This course introduces students to a variety of strategies for integrating visual and textual elements in ways that make a technical document accessible to lay audiences. Instruction will focus on creating a balance among design theory, application of theory, and practical experience with individual and collaborative projects as well as how technical writers use and readers process such information through a document’s design. Students will develop the professional judgment necessary for making stylistic choices appropriate for communicating technical information to a lay audience and the skill to implement those choices.

 

Course Objectives.

• use a basic vocabulary of design language,

• understand and interpret the purpose, context, and audience of technical documents,

• recognize traditional and innovative visual conventions and design strategies,

• analyze the design language of a document in relation to its purpose, audience, and context,

• apply and demonstrate principles of effective design,
  develop competency with a layout software, and

• create accessible and usable documents.