Focuses on how typography and color complement and differ from each other in signaling an underlying content structure; the synergism between typography, color, and page layout (use of white space) that aids audience understanding and use; and the characteristics of typography and of color that are most important in these contexts. (SR)

Offers guidelines to help novice hypertext designers construct interfaces that are usable. Discusses windows versus frames, which interaction style to use, how to display text and buttons effectively, and how to use color and tables, diagrams, and animation effectively. (SR)

Lists some of the major typographic variables involved in structured abstracts (containing sub-headings). Illustrates how typography can affect clarity by presenting seven examples that illustrate the effects of these typographic variables in practice. Concludes with a final example of an effective approach. (SR)

Discusses two ways of organizing writing: "imitative" or "natural" order, which reflects either chronology or spatiality; and "imposed" order, in which topical materials have been restructured in a significant way. Argues that all rhetorical alternatives should be considered when teaching writing. (MM)

Shows how students majoring in technical writing can use the professional vocabularies of their own disciplines (engineering, business, and computer science) to explain literature and gain fresh insights into how writers write. (SR)

Presents and explains a model for an executive summary which presents correct written information to a business decision maker in an appropriate, readable, useful form. (SR)

Examines children's awareness of influence of stories by discussing part of data from a two-year study that investigated the question: How is the reading and writing of children aged 6-12 years affected by previous textual experiences? Reports responses of grade 6 students who were asked whether they think of stories they have read when writing…

Discusses the need for readable, easily accessed user documentation for application software packages and provides suggestions for creating effective user documentation. User characteristics are emphasized, including problems users experience; and recommendations for effective documentation are given, including being task oriented and providing…

Discusses the style and structure of videos. Discusses four models particularly suitable for communicating technical subjects: lecture, demonstration, documentary, and dramatization. Discusses how to select the most appropriate style for a proposed video and offers an example of each of the four basic styles. (SR)

Argues for changes in the way technical communicators design new documentation systems to accommodate readers with impaired vision, mental abilities, and motor control. Recommends use of larger type, careful choice of ink and paper color, use of matte-finish paper, thoughtful page and screen design, and use of contextual aids, priming strategies,…

Discusses the problem of using graphics in international documents, since graphics are not universal unless expressly designed as such. Discusses how to plan international graphics, pitfalls to avoid, wordless instructions, and text. Offers a checklist for cultural and national differences. (SR)

Argues that reading specialists' lack of success in persuading content area teachers to help their students read and study texts in social studies, science, and mathematics is a result of reading specialists' lack of careful thought about text structures. Discusses the text structures of textbooks in these content areas. (RS)

Discusses how to use text design to improve printed instructional materials. Topics discussed include text structuring; how readers process information; page layout; spacing; illustrative material; information mapping; verbal and visual cues; the use of headings; and typographical cues. (nine references) (LRW)

Presents a procedure to compose or evaluate structurally sound text, encompassing inclusiveness, exclusiveness, hierarchy, sequence, and language. Offers guidelines for making text structure visible to the reader with headings, format, signals, reminders, and effective paragraphing. (SR)

Explores the software behind the interface of the programs used in composition classrooms. Places the production of software in a cultural context. Compares hypertext, structured programming, and natural-language writing. Suggests that writing instructors think about ways to customize programs used in their composition classes and to understand…