GVCM: Chapter 2: Creating Tables and Graphs

Name: Ariel Starling	Student Number: 11
ISM 4011: Introduction to Information Systems
Graphics and Visual Communication for Managers (GVCM)
Chapter 2: Creating Tables and Graphs
DIRECTIONS: Read the chapter first, then: 1. Answer the questions as indicated below in the space under the question.  Answers may be found in the appropriate chapter of your GVCM textbook. 2. Change your answers to blue so they can be easily distinguished from the questions. 3. Create a new blog post and copy this information into the post. 4. Once it is pasted into your blog, select all the text (CTRL A) and change the font to TREBUCHET. 5. Change the TITLE of the post to: GVCM: Chapter 2: Creating Tables and Graphs
1. How can tables and graphs be useful to readers? Note: Excel uses the term chart for graph.
Graphs and tables create a “picture” for reasoning about analyzing information and they allow readers to process information faster and more efficiently than if expressed in words alone.
2. List four criteria for successful graphics:
1. Is the graph useful? 2. Can a reader understand the graph quickly? 3. Is the graphic designed efficiently? 4. Is the graphic true?
3.  Briefly explain this principle of graphic design: Design for a purpose
Designing for a purpose keeps the designer focused on displaying what they are trying to show and how they are trying to show it. Doing this eliminates extraneous information in the message and orders the data to support the message.
4.  Briefly explain this principle of graphic design: Be explicit
Failing to show important data values or failing to highlight and annotate important parts of data leads to presentations with graphics that are incomplete. This greatly increases the reading difficulty because it increases the graphic’s potential for ambiguity. To avoid this designers should make sure and include all necessary data for graphics to ensure they are valuable to the reader.
5. Briefly explain this principle of graphic design: Maximize data ink; minimize non-data ink
By stripping away all nonessential elements such as rules, grids, lines, and shading, a graphic designer can highlight the shape and significance of the data. By minimizing non-data ink you can immediately streamline your graphic and make the actual data easier to see.
6. Briefly explain this principle of graphic design: Ensure integrity
The principle of ‘Ensure Integrity’ means to ensure that the graph is created with integrity. This means not only ensuring that the information the graph is true, but also that is created in a way that avoids distorting the truth.
7. Define the following table terms:
1. body – the rectangular area containing data values; it is the core of the table. 2. cell – the intersection of a vertical column and horizontal row. 3. footer -  a row that summarizes all the rows in a data table. 4. rules – horizontal or vertical lines that are sometimes used to separate header rows from the body of a table or separate data values within a table. 5. grids – a system of intersecting horizontal and vertical rules.
8. Describe the purpose of each of these types of tables:
1. reference table – meant for reference; they gather up large amounts of data about a particular subject or set of statistics. 2. decision table – designed to help you make a decision or chose an item or a set of items. 3. message table – created to convey a specific message or provide a particular insight into the data; they often extract a subset of data from reference tables to make a particular point.
9. List at least five best practices in designing tables:
1. Title each table 2. Number tables when you have multiple tables 3. Eliminate heavy grid lines 4. Minimize shading 5. Use sentence case
10. Define the following graph types:
1. pie chart: shows the relative size of parts of one item 2. 100% column: compares identical parts of multiple items 3. bar chart: compares multiple items according to a single characteristic 4. column chart: displays changes in one or more items over time with few observations 5. line chart: displays changes in one or more items over time with many observations 6. histogram: displays how groupings fall into a series of progressive ranges 7. scatter plot: displays correlation between two variables with a large data set
11. List at least five best practices in designing graphs:
1. Title your graphs 2. Avoid 3D effects 3. Avoid legends whenever possible 4. Avoid contrasting borders around objects 5. Use annotations

PIXLR Assignment

Ariel Starling

Pixlr Assignment

ISM 4011

 

Overexposed Bride Before

 



Overexposed Bride After

For this image I used the histogram tool in order to darken the picture.

After darkening the picture, I adjusted the levels of input and output.

