# 6. Visual Communication

This area focuses on general visual communication principles and practices, including using graphics, data displays, and other kinds of information graphics, such as bar charts, line graphics, tables, pie charts, flow charts, etc. It covers the use of design principles, such as balance, alignment, grouping, consistency, and contrast. It also addresses the use of visual information and related technologies when giving presentations.

## Reading

| Technical Communication Today          | Technical Communication                  |
| -------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| 17. Designing Documents and Interfaces | 11. Designing Print and Online Documents |
| 18. Creating and Using Graphics        | 12. Creating Graphics                    |

## Learning Objectives

* Explain the use of templates, symbols, and visual styles in developing effective visual communication.
* Discuss the five design principles and how these are used, including adapting them for digital and electronic products.
* Discuss special considerations for designing visuals for a presentation.

### Recall key terms and facts about visual communication principles and practices  

Key facts about visual design: 

1. The five principles of visual design 
2. Why good visual design is important for technical communication  
3. The four different visual design considerations for culturally shallow documents 

The four guidelines for using graphics in documents 

The special considerations that apply when working with visuals in a presentation: 

* Choosing formats 
* Choosing fonts 
* Using graphics  

### Understand the principles and practices used when creating visual communications 

The visual design principle of balance 

1. How it is used to enhance the readability of information products  
2. How to use page grids to create a balanced layout 

The visual design principle of alignment how it is used to add visual structure to information products  

The visual design principle of grouping and how it is used to add visual structure to information products 

The visual design principle of consistency and how it is used to enhance the readability of information products 

The visual design principle of contrast and how it is used to enhance the readability of information products  

How to visually design for global audiences: 

1. Culturally deep design considerations 
2. Culturally shallow design considerations 
3. The guidelines for using symbols  

How to use graphics appropriately. Specifically for each graphic type, how data is displayed, and what the graphic is best used for: 

1. Line 
2. Bar chart 
3. Table 
4. Pie chart 
5. Flow chart 	 
6. Gantt chart 

When to use pictures and drawings in technical communications. 

The factors influencing the choice of presentation technology 


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