Document Design

As a student of communication and media management, Powerpoint presentation is definitely important to master, as it is convenient when carrying out a presentation task. Before going into detail, the definition of document design must first be established. Reep (2006) states that a document design is the physical features of a document and it needs to be able to integrate with the context of the document to attract interest from readers.

In order to ensure a good presentation, Reep (2006) added further that a good designer applies the four basic principles of design that is balance, proportion, sequence and consistency. Furthermore, Schriver (1997) underlines the importance of the relationship between texts and images as it complements each other to deliver a message more efficiently. Below are examples of how text and images work together taken from my group presentation.

The two images above are posters. However, it is expected that viewers may find it hard to understand. Notice the text at both ends of the posters. Now, scroll down. 

 The posters are design in such a way that it is meant to be wrapped around poles. The texts at the end of each posters are now connected forming a full sentence - 'what goes around, comes around'. On the other hand, the images now show the rifle and tank gun to come round the pole and catch up with the attacker to further enhance the meaning behind the text. 

Besides that, Wendy Russel (About.com) states another valuable tip that must be considered when combining text and image - 'use contrasting colours for text and background'. This is to ensure easy reading. In addition, Zane L. Marquez (2010) asserts that fonts that are used must also be easy to read. Avoid using fancy or cursive fonts. Last but not least, good technical writing is also important by being direct with simple understandable language to make sure no 'information loss' when presenting to an audience. (Rothman, 2005)

References:

Marquez, ZL 2010, 'How to make a good powerpoint presentation?', Ezine Articles.com, viewed 1 April 2011, <http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Make-a-Good-PowerPoint-Presentation&id=4313178>

Reep, D 2006, ‘Purpose of design features’, Technical writing, 6th edn, Ch. 6, pp. 133 – 172.

Rothman, S 2005, What Makes Good Scientific and Technical Writing, Associated Content, viewed 3 April 2011, <http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/9447/error?cat=4>

Russell, W n.d.,'10 tips for creating successful business presentations', About.com, viewed 1 April 2011, <http://presentationsoft.about.com/od/powerpointinbusiness/tp/bus_pres_tips.htm>

Schriver, KA 1997, 'The interplay of words and pictures', Dynamics in Document Design: Creating Texts for Readers, Wiley Computer Publications, ch. 6, pp. 361 – 441.

Images taken from http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2009/what-goes-around-comes-around/