Background in Visual Communications
Technical documentation is more than just text. It is imperative that technical writers add visual elements to their documents because they allow the reader to process information faster. I create and refine many types of visual elements for my documents including graphs, charts, tables, photographs, diagrams, and organizational charts.
As a technical communicator, I place significant importance on document design and consider elements such as text size, font type, color, sections with headers, and the placement of text and images on the page because well-designed documents help readers navigate smoothly through the information.
As part of my Master’s of Science in Technology program, I took an Advanced Visual Technical Communications class —TCM 53000. This class increased my understanding of visual communications concepts, as well as the theory and practice of visual technical communications. In addition, I took a course that taught me step-by-step techniques for working in Adobe Photoshop, including how to correct, enhance, and distort digital images, create image composites, and prepare images for print and the web.
Visual Communications Sample 1
Summary:
Under the Joint Federated Assurance Center (JFAC) Cyber Support Task, I was tasked to create the Software Assurance Silicon Card—a Defense Acquisition University-like desk reference that lists statutory and regulatory actions programs must take for software assurance. I conducted exhaustive research while deciding what to include on the card. I reviewed and analyzed source documentation, including DoDI 5000.02, Operation of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework; DoDI 5200.44 , Protection of Mission Critical Functions to Achieve Trusted Systems and Networks; DoDI 5200.39, Critical Program Information (CPI) Identification and Protection within Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E); 5200.47E, Anti -Tamper (AT); and the DoD Cybersecurity Policy Chart.
The Software Assurance Silicon Card was approved for public release in July 2020 and is also available for download on the CAC-enabled JFAC website (https://jfac.navy.gov).
Applicability to Industry:
This sample demonstrates my ability to:
Use Microsoft Visio
Present a large amount of information in a visually appealing and effective way without overwhelming the reader
Communicate effectively with people in the Software Assurance Community of Practice and the general public
Apply good judgment in a professional situation because I had to be strategic in what I included on the card due to page constraints
Incorporate feedback and suggestions from multiple sources
Research relevant source documentation
Visual Communications Sample 2
Summary:
As part of my Advanced Visual Technical Communications class —TCM 53000—I was required to create a print publication. I chose to create a guide for an Airbnb located in Decatur, Alabama. The guide highlights the walkability of the Airbnb and maps out nearby restaurants, shops, and points of interest. The guide also lists notable places in Northern Alabama that guests of the Airbnb might find interesting.
Applicability to Industry:
This sample demonstrates my ability to:
Use graphic design software like Canva, and Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
Apply the principles of graphic design, including alignment, repetition, contrast, hierarchy, and balance
Visual Communications Sample 3
Summary:
For the Critique and Fix Information Architecture assignment in my Information Architecture class (CM 662), I chose to analyze the information architecture of the ‘MGBD Parts and Services’ (http://www.roverp6cars.com/) website using Nielsen’s Ten Usability Heuristics. In addition, I offered suggestions on how to reorganize and restructure the site to improve navigation and create a user interface design that is appealing to ‘MGBD Parts and Services’ website’s target audience.
Applicability to Industry:
This sample demonstrates my ability to:
Reorganize content for better flow
Create unique page design or content for full-sized and mobile sites
Create low-fidelity website prototypes (wireframes) to communicate about the structure of the website I am building or refining
Apply website design principles to enhance user experience
Visual Communications Sample 4
Summary:
I took a course at Missouri State University that taught me step-by-step techniques for working in Adobe Photoshop, including how to correct, enhance, and distort digital images, create image composites, and prepare images for print and the web. The before and after images below are a sampling of the work that I completed during the 15 project-based lessons. This course also touched on the ethical factors that one must consider when photoshopping images.
Applicability to Industry:
The images below demonstrate my ability to edit images using Adobe Photoshop. I have used the techniques learned in the class to enhance the photographs I have added to technical documentation. Specifically, I have:
Adjusted the color balance and light when photographs were not professionally taken or lacked the appropriate lighting for the setting
Cropped images to omit the background and obsolete area of the background
Used layers when compositing multiple images, adding text to an image, or adding vector graphic shapes
Removed irrelevant objects or people in images to maintain appropriate focus
