1. Designing Pages and Documents
Chapter 15
Designing Pages and Documents
Technical Communication, 11th Edition
John M. Lannon

2. Page Design Page design is critical because
Technical documents rarely get readers’ undivided attention.
People read work-related documents only because they have to.
Readers are attracted by documents that appear inviting and accessible.

3. Design Skills Needed Desktop publishing Electronic publishing
Using style sheets and company style guides

4. Shaping the Page Use the right paper and ink.
Use consistent page numbers, headers, and footers.
Use a grid.
Use adequate white space.
Provide ample and appropriate margins.
Keep line length reasonable.
Keep line spacing consistent.
Tailor each paragraph to its purpose.
Make lists for easy reading.

5. Highlighting for Emphasis
Highlighting options include:
Fonts
Type sizes
White space
Other graphic devices

6. Using Typography Effectively
Select appropriate fonts.
Use type sizes that are easy to read.
Use full caps sparingly.

7. Use Headings for Access and Orientation
Good headings have the following characteristics:
Appropriate phrasing
Specific and comprehensive wording
Grammatical consistency
Visual consistency
Appropriate layout

8. A Good Format for Headings

9. Audience Considerations
If users will use your document for reference only
If users will follow a sequence of steps
If users will need to evaluate something
If users will need a warning
If users have asked for a one-page report
If users will face complex information
If users will be from a wide range of cultures

10. Designing Web Pages
Provide margins so that text won’t drift off the edge of the screen.
Display main point close to the top of each page.
Keep sentences and paragraphs short and concise.
Display links, navigation bars, hot buttons, and help options on each page.
As with printed text headings, make links consistent.
Don’t use underlines for emphasis.
Don’t mix and match too many typefaces.
Use sans serif type for body text. Don’t use small type.

11. Other types of On-Screen Documents
These days, you can’t predict the types of media that will be used to deliver your documents. Some popular types include:
Online help
Adobe Acrobat and PDF Files
CDs and other Media

12. Any Questions?
For additional help reviewing this chapter, please visit the Companion Website for your text at