 

 

Parrot Before

Parrot After



In this picture I felt that the brightness of the parrot's feather needed to be enhanced.

To do this, I used the Hue and Saturation tool. I increased the Saturation to 85 which

brought more brightness to his colorful feathers.

 

 

Sleeping Puppy Before

Sleeping Puppy After

In this photograph I felt that the image needed to be cropped in order

to make the puppy the center of attention.

I then used the Hue and Saturation tool to enhance the colors

of the hand and the colors of the puppy.

I used two filters on this photograph - Vingette (to fade the edges)

and Glamour Glow.

 

 

 

Underexposed Flowers Before

 

 

 Underexposed Flowers After

 In this picture I used the Histogram tool to lighten the photograph.

Then I chose to adjust the color vibrance to increase the color of the flowers.

Lastly, I chose to use the Denoise filter.

 

 

 

Chrysanthemum Before

 

Chrysanthemum After

 I chose to have a little more fun with this picture.

First, I increased the exposure of the picture which brought out more colors.

Then I adjusted the color vibrance.

 I chose to invert the picture to give it a totally different look.

Lastly, I increased the brightness and contrast. This brought out more of the

light blues that you can see in the photograph now.

 

 

 

GVCM Chapter 1: Introduction: Documents as Visual Communication

Name: Ariel Starling	Student Number: X00128338
ISM 4011: Introduction to Information Systems
Graphics and Visual Communication for Managers (GVCM)
Chapter 1 Introduction: Document Design
DIRECTIONS:  Read the chapter first, then: 1. Answer the questions as indicated below in the space under the question.  Answers may be found in the appropriate chapter of your GVCM textbook. 2. Change your answers to blue so they can be easily distinguished from the questions. 3. Create a new blog post and copy this information into the post. 4. Once it is pasted into your blog, select all the text (CTRL A) and change the font to TREBUCHET. 5. Change the TITLE of the post to: GVCM Chapter 1: Introduction: Documents as Visual Communication
1. List five decisions that affect a document’s readability and appeal:
Five decisions that affect a document’s readability and appeal are deciding: 1.)    How the document should be laid out on the page 2.)    How long the text lines should be 3.)    What font or fonts to choose 4.)    How to most effectively combine type styles for visual emphasis 5.)    How to use visual design to show the hierarchy of information
2. Explain why you may choose to design a document with an underlying grid pattern (such as. 2/3 text, 1/3 for figures) as opposed to a single column document.
One reason that you may choose to design a document with an underlying grid pattern as opposed to a single column document is that it allows for the consistent placement of text and graphics throughout a multipage document.
3.  Explain how using white space appropriately can increase the effectiveness of your document.
The strategic use of white space can enhance the readability of a document, help to emphasize important points, as well as lighten the overall look of the document. Too little white space in a document can make the document challenging to read because readers will find it difficult to focus on specific elements. Too much white space may lead the reader to believe that the documents is conveying too little information.
4.  What is the optimum line length in an effective document? What happens if the line length is too short? What if it is too long?
As a rule of thumb, the optimum line length is between 35-70 characters (between 8-12 words). Lines that are too long will require readers to move their heads to read the entire line, thus causing fatigue when reading long documents. Lines that are too short break up units of words that the reader expects to read together, thus making the reader work harder to discern the message.
5. List and explain the four types of alignment and when each should be used.
1.)    Fully Justified – when texts are set flush left and flush right; this alignment is used in documents such as books, newspapers, and magazines. 2.)    Left Justified – when the lines of type align along the left margin but not the right; this alignment is most readable for long documents. 3.)    Right Justified – when the lines of type align along the right margin but not the left; this alignment is useful for photo illustrations and captions or margin notes. 4.)    Centered – when lines of type are centered one over the other so that both the left and right sides are ragged; this alignment may enhance the design of such things as invitations or announcements where the reader does not have to read large amounts of text.
