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Competences for Image Processing
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visual competence
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Well-trained attention in every sense is required to create a technical
document. Nothing important for the content shall be overlooked. Neither
you may disregard the smallest details nor lose the general view of the
concept. Similar to the zoom lens of a camera, the tech writer must be
able to adjust the focus of his or her observation to any distance, from
wide angle to close viewing. The decision where an illustration is
reasonable may not solely be dictated by the availability of pictorial
material but should depend primarily on the requirements of the textual
description.
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image competence
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Many questions arise for the selection of a picture: What shall the
section be like? Is the resolution high enough? Are contrast and
brightness adjusted correctly in relation to the size of the image?
Is the colour reproduction right? Would a black-and-white picture be
more adequate? Are there important details to be highlighted, maybe by
brightening up or by encircling? Does it make sense to add labels for
individual components? And even more important nowadays: Have the usage
rights for the picture been cleared?
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graphics competence
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Diagrams can be inspiring or deterrent. A diagram intricately trying to
depict an instance can be as useless as a photograph unable to reveal
important details. Diagrams should be designed integrated throughout an
entire document, as they should feature a consistent picture language
similar to a nomenclature. Coevally a general statement can be communicated
to address a certain audience, such as by using humorous illustrations or
cartoons. Too many small graphics or symbols may result in a confusing
appearance.
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layout competence
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Pictures always are embedded in text. When designing a page, certain
general considerations should be made: Are the pictures to stand alone
or to be surrounded by text? Is it reasonable to add numbering for
unique reference? Shall every picture have a caption or just some in
particular? With regard to multilingualism you should consider that all
captions and labels will have to be translated as well. But also the
potential of the target medium must be observed: The printout of a
lavishly designed document may cause extra expenses, and the design
potential within a content management system may be very restricted.
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back to competences main page.
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Good engineering deserves best documentation
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engage Heuss !
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