Content and Complexity

information Design in Technical Communication

Michael J. Albers, Mary Beth Mazur

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2014
• ISBN:
  9781135637507
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Languages & Linguistics
• Subtopic: Communication Studies
• Index: Languages & Linguistics

Information design is an emerging area in technical communication, garnering increased attention in recent times as more information is presented through both old and new media. In this volume, editors Michael J. Albers and Beth Mazur bring together scholars and practitioners to explore the issues facing those in this exciting new field. Treating information as it applies to technical communication, with a special emphasis on computer-centric industries, this volume delves into the role of information design in assisting with concepts, such as usability, documenting procedures, and designing for users. Influential members in the technical communication field examine such issues as the application of information design in structuring technical material; innovative ways of integrating information design within development methodologies and social aspects of the workplace; and theoretical approaches that include a practical application of information design, emphasizing the intersection of information design theories and workplace reality. This collection approaches information design from the language-based technical communication side, emphasizing the role of content as it relates to complexity in information design. As such, it treats as paramount the rhetorical and contextual strategies required for the effective design and transmission of information. Content and Complexity: Information Design in Technical Communication explores both theoretical perspectives, as well as the practicalities of information design in areas relevant to technical communicators. This integration of theoretical and applied components make it a practical resource for students, educators, academic researchers, and practitioners in the technical communication and information design fields.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Acknowledgments
• Table of Contents
• Foreword
• Introduction
• Information Design in Motion
• Physical, Cognitive, and Affective: A Three-Part Framework for Information Design
• Collaborative Processes and Politics in Complex Information Design
• The Five Dimensions of Usability
• Applying Learning Theory to the Design of Web-Based Instruction
• What Makes Up A Procedure?
• Visual Design Methods in Interactive Applications
• Contextual Inquiry as a Method of Information Design
• Dynamic Usability: Designing Usefulness Into Systems for Complex Tasks
• Complex Problem Solving and Content Analysis
• Applying Survey Research Methods to Gather Customer Data and to Obtain User Feedback
• Single Sourcing and Information Design
• Redesigning to Make Better Use of Screen Real Estate
• Contributors
• Author Index
• Subject Index