6. Explain the difference between serif and sans serif fonts. Give examples of each. IMPORTANT NOTE: Although serif fonts may be easy to read on printed documents, the serifs add extra pixels to electronic text which make the text more difficult to read on the screen (especially on mobile devices). This is why you change the font of your blog to Trebuchet, as sans serif font.
A serif typeface has small, horizontal strokes that extend from the end of the vertical strokes. These small strokes, or serifs, lead you eye quickly along a line of copy, allowing you more easily to process words instead of individual letters. A sans serif typeface lacks those small horizontal strokes.
7. What happens if you use a font in a shared Word document that is not available on the other person’s computer? How can you avoid this?
If you are designing an electronic document that will be read in its native program, then you should consider whether your readers will also have the font on their computers. If not, the program is likely to substitute fonts which can significantly change the look of the document. Occasionally, the document becomes unreadable.
8. a. What is a PDF file? What is the advantage of using PDFs?
A PDF file is a Portable Document Format file that is created with programs such as Adobe Acrobat. This program captures the exact look of a document as it would appear when printed, including texts, fonts, images, and formatting.
b. If you created and formatted a Fresh Foods Marketplace Medical Insurance Form as a class exercise, upload the form into your GOOGLE DRIVE, changed the SHARE settings to PUBLIC, and copy and paste the link to the form here (see instructions for  Google upload on D2L). FFM Medical Form PDF Link:https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BxVlUHKU61TldHUzQUZQay0xUHM&authuser=0
9. Explain the following type size terms:
a.  Point size: How type is measured vertically; one point is equal to vertical height of 1/72 of an inch. b.  Ascender: An upward vertical stem on some lowercase letters, such as h and b, that extends above the x-height. c.  Descender: The portion of a letter that extends below the baseline of a font. d.  X-height: The measure of a lowercase letter without an ascenders or descenders – the letter x.
10.  How can two fonts that are the same point size (say, 36 points) look significantly different in size?
If Font A has a larger x-height than Font B, but both are the same point size font, the characters of Font A may not only look larger but will actually take up more space than characters set in the same point size font of Font B.
11. What is leading (BTW, this is pronounced “ledding” not “leeding”)?  What recommendations regarding leading should be followed to create an effective document?  Why should you avoid leading that is “set solid”?
Leading is the amount of space between lines of text – line spacing. In general, the minimum line spacing between lines of body copy is two points. Lines with no leading between the lines are more difficult to read – these are said to be “set solid” and require the reader to read more slowly to avoid taking in the next line of text before finishing reading the above line.
12. Why is a block of text that is in all UPPER-CASE difficult to read?
A block of text this is in all uppercase letters are difficult to read due to their lack of ascenders and descenders. The consistency forces the reader to work harder to distinguish between letters and recognize words at a glance.
13. List at least four different type styles. Why should you avoid using too many different type styles in a document?
A few typestyles include Roman, or regular letters, Bold Letters, Underlined Letters, and Small Capital Letters. You should avoid too many different type styles because readers will become confused about how to interpret your changes. For the most effective emphasis, use only one of the type styles changes to emphasize an occasional key word or phrase.
NOTE regarding the RECOMMENDATIONS on pages 19-20: The recommendations on pages 19-20 provide a brief, but excellent set of guidelines to follow when designing an effective document. You will be responsible for following these guidelines for all documents you create for this course.  (You will also want to keep these guidelines in mind when you are tasked with creating a document for your business or organization.)

 

 

