Visual Design Basics

Creating Effective Handouts, Flyers and Brochures

Your task(If you choose to accept it!)

Design a handout for today’s presentation

•Freedom to use desktop publishing software can sometimes lead to “unusual” results...

Scary!!!

The Goal•A handout that is easy to read, understand and use•An enhanced learning experience

Readability and Legibility

Readability and legibility are both particularly important considerations when creating print materials for individuals with vision problems, limited literacy or cognitive disabilities.

Legibility

•Serif – e.g. Times New Roman

•sans serif – e.g. Ariel and Tahoma

•Decorative – e.g.Curlz MT and

Edwardian Script

Don’t be tempted...

•Less is more

To keep things as legible as possible, always follow the

classic rule of KISS(Keep It Simple, Silly). When in doubt, go with the simplest

possible typeface choices,and avoid the beginner’s mistake of

creating a one-page handout using every single typeface available on your computer!

The General Rule of Thumb

1. Use a common, easily recognised, serif typeface for the body of the work

2. Break up the body text with headings and captions in sans serif typeface

3. Use decorative typefaces sparingly. Only use decorative typefaces for a short title or sub-heading.

Readability

•The ease at which something can be understood.

•Where to place your text and graphics on the page.

Contrast to distinguish disparate elements

Repetition to convey a sense of deliberate and

carefully planned design.

Alignment to lead the reader through the design

Proximity to place together elements that

relate to each other to help organize the information

C

R

A

P

Use layouts to convey meaning and relationships

Proximity and Spacing = Relationships

Less Explanation Required

Use patterns and repetition to organise your content

Use just the right images.  No more.

Tips

•Don’t be timid about unused space

•Make use of faces•Use bulleted lists (like this

one!) to separate discrete bits of information while simultaneously grouping them together

Testing for Legibility and Readability

•What is the most important thing on the page?

Do the squint test

•Give it to someone who has not been involved in the publication

PeerSimilar person to the intended audience

An Example

1. Squint Test2. Contrast3. Repetition4. Alignment5. Proximity

Final Thoughts•Look at what other designers have done –

supermarkets, magazines•Make use of Williams’ principles of contrast,

repetition, alignment and proximity

References

• Williams, R. (1994). The Non-Designer’s Design Book: Design and Typographic Principles for the Visual Novice. Berkeley, CA: Peachpit Press

• Brown, A. (2005). Visual Design Basics: Creating Effective Handouts, Flyers and Brochures. Fullerton, CA: California State University

• Kuhlmann, T. (2008) 3 Graphic Design Principles for Instructional Design Success. The Rapid Elearning Blog. accessed from http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/3-graphic-design-principles-for-instructional-design-success/ on 19/02/2010