Background
For more than 15 years, I've written, edited, and designed documents and graphics that communicate clearly so the reader can quickly and easily understand the information. Everyone is busy ... they want what they need now.
By combining the best practices of technical communication with information design, I've developed a skill set and the tools to convey meaning quickly and succinctly.
RÉsumÉS
Design philosophy
Who is the audience and what is the goal?
It sounds pretty basic — and it is — but it's often hard to define exactly with whom you are trying to communicate. More often than not, your audience consists of several different types of reader, each of whom may have very different goals. I can identify your audience, then define what they want and need from your documentation or website so everyone can be successful. If your reader wins, you win.
It's essential to design for the reader's intentions, context, knowledge, skills, and experience.
- What is the reader trying to do?
- What is their context?
- What are the identified knowledge and skill sets of the reader?
- What is their experience?
Presenting information is more than making it pretty. Your message must be clear to the user. Text and graphics need to be presented using the appropriate medium with the right balance. Some people are word people — they want clear, crisp text and think the visuals are "fluff." Others prefer pictures; they like graphic communications. Visual learners find text too dry, too boring, too dense. Frequently, writers and designers overwrite and overdesign to the detriment of the meaning.
By following a sound information gathering and design process, we can collect the data we need to structure a plan. With a plan, we can create content which is the heart and soul of any good book or website.
The key to good design is needs analysis and usability testing. To communicate effectively, talk to your audience and elicit feedback from them. Don't wait until the project is finished to find out if the document or website meets their needs. Do it as early in the development process as possible. Without spending too much time or money, we can gather vital feedback to enhance the information flow and lead to a better document or site. It can be done in an ongoing way so the end result continues to meet your customers' needs long into the future.
Extra resources can make or break a project. I can do quite a bit, but as a freelancer, I have my limits. To meet the demands of your project realistically, I'll call in the expertise of other writers and designers, or refer you to an organization better able to serve your needs. Proposals always show required resources up front so you can make an informed decision.