Carlena Mattiello: Spring 2011Technical Writing and Information Design:A Reflection on the Learning Process1PROJECTS: A Gradual ProgressionInformation Design Through Hands-On Assignments

2Project One: SchematicOrganization and Flow of Ideas and Information1schematic [skee-mat-ik, ski-] adjectivepertaining to or of the nature of a schema, diagram, or scheme; diagrammatic.

3For the first assignment, we were required to use a schematic diagram to enhance our first project proposal.

For Project One, I proposed the creation of an Avery training guide.

Project One: Schematic

I explored various programs that specialize in diagram/flowchart creation such as Omnigraffle; however, I used Microsoft Word to create my flowcharts.

(See next page.)

4Project One: Schematic (Continued)

I created these two flowcharts to present information to the reader in an organized manner.

The schematic taught me how to:- explore new applications,- organize presented information,- write concisely for a target audience, and- remain on-point with my proposal.

6 2Project Two: MultimodalProject Enhancement and Using New Mediamultimodal [muhl-tee-mohd-l, muhl-tahy-] -adjectiveCharacterized by several different modes of activity or occurrence.

7For Project Two, we were required to use at least three unique interactive media tools to present information to our target audience.

I created a Web site with embedded video, virtual photo galleries, poll, downloadable PDF files, and hyperlinks.Project Two: Multimodal

8The Web site included an embedded video, which I created and uploaded to YouTube, in addition to interactive photo galleries.Project Two: Multimodal (Continued)

9The links above allowed users to download grammar worksheets as PDF files.Project Two: Multimodal (Continued)

10

The multimodal project taught me to:- adhere to design constraints,- consider user interaction, and- use new media applications.

11 3Project Three: Technical ReportTemplate Creation, Formatting, and Organization of InformationTechnical Report: A document that describes the process, progress, or results of technical or scientific research or the state of a technical or scientific research problem. -Wikipedia

12Project Three: Technical ReportWhile creating the technical report, I worked on creating my own template in Microsoft Word, which included formatting consistency and linking the Table of Contents with paragraphs and page numbering using the programs menu options.

13Project Three: Technical Report (Continued)I used various Microsoft Word formatting options to create a template that would update itself as information was added.

14Project Three: Technical Report

Finally, I learned how to create simple, yet visually attractive graphs using graphing software. 15

The technical report taught me to:- research components of a technical report,- design a functional template, and- consider formatting consistency.

16Project Four: Web SiteHTML Coding, File Uploading, and Site Management4

17So far, I have been able to:

Use TextEdit to prepare HTML codeUpload files successfully to a server/hostSuccessfully add photos and embed videos (linked to outside pages and those saved within files)Alter font size, type, and colorCreate simple tablesCreate bullets/lists/block textLink to interior/exterior pages

Project Four: Web SiteI am currently completing Project Four: a Web site that focuses on Marylands blue crab culture and traditions.

18Project Four: Web Site (Continued)I was able to use Filezilla to upload a set of organized files to a server that displays my Web site online.

19

The Web site taught me:- the basics of HTML coding,- to consider audience usability,- trial and error techniques, and- how to combine the design elements learned throughout the semester.

20