Design Elements of Graphical Representation, (Factors supporting appearance and functionality of solutions). P0CCUAA

Key elements of graphic design Proportion –Visual hierarchy of page on screen; the prominence of various elements on screen –Most important pieces of information, eg. title and axis labels must have visual prominence –Positioning of page elements, legend, use of white space around objects and formatting of fonts –Hierarchy, an arrangement of items in which each is ranked above, below or at the same level as another to show their importance.

Key elements of graphic design Orientation –Direction and aspect of elements within a graphic representation –In deciding on orientation of objects, designer considers direction of data labels and the alignment of data labels, (left, right, centre or full justification).

Key elements of graphic design, contd Clarity & Consistency –Clarity - How clearly the information the graphic representation is presented and –How a user can differentiate between objects in the graphic form –Graphic representation should not be overcrowded; don’t use both a value and % in a pie chart –Choice of font types and sizes impact on clarity –Consistency – use of similar recurring or conventional features, eg. font styles, font sizes, and color and –Use of accepted conventions

Key elements of graphic design, contd Format: a way of presenting data, eg. centring text, or adding $ signs to represent currency Convention: an accepted and standard way of formatting data, eg. starting the largest wedge in the pie chart at 12 o’clock is a convention. Color & Contrast –Colors should make the information clear, readable & attractive; colors emphasise important features –Conventions for onscreen colour: Easily readable, black text on a white background Avoid using red and green together, (colourblind people)

Key elements of graphic design, contd –Conventions for onscreen colour: contd. Blue and brown together are difficult to read Limit the amount of different colours used Light shades best used for backgrounds Avoid using bright, vivid colours Avoid using yellow or other light colours for text on a white background –Contrast, the visual difference in colour or tone between objects in the graphic representation Greater contrast make objects stand out Use of white space can enhace contrast around objects

Colour and Contrast: Identify problems with graphic below.

Key elements of graphic design, contd Usability –Refers to the graphic representation being user friendly, ie. Easy to use –Consider: Can the user understand the graphic form? Can the user quickly identify the purpose of the graphic form? Is the graphic form accurate and a true reflection of the data? Is the graphic form attractive and pleasing to the eye?

Key elements of graphic design, contd Accessibility –Refers to user being able to efficiently and easily attaining the meaning and relevance of information –Use of simple and relevant labels and commonly understood symbols, eg. diamonds in scatter diagrams should be used.

Key elements of graphic design, contd Appropriateness and relevance –Refers to the solution meeting the needs of the intended audience with appropriate information that is relevant to its purpose –Superfluous information or extra detail should be avoided