What I Want You to Do

Use the guidelines for use of images in this activity to evaluate (and if necessary, revise) the use of images in your recommendation report.

Why I Want You to Do It

Images can add a great deal to technical writing, but they are most effective when they

• follow guidelines that ensure they fit the topic,
• are well-edited, and
• are integrated smoothly into the project.

This activity asks you to look at every image in your report, examining each one to see if it follows specific guidelines. By working through the project one guideline at a time, you can ensure every image contributes positively to your project.

Show/Hide Relevant Course Objectives

Relevant Course Objectives

• How to analyze your audience and purpose so that you can choose how to present information clearly and effectively. [CLO 1]
• How to write documents you may encounter in the workplace (specifically front matter for a report). [CLO 4]
• How to use colors, layout, and formatting that make your documents understandable and easy to read. [CLO6]
• How to take advantage of design principles, including contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity, to communicate your ideas effectively. [CLO 7]

Where You Can Find Help

• Markel & Selber, Chapter 12, “Creating Graphics”
  
• CRAP Design Principles
• LinkedIn Learning video:
  • Understanding the PARC system (6m 1s)
  • Add Visuals to a Technical Report (9m)

How You Do It

1. Open the Use of Images Self-Review (a series of slides in Google Docs) to review your project.
2. Open your report in your word processor.
3. Move through the slides, and check your project:
   1. STOP on each slide.
   2. Read the advice on the slide.
   3. Apply the advice to your draft, if necessary.
   4. Move to the next slide.
4. Repeat Step 3 until you apply all the slides to your draft.