Document Design

A good document is supported by a combination of good writing and good design. To describe and illustrate about good design, here will be presented quotations and opinions from scholar as well as example from my first group presentation and individual presentation.

Good Writing

Firstly, Rothman, S. (2005) opined that good scientific writing presents an analysis of its argument in a form utilizing empirical evidence and/or logical reasoning in an attempt to better understand some phenomena. Furthermore, Nordquist, R. (2009) added that good effective writing should has clearly defined purpose, clear point, specific supported info, and clear connected and arranged info.

Example 1

Figure 1.1

In Figure 1.1 shows a continuous discussion about a topic that is supported by more than one citations that make it credible. There also presented author's personal opinion with supported quotations and example as evidence and create better understanding as what Rothman explained previously.


Example 2
Figure 1.2

Figure 1.2 shows a good technical writing as it stated clearly the purpose, scope and the limitations of the document.

Good Design

Putnis, Peter & Petelin, Roslyn (1996) cited Anderson opinion about good document design with criteria below:
· Helps readers read efficiently,
· Emphasises the most important content, and
· Encourages readers to feel good about a communication.

Hence Putnis, Peter & Petelin, Roslyn (1996, p. 254) gave their own opinion and describe strategies for document design, some of the most important ones are:
· Make sure that there is recognizable pattern or flow of the info,
· Balance negative (white) space & positive (text, title, visual) space, and
· Do not use more than 2 typefaces (one for texts, one for headings).

Furthermore, Evans, P. (2006) say, “The designer’s role is to manage the design process in an informed way by fully understanding the publication’s goal and how it can be achieved using the principles and elements of design.” Supported by McClurg (2006) listed some of the principles and elements design such as balance, hierarchy, color, etc.

Example 3
Figure 1.3

Figure 1.4

Figure 1.3 and Figure 1.4 above show the recognizable pattern or flow of the info by the same color and font headings. Besides that headings and subheading is a useful elements in assisting audience. These are what make a document a good document.


References:

Evans, P. 2006, exploring Publication Design, Thomson, USA.

McClurg, J.D. 2006, Principle and elements of design, Digital Web Magazine, viewed 13
April 2009, http://www.digital-web.com/articles/principles_and_elements_of_design/.

Nordquist, R. 2009, The characteristics about good writing, about.com, viewed 13 April 2009, http://grammar.about.com/od/yourwriting/a/characteristics.htm.

Putnis, Peter & Petelin, Roslyn 1996, Professional communication: principle and applictaions, Prentice Hall, Sydney.

Rothman, S 2005, What makes good scientific technical writing?, Associated content, viewed 13 April 2009, http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/9447/error.

Purpose

Print and electronic publication is the most vital communication medium in worlds nowadays. According to Evans (2006, p. 3), publication design involves the organization of content and arrangement of words and pictures within this context.

This blog will discuss and explore issues in publication design which can be used as references or additional information for people in communication field especially students in media management stream. Issue in publication design is the concept of how to produce a good friendly design so the audience can interpret the message correctly and effectively as how the author wants it to be. Next posted will be discuss about good document including opinions and quotations by some scholars.