Text information should encourage readers to look at the visuals, and visual information should encourage readers to read the explanatory text.
The right visual should appear at precisely the right moment.
A good introduction within the text helps the reader to properly interpret the visual, indicating not only what the visual is about but also what the reader should expect to gain from looking at it.
Create your visuals first and write the text later.
Evaluate your visuals. Any visual that does not significantly enhance the reader's comprehension should be eliminated.
Compose visual and text information that will be understood by the least technical of your readers and appreciated by the most technical of your readers.
Visuals that are unfocused and cluttered fail to communicate.
A good caption defines the central point of the visual for the reader.
Avoid orienting visuals sideways. If a visual will not fit within a chosen format, redesign it or divide it into workable parts.
Emphasizing important details in your visual will help ensure that your intended message is understood.
Many different types of visuals are available. Select the one that will best convey your idea to your reader.