ABSTRACT
Our society is shifting from one in which people get information primarily from text-based sources to one in which visual media play an ever-greater role. Additionally, visuals have the advantage that, unlike text, they need no translation for sales overseas. Graphics such as tables, charts, photographs, and illustrations often work better than words in manuals to convey essential information such as specifications and how to perform procedures. Visuals can supplement, complement, or sometimes substitute for text. In any case, to be effective, graphics must be big enough to see, simple and uncluttered, and clear as to their intent. Photographs must be well reproduced, tables and charts designed to highlight the important information, and illustrations sized appropriately for the page. Visuals and text for a manual should be developed concurrently so that they work effectively together.
