ILLUSTRATIONS

Illustrations provide conceptual views and show perspectives. They depict parts, functions, relationships, activities, and processes that are difficult to describe in text or with other visuals.

The visual possibilities of illustrations are nearly unlimited, but producing good illustrations almost always requires a professional graphic artist. As with other visuals, illustrations and drawings should be focused.

Example

Tips for Better Illustrations Keep illustrations simple. If necessary, remove surrounding detail When appropriate, provide a perspective to facilitate reader understanding

• Label all pertinent elements in the illustration. Ensure that all letters, numbers, and labels are horizontally oriented

• Use line patterns in illustrations that show component subsystems to indicate how these subsystems interact within the system

• When illustrating a process, structure the process from top to bottom and left to right

We must label the significant parts of an illustration to ensure reader comprehension. We can also use labels to indicate size, direction, orientation, and nomenclature. Scales may be necessary if the size and relationship of the object are not clear. All lettering and/or numbering should be horizontally oriented.

Illustrations permit the distortion of reality, so we should be sure that our readers understand the perspective of the illustration. If necessary, we must establish what is being viewed and how it relates to other things in its real environment.