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Terms in this set (100)
Using wikis is a great way for teams and other groups to collaborate on writing projects, from brief articles to long reports and reference works. The benefits of wikis are compelling, but they require a unique approach to writing. To be a valuable wiki contributor, writers must let go of traditional expectations of authorship, including individual recognition and
control—the value of a wiki stems from the collective insight of all its contributors. Often, team members will need to be encouraged to edit and improve each other's work. Writers should use page templates and other formatting options to make sure the content is consistent with the rest of the wiki. It is also important to recognize that many wikis provide both editing and commenting capabilities, and participants should use the appropriate tool for each. Finally, new users should take
advantage of the "sandbox," if available, which is a "safe," non-published section of the wiki where contributors can practice editing and writing.
Wikis are valuable because of the collaboration that they make possible. Ease of communication is crucial in creating an effective wiki. Effective wiki collaborators let go of traditional authorship expectations, encourage team editing, use templates and other formatting options, separate editing and discussion capabilities, and use the
sandbox.
Common visual aids include tables, line charts, surface charts, bar charts, pictograms, scatter diagrams, flowcharts, diagrams, drawings, photographs, videos, and pie charts. A bar chart would be helpful for comparing the retail cost of several hybrid automobiles. (Answers will vary).Tables can display extensive amounts of data. Line charts illustrate trends over time or plot the relationship of two variables. A surface chart, also called an area chart, is a form of line chart that shows a cumulative effect; all the lines add up to the top line, which represents the total. Bar charts are useful for showing quantities over time. Pictograms are informational signs that convey ideas. Gantt charts expedite project management. Scatter and bubble diagrams are used to represent data points. Pie charts can show the frequency or distribution of parts of a whole.
Even if you have no formal training, keeping the
following principles in mind will help you become a more effective visual communicator:
(1) Consistency: Readers view a series of visuals as a whole, assuming that design elements will be consistent from one page to the next.
(2) Contrast: Visual distinctions should match verbal ones. To emphasize differences, depict items in contrasting colors, such as red and blue, or black and white. To emphasize similarities, make color difference more subtle.
(3) Balance: Images that appear to
be out of balance can be as unsettling as a building that looks like it's about to tip over. Balance can be formal, in which the elements in the images are arranged symmetrically around a central point or axis. Balance can also be informal, in which elements are not distributed evenly but stronger and weaker elements are arranged in such a way that achieves an overall effect of balance.
(4) Emphasis: The most important point should receive the greatest visual emphasis, so present the key
item on the chart in the most prominent way-through color, position, size, or whatever. Visually downplay less important items.
(5) Convention: Visual communication is governed by a variety of generally accepted (and deeply ingrained) rules. Flouting those conventions can be effective, but must be done carefully in order to avoid breakdowns in communications.
(6) Simplicity: Limit the number of colors and design elements you use, and take care to avoid chartjunk.