing in delivering messages to the readers. According to Rothman (2009), good writing presents an analysis of argument/theory in a form utilizing empirical evidence and/or logical reasoning in an attempt to better understanding. Slide 4 has presented argument based on the empirical evidence as compared to slide 3 where unclear statement is presented. Slide 4 created a better understanding with detail explanation of the arguments supported by appropriate factors.

Referencing

Reep, DC 2006, ‘Document Design’, Technical Writing, 6^th edn, Pearson, New York.

Putnis, P and Peterlin, R 1996, ‘Writing to communicate’, Professional communication, Prentice Hall, Sydney.

Nielsen, J 1997, How users read on web, viewed 5^th April 2009,

http://www.useit.com/alertbox/9710a.html.

Parker, RC 2003, ‘Designing documents for web distribution’, Looking good in print, 5^th edn, Paraglyph Press, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Rothman, S 2005, What Makes Good Scientific and Technical Writing?, viewed 5^th April 2009, http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/9447/error?cat=4.