Adding Visual Impact to Your Documents

Boldfacing, italicizing and underlining are ways of adding emphasis to text. However, they work because they draw the reader's eye to them. Any of these devices used too much will be confusing and distracting -- the reader won't know where to focus. Boldfacing is best saved for headings and captions.

Color

Color is an effective way to add visual impact, but can be expensive to reproduce if a number of copies are needed. A few simple elements in color, such as headings or horizontal bars between sections can add a great deal of visual pizazz.

Clip art

Clip art is now included in all word processing packages, and is readily available on the Web. The key is to use appropriate art-- don't add cutesy cartoons to a serious report. And be especially careful of art that might be offensive. One university Information Systems office sent out instructions for using an academic database called "Uncover". Someone misguidedly chose a clip art cartoon of a young woman with a towel draped provocatively and revealingly around her. The women faculty members were not amused!

With a little attention to these elements, you can produce documents that will impress any reader!

If you are interested in learning more about the theory behind good document design, take a look at this excellent summary: http://www.people.memphis.edu/~kjob/wbi/...