GRAPHICSGRAPHICS

Adding Visual InterestAdding Visual Interest

OverviewOverview

• Tables • Figures

TablesTables

• Gives order and coherence to data – Presents data in more concise and

readable form than using sentences and paragraphs

– Keeps data from being tediously repetitive

– Stresses relationships among pieces of data visually by arranging related facts in the same column or under sameheading

Tables 2Tables 2

• Types of tables– Informal: two or more columns, with or

without headings, often untitled, integrated into text

– formal: used for formal reports, lined or boxed to separate them from text, numbered consecutively, titled, set up with specific format

““Nuke” Movies’ CharacteristicsNuke” Movies’ Characteristics

Movies Them! Failsafe The Core

Mutations From radia-tion

Y N N

World could End

Y Y Y

Nuke will save world

N Y Y

Stylistic ConventionsStylistic Conventions

• Label each table (Table 1. Terms and abbreviations)

• Create a separate TOC for visuals• If from outside source, list source

either after title in parentheses or in a parenthetical citation in text

• Include annotations (explanations of any part of table) if necessary

Stylistic Conventions 2Stylistic Conventions 2

• Point to details in tables of particular interest

• Give background information on table contents to tell audience what results mean or to indicate comparisons/contrasts, trends

Placement Placement

• Place tables (true also for figures) as close as possible to the discussion they underscore. – At end of sentence or paragraph that

refers to table for first time – At bottom of page where table is first

referred to – On following page without text

Page DesignPage Design

• Surround table with enough white space to keep page from looking cluttered. Depending on size, tables may be placed vertically or horizontally on page

• Keep tables to 1 page unless absolutely necessary to use 2 pages. If so, repeat headings, and take subtotals if necessary

Figures Figures

• Drawings– Unnecessary parts of item can be

deleted – Use to emphasize particular attributes of

object: size, shape, color, texture, interior as well as exterior

DrawingDrawing

Figures 2Figures 2

• Diagrams (maps, charts), – Show only most important exterior or

interior views of object– Often demand some technical expertise

from audience because they show relationships and operating principles

– May need an explanation to make them clear to readers without that expertise. Arrows to show directions or labels may be sufficient

Figures 3Figures 3

• Types of diagrams– Cross section: shows interior from point

of view of object sliced in half vertically– Exploded: separates the parts of a

subject so that each part can be seen clearly.

Mayflower Cross Section Mayflower Cross Section http://www.alden.org/documents/mfhttp://www.alden.org/documents/mf

diagram.htmdiagram.htm

Skeleton Exploded Diagram Skeleton Exploded Diagram http://k-8visual.info/xExploded.htmlhttp://k-8visual.info/xExploded.html

Figures 4Figures 4

• Graphs: set of points on coordinate axes with lines connecting those points– Clearly label each axis– Use color if graph has many lines

• Bar charts: display numerical quantities in horizontal or vertical bars– Arrange bars in order that makes most

sense for your report (descending order of importance, for instance)

Typical Device Calibration Graph Typical Device Calibration Graph http://www.calisouk.com/images/grhttp://www.calisouk.com/images/gr

aph1.gifaph1.gif

Bar ChartBar Chart

Figures 5Figures 5

• Pie charts: segmented circle for dividing a whole, usually monetary (U.S. budget); good for non-tech audience

• Flowcharts: show sequence and direction, accompanying descriptions of processes

• Organization charts: show hierarchies--lines and levels of responsibility

Pie ChartPie Chart

FlowchartFlowchart

• Flow Chart

Organization ChartOrganization Chart

• City of Westminster Organization Chart

Figures 6Figures 6

• Photographs – Accurately record surfaces of objects– Crop them to eliminate unnecessary

background detail– Can label them underneath or on photo– Disadvantage is that they show only

surface features

Photograph Photograph nuclearweaponarchive.orgnuclearweaponarchive.org

Uses for FiguresUses for Figures

• Never say with words what you can say with pictures.

• If data is quantitative or pictorial, figures will express it better than words.

• Most people find pictures easier to understand, and retain information longer.

• Graphics heighten readers' interest and increase clarity of reports.

Uses 2Uses 2

• Whether you use visuals depends on your topic and type of report. – For a process manual, use a drawing that

shows one of the steps in the process (connecting the timer in a bomb).

– Graphs or pie or bar charts show what has happened over time: graphs can show how business at a particular branch has fallen in the last six months.

– Pie charts show how an item is divided. – Diagrams supplement your description of an

item.