POWERPOINT DESIGN Information Technology College of Public and Community Service University of Massachusetts Boston ©2013 William Holmes 1

ORGANIZE INFORMATION: 1 Major topics Subtopics Examples Graphical illustrations 2

ORGANIZE INFORMATION: 2 Sequencing Animation Sounds 3

CHOOSE SCHEMA Background Headings Text Colors 4

ADDRESS TECHNICAL ISSUES Check copyright Check Fair Use applicability Locate media in same location as presentation Decide on charts, tables, logos, and special graphics 5

FORMATTING SLIDES Center horizontally Off-center vertically point fonts Appropriate fonts Indenting Avoid clutter 6

CHOOSING LAYOUTS: 1 Fit layout to design Lists for description Charts for illustration Combo list and charts for explanation 7

CHOOSING LAYOUTS: 2 Tables for data Title only for topical inserts Blank for special inserts Picture with caption for slide shows 8

CHOOSING COLORS Contrast font colors with background Contrast adjacent colors Color shape background for emphasis Prefer soothing backgrounds Avoid white or black backgrounds Avoid clashing colors 9

CHOOSING ARTWORK Clipart for simplicity and less distraction Digital image for complexity and detail Subdued colors for relaxing Bright colors for attention Check grayscale image of artwork 10

CHOOSING ARTWORK Clipart for simplicity and less distraction Digital image for complexity and detail Subdued colors for relaxing Bright colors for attention Check grayscale image of artwork 11

DESIGN GUIDELINES: 1 One topic per slide Three to six items per slide Short sentences or phrases Choose images that don’t overpower Follow branding if required Review design 12

DESIGN GUIDELINES: 2 Use standard fonts Beware embedded object links Simplify with bullets Spell check slides Remember your audience 13