GVCM Introduction: Documents as Visual Communication

Name: Ariel Starling	Student Number: X00128338
ISM 4011: Introduction to Information Systems
Graphics and Visual Communication for Managers (GVCM)
Introduction: Documents as Visual Communication
DIRECTIONS: 1. Answer the questions as indicated below in the space under the question.  Answers may be found in the appropriate chapter of your GVCM textbook. 2. Change your answers to blue so they can be easily distinguished from the questions. 3. Create a new blog post and copy this information into the post. 4. Once it is pasted into your blog, select all the text (CTRL A) and change the font to TREBUCHET. 5. Change the TITLE of the post to: GVCM Introduction: Documents as Visual Communication
1. To be a powerful business writer, what are four things you should know how to do?
To be a powerful business writer, four things you should know how to do are: 1.) Design documents and electronic presentations that are quickly understood. 2.) Create graphs and tables that are easy to process and that enhance reader insight. 3.) Incorporate other visual elements such as photos, illustrations, and diagrams that visually reinforce and elucidate your words. 4.) Use typography and color to support your message rather than distract it.
2. In what ways do business readers begin processing information even before they begin reading detailed text in a document?
Business readers begin processing information from documents before they read it by looking to see how long it is, how many sections it has, how it is structured, and what the flow of information will be.
3.  From the image of two documents on page XV, explain exactly what elements in the document on top make it easier to read than the document under it on the bottom? Note: The two documents on page XV are composed of “fill text,” which is a block of filler words used to fill a page so the page can be formatted before the actual text is inserted in the document. This is often how newspapers and magazines are designed and formatted before the actual articles are submitted to the publication.
Some of the elements that make the top document easier to read than the bottom are that the top document is divided into paragraphs, has bolded titles for sections, and has an easy-to-read flow of information. The bottom document is not formatted in a way that is easy or visually appealing to read.
4.  What are at least four ways to make a graph more effective in presenting information?
To make a graph more effective in presenting information you can sort like products into groups, organize the data to provide easier comparison, provide the actual values for data, and avoid using distorting 3D effects that provide unnecessary grid and shading.
5. The textbook suggests that the graph on the bottom of page XVI is more effective than the graph above it. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
I agree that the bottom graph is more effective because it actually gives you the values and it divides the products into two key groups. This, in my opinion, makes the information look more organized and easier to read.
6. When is it appropriate to use a table to display information?  Did you notice that the text in this document is a table?  Why is this table here?
It is appropriate to use a table when you need to show relationships between values in different categories. For this assignment, I believe that the text is in a table because it readers can easily distinguish where a question starts and finishes and where the answer should be typed. Also, putting the information in a table makes it easier for the student to type answers without altering the format of the document.
7. The textbook suggests that as a business communicator, you will be expected to create what kinds of documents on your own without technical support? Do you feel you are able to create these kinds of documents effectively at the present time? Why or why not?
The text suggests that you will be expected to create documents with multiple fonts, complex graphs and tables integrated with text, photos and diagrams in reports, and slide presentations. I feel that after taking multiple computer classes I am confident that I will be able to create these kinds of documents effectively. I have created these particular documents in the past and am confident that I will be able to perform them again.
8. According to this introductory chapter, what is the goal of the GVCM textbook?
The goal of this book is to help readers make good visual communication decisions and to use the features of software effectively to implement those decisions.
9. List and briefly describe what each chapter of the GVCM textbook is about:
·         Chapter 1: Document Design – provides an overview of basic page layout and typography and discusses how to use them effectively in business communication. ·         Chapter 2: Creating Tables and Graphs – focuses on key principles of designing graphs that effectively show the shape of data and designing tables that present clear data. ·         Chapter 3: Using Color – provides guidelines for applying color in your business graphics and presentations. ·         Chapter 4: Using Photos and Illustrations – provides advice about how to choose effective photographs, illustrations, and drawings to explain and reinforce your message. ·         Chapter 5: Integrating Graphics and Text – addresses the key conversation of how to incorporate graphics, how to label them for easy reference, and how to talk about the graphics in your text. ·         Chapter 6: Using PowerPoint – offers concrete advice on designing PowerPoint presentations that take advantage of the visual elements of the medium. ·         Chapter 7: Selecting a Graphic Designer – provides basic advice for getting professional assistance in the production of marketing documents, brochures, and other business communication materials. ·         Annotated Bibliography – includes a section of books and articles that are important for the reader who is a business manager to broader their exposure to experts in the visual communication field.
10. Describe three benefits of being a good visual communicator in the business environment:
Three benefits of being a good visual communicator in the business environment are improved communication, increased efficiency, and creating a professional image.