ME 290 Global Engineering Seminar 20081 Web Design: Graphics and Text Perspective: human...

ME 290 Global Engineering Seminar 2008

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Web Design: Graphics and Text

Perspective: human information processing.

Contrast: traditional print media versus web.

Web is non-linear, visual; but also includes the linear and verbal.

ME 290 Global Engineering Seminar 2008

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VisualRight Brain

VerbalLeft Brain

simultaneous sequential

notices patterns detects features

synthetical analytical

intuitive rational

timeless time-centered

subjective objective

wants overview interested in details

ME 290 Global Engineering Seminar 2008

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Verbal frame adds coherence

Increases value for user

ME 290 Global Engineering Seminar 2008

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“Can Crusher” --User focus?Technical readers process graphics

first.

ME 290 Global Engineering Seminar 2008

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Axial Compression –User focus?

ME 290 Global Engineering Seminar 2008

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Radial Compression – User focus?

ME 290 Global Engineering Seminar 2008

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Challenger Graphic

ME 290 Global Engineering Seminar 2008

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Powerpoint Synergism

Even with just text: Spatial arrangement of verbal material builds visual display of structure

Easy to add graphics and speech

Multimodal: print plus presentation plus posting

ME 290 Global Engineering Seminar 2008

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Designing Effective Web Communications

Build on conventions of both seeing and reading.Visual and verbalHolistic and elementalSynchronous and sequential

Provide non-serial, “more than one direction of travel” options for users.

Allows unique construction by user.“Authority” is not controlling.

ME 290 Global Engineering Seminar 2008

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Special Issues for Resumes

Formal résumé is bound by print conventions, but may be “retro fitted” :Links support development (depth) Links should not send visitors away via

affiliations

ME 290 Global Engineering Seminar 2008

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Practical accommodations

Convey meaning spatially—a strength of PowerPoint, emphasis on message structure

Forecast frequently:provide overviews—summarize choices availableuse descriptive labels for links, e.g.,

Print-friendly résumé not click here for résumé

User rules: Jacob Nielsen’s http://www.useit.com

ME 290 Global Engineering Seminar 2008

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Engineering Exhibit Challenge

Tell a story: STAR!

Use visuals for impact and processing speed

Include the person (you!) as the central character.