rules of graphics

Markel Chapters12

Transforming Life into Graphics

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Graphics help us:• Catch the reader’s attention and

interest.

• Communicate information that is difficult to communicate with words.

• Clarify and emphasize information.

• Communicate with nonnative speakers of English.

• Communicate information to multiple audiences with different interests, aptitudes, and reading habits.

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They can catch the reader’s attention and interest.

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Graphics can communicate steps in a process more effectively than words alone.

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An effective graphic :• Should serve a purpose.

• Should be simple and uncluttered.

• Should present a manageable amount

of information.

• Should meet the reader’s format expectations.

• Should be clearly labeled.

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It should be simple and uncluttered.

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Evaluate the effectiveness of the following graphic:

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Begin the axes in your graphs at zero—or mark them clearly.

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How do I integrate a graphic into text?

• Place the graphic in an appropriate location.

• Introduce the graphic in the text.

• Explain the graphic in the text.

• Make the graphic clearly visible.

• Make the graphic accessible.

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Evaluate how the following graphic is integrated:

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And this one? Evaluate.

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Follow these six principles in creating honest graphics: Cite your source and obtain permission. Include all relevant data. Show items as they really are. Do not use color or shading to

misrepresent an item’s importance.

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Daily Show Poll Smoking

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In creating graphics, choose one of the following four approaches:

using existing graphics modifying existing graphics creating graphics on a computer having someone else create the

graphics

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Line drawings can focus the reader’s attention on desired information better than a photograph can.

Line drawings can highlight information that might be obscured by bad lighting or a bad angle in a photograph

Line drawings can be easier for readers to understand than photographs are.

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Chapter 12.

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Line drawings can have three advantages over photographs:

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Line drawings can have a unique advantage over other graphics

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Chapter 12.

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Use these four techniques to show motion:

Use graphics to demonstrate logical relationships. Explain the logical relationship expressed in the following sign:

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Use color effectively Don’t overdo it. Use color to emphasize particular items. Use color to create patterns. Use contrast effectively. Take advantage of any symbolic meanings

colors may already have. Be aware that color can obscure or swallow

up text.

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Use color to establish patterns

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Use color to create effective contrast

The text is hard to read because of insufficient contrast.

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Effective contrast makes the text easier to read.

Choosing Colors

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Begin with the Basics

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Consider Drama

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Select Harmony

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Go for Contrast

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Feeling Warm?

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Turn UP the Heat

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Start Moving

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