Can you draw me a picture? Communicating ideas with diagrams

Research shows that presentations and learning materials are more effective and memorable if they use visuals. But to communicate optimally, you sometimes need to move beyond clip art and stock photos to visuals that are specific to the content. Even if you have no graphics training, you can learn to do this with diagrams.Diagrams are simple pictures created using lines, shapes, words and (optionally) clip art. We will present a simplified taxonomy of diagram types (“concept, parts, process”) and guidelines for choosing the type to use in different situations. We will then teach (and practice) a process to design, define, and refine your diagrams.This session draws on the work of experts in related fields, including Dan Roam (“Back of the Napkin”), Nancy Duarte (“slide:ology”), Ruth Colvin Clark (“Graphics for Learning”) and Robin Williams (“The Non-Designer’s Design Book”). We distill their observations into a practical approach that any professional can use to create great diagrams.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the reasons simple diagrams can effectively communicate ideas and support learning
• Apply a structured thought process to Define the best type of diagram to use for different communication problems
• Design and draw diagrams using lines, shapes, words and stock art
• Refine draft diagrams by applying principles of effective graphic design

Audience Description:

This session is appropriate for anyone who designs or develops learning or needs to create presentations.

Speaker Bio:

Jack Massa is Principal of Guidance Communications, Inc. where his mission is making complex information clear. Jack has designed, developed and delivered training solutions for organizations such as Unisys, Equifax, The Home Depot, InterCall, Digital Insight/Intuit, and many others. Jack has a Masters Degree in Creative Writing and certificates in Learning Design and Computer Programming. He is an Associate Fellow of the Society for Technical Communication and was recently Vice President of Technology for Greater Atlanta ASTD.