Visual Design Basics Creating Effective Handouts, Flyers and Brochures

Your task (If you choose to accept it!) Design a handout for today’s presentation

Freedom to use desktop publishing software can sometimes lead to “unusual” results... Scary!!!

The Goal A handout that is easy to read, understand and use An enhanced learning experience

Readability and Legibility Readability and legibility are both particularly important considerations when creating print materials for individuals with vision problems, limited literacy or cognitive disabilities.

Legibility Serif – e.g. Times New Roman sans serif – e.g. Ariel and Tahoma Decorative – e.g. Curlz MT and Edwardian Script

Don’t be tempted... Less is more

To keep things as legible as possible, always follow the classic rule of KISS (Keep It Simple, Silly). When in doubt, go with the simplest possible typeface choices, and avoid the beginner’s mistake of creating a one-page handout using every single typeface available on your computer!

The General Rule of Thumb 1.Use a common, easily recognised, serif typeface for the body of the work 2.Break up the body text with headings and captions in sans serif typeface 3.Use decorative typefaces sparingly. Only use decorative typefaces for a short title or sub- heading.

Readability The ease at which something can be understood. Where to place your text and graphics on the page. Contrast to distinguish disparate elements Repetition to convey a sense of deliberate and carefully planned design. Alignment to lead the reader through the design Proximity to place together elements that relate to each other to help organize the information

Use layouts to convey meaning and relationships

Proximity and Spacing = Relationships Less Explanation Required

Use patterns and repetition to organise your content

Use just the right images. No more.

Tips Don’t be timid about unused space Make use of faces Use bulleted lists (like this one!) to separate discrete bits of information while simultaneously grouping them together

Testing for Legibility and Readability What is the most important thing on the page?  Do the squint test Give it to someone who has not been involved in the publication  Peer  Similar person to the intended audience

An Example 1.Squint Test 2.Contrast 3.Repetition 4.Alignment 5.Proximity

Final Thoughts Look at what other designers have done – supermarkets, magazines Make use of Williams’ principles of contrast, repetition, alignment and proximity

References Williams, R. (1994). The Non-Designer’s Design Book: Design and Typographic Principles for the Visual Novice. Berkeley, CA: Peachpit Press Brown, A. (2005). Visual Design Basics: Creating Effective Handouts, Flyers and Brochures. Fullerton, CA: California State University Kuhlmann, T. (2008) 3 Graphic Design Principles for Instructional Design Success. The Rapid Elearning Blog. accessed from principles-for-instructional-design-success/ on 19/02/ principles-for-instructional-design-success/