Document Design

My purpose for taking a course called Document Design in graduate school was to acquire knowledge in designing professional documents. I learned the principles of design and how to use those principles to create useful and aesthetically-pleasing content. The objectives for the course were:

• Explain how paper, color scheme, typography, layout, and picture choices can change how readers perceive and use what I write.
• Analyze what my readers need versus what my design clients need and create professional documents that will work for both groups.
• Make critical decisions about what typefaces to use, considering best usability for the publishing output.
• Arrange my writing on the page or screen so that the most important information stands out.
• Use a wide range of software to produce effective page layouts and graphics.
• Test my designs (usability testing) so that I can correct problems and improve usability.

I used PhotoShop to edit images and InDesign for layout. I tested the usability of some of the documents, measuring appeal and legibility. These samples demonstrate my ability to format/design usable documents while focusing on aesthetics. I considered various design principles when designing the following documents, also considering if the documents are meant for print or on-screen viewing/reading. In addition to the samples below, document or content design skills are demonstrated throughout this portfolio.

Samples

Note: Hover the mouse pointer over images for additional information and tips.

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