Writing, Editing & Visuals
all items
Print Instructions
This instructional document details the series of steps necessary to install and test a certain software feature. Iterative language, succinct writing, and effective instructional design are combined to create a helpful experience for readers.
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Researching the best methods for the advertised task and confirming that the document would provide accurate information was the first step in creating these instructions. A wide potential audience resulted in a universally appropriate tone and voice. As with all technical communication documents, this instruction set was created with the reader in mind. Large visual aides, a proper balance of concision and iteration, and an intuitive structure are some of the features utilized to provide a positive learning experience.
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Document Redesign
This document explaining Utah's drug and alcohol laws is the result of a substantive document redesign. Improvements have been made to the layout, style and information design to make the document more effective at conveying this important information. Additionally, the writing itself has also been edited to increase efficiency while preserving the delicate legal messages.
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The original document was aesthetically lacking to the point of appearing unprofessional. Additionally, there was little-to-no contrast between sections and elements. Aside from adding style elements (font, color, shapes), the document has been completely restructured. Readers are presented with logical categories and the dense material within each category has been separated into manageable chunks. The redesigned document looks much better aesthetically, but more importantly, it is also a much more functional information tool.
Comprehensive Technical Edit
This comprehensive edit focused on making a document set more efficient and reader-friendly. The document details telecommuting policies enacted in response to COVID-19 at a major university. Included is an email to the client that summarizes the changes made and the reasoning behind those choices.
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This original document was created in a hurry in response to the outbreak of the Pandemic in March 2020. This comprehensive edit focused on creating a more permanent guide appropriate for continuous use. Research, an awareness of the audience, and extreme attention to detail were all key to the success of this edit. Much of the information was out of date and all the information had to have its continued relevance verified with the client. The document was published on the University's intranet and purposed for University personnel only; so, the language was adapted to allow the assumptions of common knowledge among those working at the University. Still, this was a sensitive process as many of the topics covered here could have legal consequences if communicated poorly.
Print-to-Web Edit
Webcopy requires special attention to certain properties to be successful. Here, an article originally intended for print has been adapted for use on the web. Succinct and efficient phrasing, short paragraphs and clear headings have been employed to create an experience more suitable for web readers.
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The main challenge in this edit was the dramatic decrease in the word count required to transition this piece to webcopy while still delivering the same message. Efficient sentences and phrasing only go so far; some of it simply had to go. While those choices can be difficult, they are necessary. The article was analyzed as a whole and the elements least crucial to the overall message were eliminated or severely gutted, while those that were essential to move the article forward were largely preserved.
Webcopy
This is an example of effective webcopy paired with intriguing imagery to attract viewers. A strategy of beginning a narrative in the middle of a story has been used to grab readers. Additionally, the best practices for webcopy have been used.
Data Visualization
These graphs represent a large database of approximately 90k UFO sightings in the United States. The data set was analyzed using R and the most effective data visualizations were chosen to interpret the data to the viewer.
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Detailed analysis was required on the chosen data set. The objective was to find the story within the data. This can be frustrating, as the path isn't always clear; however, after an iterative process of exploring the data set using the powerful "R" programming language, patterns became evident. Once, the story presented itself, the most appropriate data visualization methods had to be chosen to communicate it to the audience. Again, R was invaluable for this process. Lastly, standard visual communication principles (contrast, alignment, focal points, gestalt theory, etc.) were applied to the visualizations to increase their effectiveness.
Infographic
Graphic design principles and gestalt theory have been used to create this interesting infographic. Information has been logically organized and visual aids have been used to create a streamlined, memorable experience.
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The goal for this project was to communicate the concepts visually and therefore only require small amounts of only the most essential copy. Additionally, the infographic couldn't be just efficient and functional; it needed to be attractive enough to draw viewers in. To accomplish this, several illustrations were hand-drawn in Adobe Illustrator to give the work an organic feel that is fitting for the subject. All illustrations are communicating a concept as well as providing a pleasant viewing experience. Where text is required, it is kept short and grouped in uniform chunks.