When crafting technical documents, it's easy to rely solely on walls of text to convey complex processes, data, systems, and other specialised subjects. However, leveraging visual elements thoughtfully can make your content much more engaging, digestible and memorable for readers.
A picture is worth a thousand words, so when used intentionally, graphics provide an opportunity to reinforce and summarise your key ideas in a way plain explanations cannot. This allows readers to understand, interpret and recall your perspectives far more readily.
However, not all visuals are created equal - their placement, design and technical specifications need consideration for maximum impact. Here are some best practices for using different graphic types and ensuring their usability:
Data Visualisations
For presenting numeric findings and trends, nothing beats a well-crafted chart, graph or visualisation. Take care to select the optimal graph type based on your data (e.g. bar for comparisons, line for changes over time). Properly label all axes and include a clear, high-level title summarising key takeaways. Ensure accessibility with sufficient color contrast and font sizes meeting WCAG guidelines.
Process Maps and Diagrams
When explaining interconnected systems and workflows, a process map or diagram helps untangle complexity visually. Optimize for readability using boxes, arrows and logical layouts to showcase relationships and directionality clearly.
Simplify dense diagrams without losing essential context. For feedback, test comprehension with non-experts to ensure understandability.
Site Maps, Flowcharts and Network Diagrams
Spatially represent interconnected components with maps, workflows, infrastructure layouts and more. Be judicious - only include contextual specifics while retaining the higher-level view.
Balance comprehensive detail with visual simplicity for effortless navigation of relationships.
Tables and Spreadsheets
Tabular formats work well for structured comparison data, multi-criteria evaluation, budgeting and more. Ensure logical row/column structuring with descriptive headings for quick scanning.
Technically, format tables with consistent alignment, appropriate column widths and accessibility standards in mind.
Photography
Case studies, product demonstrations, locations and prototypes come to life through relevant photos. Consider scale and crop tightly to focus on pertinent elements.
Optimise file sizes for on-screen reading at 72dpi without sacrificing quality. Provide captions to aid comprehension.
Throughout technical documents, applying these visualisation best practices allows explanatory graphics to truly enhance comprehension, interpretation and recall of your subject matter expertise. Try incorporating targeted visual elements into your next proposal, report, or technical piece of content.
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