Reflections

It amazes to learn that there are so many bloggers online and how people use the internet to their advantage. Creating this weblog was not an easy task to undertake as there are many things to put into consideration. According to Penman (1998), a document’s functionality is dependent on its structure matching readers’ habits, expectations and context of use. For example, the content that was posted up bearing in mind, the target audience and what they expected from this blog, I have gained further understanding on the internet as well as print media and publishing issues that concerns us. I have also gained in-depth knowledge and understanding on document design by applying document design and publishing theories in this blog.

According to Reep (1996), document design refers to the physical appearance of a document. Document design varies depending on the medium it is to be published in, its target audiences, its purpose and the context. Good design is a balance between function and form (Wheildon, 1990). Function is the purpose of the document and form is the design. A good document design is supposed to attract readers with its graphic designs and at the same time engage the readers through its content. There must be a balance and cannot lack of either one. I have understood that design is important to attract readers but the content is important to engage the readers so that they will stay interested and continue reading.

I have learned that document design is not, or should not be, mere decoration and abstraction (Wheildon, 1990). It also has to complement the context of the document and to make sure that it is soothing on the eyes so that the readers would not get tired of reading too quickly. According to Parker (1990), good design stems from a thorough knowledge of the building blocks of graphic design and specifying them appropriately, based on the format and function of an individual project. This blog’s purpose is to inform readers and to apply document design and publishing theories and to discuss media issues.

The format and layout of this blog is simple and there are not too many distractions from the main purpose of this blog which is to inform, provoke thought and discussion on media issues. Cookman (1993) stated that, we must convey a message as simply and attractively as possible. The main idea is to get the message across. Good design is effective communication (Cookman, 1993). A document is considered to have a good design when it communicates effectively.

To sum it all up, Parker (1990) said that the general principles most designers consider in all documents are balance, proportion, sequence, and consistency. The layout of a document must be organised so that the readers do not get confused or frustrated from reading. It is important that the layout is not too cluttered and messy so that it is easy on the eyes and easier for the readers to read. Document design is indeed very important in order to serve its purpose.


Refences:

Cookman, B 1993, Desktop design: getting the professional look, 2nd edn, Blueprint, London.

Parker, RC 1990, Looking good in print: a guide to basic design for desktop publishing, 2nd edn, Vetana Press, Chapel Hill, NC.

Penman, R 1998, Document structures and readers’ habits, Communication news, vol.11, no. 2, pp. 10-11.

Reep, DC 1996, Technical writing: principles, strategies, and readings, 3rd edn, Allyn and Bacon, Boston.

Wheildon, C 1990, Communicating or just making pretty shapes: a study of the validity -- or otherwise -- of some elements of typographic design, 3rd edn, Newspaper Advertising Bureau of Australia, North Sydney.