Desktop publishing can be used to produce documents
ranging from calling cards to full colour magazines. Documents fit into
one or more of the following classes:
documents which persuade
advertisements
invitations
posters
Documents which identify
certificates
business cards
labels
stationery
Documents which inform
product brochures
programs
magazines
newspapers
Documents which require a response
application forms
order froms
surveys
Documents which provide reference
calendars
timetables
Documents which give how-to information
instruction manuals
training guides
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Who is the intended audience
Knowing your audience helps you to choose the method
to get the reader's attention.
Put yourself in the readers position:
How much time dot they have to read your publication?
How quickly can they pick out the important points?
Can they find the parts of interest to them?
Can the text be read quickly?
Can readers understand the information?
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What information will be included?
A brochure for a conference may need:
a programme
biography of the speakers
a map to locate the venue in the city, suburb, building
An advertisement may need:
slogans
prices
where to purchase
Certificates requires:
purpose of the certificate
name of recipient
date
official signature.
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What type of image do you want
to project?
Do you want your audience to see you as:
formal
informal
friendly
trendy
adventurous . . . ?
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What is the overall format?
format includes:
size of the page
number of columns of text
position of graphics
type of headlines
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Graphic - what type and how
much?
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Graphics can be very effective in getting the readers
attention. They act as an entry point for the reader.
how many graphics?
what size?
where should they be placed?
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How will it be distributed?
If the publication needs to be folded for posting or goes in an envelope
is the outside interesting enough to get the reader
to start reading?
If it is a poster on a wall
is the title easily read from a distance?
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When is it needed?
A well designed publication which is late can be a dismal
failure.
