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Amber Israelsen
In the world of software development, a lot of information is communicated visually, through diagrams. This course will teach you how to create effective and engaging diagrams--starting with goals and audience, and moving to diagram components to visual design tips and tricks.
Read more
In the world of software development, a lot of information is communicated visually, through diagrams. This course will teach you how to create effective and engaging diagrams--starting with goals and audience, and moving to diagram components to visual design tips and tricks.
Read more
In the world of software development, a lot of information is communicated visually, through diagrams. This course will teach you how to create effective and engaging diagrams--starting with goals and audience, and moving to diagram components to visual design tips and tricks.
Have you ever struggled to create a technical diagram to share with your manager or team? Or have you been the recipient of a diagram that was convoluted, ugly and difficult to understand? If so, then this is for you. In this course, Visual Communications: Creating Engaging and Effective Technical Diagrams, you’ll learn to create better, more effective technical diagrams. First, you’ll explore possible goals and overall designs for your diagram. Next, you’ll discover common components of a diagram and basic visual design principles to make your diagram understandable and engaging. Finally, you’ll learn about the benefits of testing your diagram to ensure it’s legible and makes sense to your reader. The course will make heavy use of before-and-after examples to demonstrate what to do and what not to do. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have a foundational understanding of visual communication and how to use it to make your own technical diagrams more effective and engaging.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/icw8iy/visual
What's inside
Syllabus
Course Overview
Course Introduction and the Why
Where to Begin: Goals and Overall Diagram Design
Getting It on Paper: Common Diagram Components
Read more
Syllabus
Course Overview
Course Introduction and the Why
Where to Begin: Goals and Overall Diagram Design
Getting It on Paper: Common Diagram Components
Read more
Getting It on Paper: Visual Design Fundamentals
Testing: Have We Met the Goal?
Diagram Makeovers: From Bad to Better
Course Summary and Next Steps
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Fills in necessary foundation for technical documentation specialists
Covers essential elements of visual design for technical diagrams
Emphasizes the importance of diagram testing for effectiveness
Designed as a foundational course on technical diagram creation
Provides multiple real-world examples for improved understanding
Introduces fundamental principles of designing effective diagrams
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Save Visual Communication: Creating Engaging and Effective Technical Diagrams to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Visual Communication: Creating Engaging and Effective Technical Diagrams with these
activities:
Review visual design fundamentals
Show steps
Review visual design principles to build a foundational understanding before the course starts.
Show steps
-
Read articles or watch videos on visual design principles
-
Analyze examples of good and bad visual designs
-
Practice applying design principles in a personal project
Explore online tutorials on diagram creation
Show steps
Supplement your learning by exploring online tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance on creating effective visual diagrams.
Show steps
-
Search for online tutorials on visual diagram creation
-
Choose a tutorial and follow the instructions
-
Apply the techniques you learn to your own diagrams
Follow a tutorial on diagram testing techniques
Show steps
Follow a tutorial to learn about diagram testing techniques and how to ensure your diagrams are effective.
Show steps
-
Find a tutorial on diagram testing techniques
-
Follow the tutorial and complete any exercises or assignments
-
Apply the techniques to test your own diagrams
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Practice creating visual diagrams
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of diagram components and design principles by creating your own visual diagrams.
Show steps
-
Choose a topic and create a visual diagram
-
Identify and label diagram components
-
Apply visual design principles to enhance clarity
-
Get feedback on your diagrams
Create a visual diagram for a simple concept
Show steps
Create a visual diagram to solidify your understanding of diagram components and visual communication principles.
Show steps
-
Identify a simple concept to diagram
-
Choose appropriate visual elements and layout
-
Create the diagram using a tool or software
-
Get feedback on your diagram from peers or instructors
Participate in a peer review session on technical diagrams
Show steps
Participate in a peer review session to provide and receive feedback on technical diagrams, enhancing your understanding of effective visual communication.
Browse courses on
Visual Communication
Show steps
-
Find a peer review session or group
-
Bring a technical diagram for review
-
Provide feedback on other participants' diagrams
-
Incorporate feedback into your own diagram
Participate in peer review sessions
Show steps
Enhance your understanding by sharing and discussing your visual diagrams with peers, exchanging feedback and gaining valuable insights.
Show steps
-
Find a study partner or group
-
Share your visual diagrams for review
-
Provide feedback on your peers' diagrams
Analyze and critique technical diagrams
Show steps
Practice analyzing and critiquing technical diagrams to improve your understanding of effective visual communication.
Browse courses on
Visual Communication
Show steps
-
Collect a set of technical diagrams
-
Examine each diagram and identify its strengths and weaknesses
-
Write a short analysis of each diagram, highlighting its key features and areas for improvement
-
Share your analysis with others for discussion
Redesign an existing technical diagram
Show steps
Apply your understanding of visual communication principles to redesign an existing technical diagram, enhancing its effectiveness.
Browse courses on
Visual Communication
Show steps
-
Select an existing technical diagram to redesign
-
Identify areas for improvement in terms of clarity, readability, and effectiveness
-
Create a redesigned version of the diagram
-
Test and evaluate your redesigned diagram
Contribute to open source software for diagram creation
Show steps
Contribute to open source software for diagram creation to enhance your understanding of diagram creation tools and techniques.
Browse courses on
Open Source Software
Show steps
-
Find an open source software project for diagram creation
-
Review the project's documentation and codebase
-
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug fixes or feature enhancements
-
Make your contributions to the project
Develop a visual diagram for a project or presentation
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of visual diagrams by creating one for a real-world project or presentation, solidifying your understanding and showcasing your skills.
Show steps
-
Identify a project or presentation that requires a visual diagram
-
Plan and design the visual diagram
-
Create the visual diagram using appropriate tools
-
Incorporate the visual diagram into your project or presentation
Mentor others in creating and understanding technical diagrams
Show steps
Share your knowledge and skills by mentoring others in creating and understanding technical diagrams, reinforcing your own understanding and gaining a deeper perspective.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
-
Identify someone who needs help with creating or understanding technical diagrams
-
Provide guidance and support to the person you are mentoring
-
Answer their questions and provide feedback on their work
-
Encourage them to ask questions and seek clarification
Review visual design fundamentals
Show steps
Review visual design principles to build a foundational understanding before the course starts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read articles or watch videos on visual design principles
- Analyze examples of good and bad visual designs
- Practice applying design principles in a personal project
Explore online tutorials on diagram creation
Show steps
Supplement your learning by exploring online tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance on creating effective visual diagrams.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for online tutorials on visual diagram creation
- Choose a tutorial and follow the instructions
- Apply the techniques you learn to your own diagrams
Follow a tutorial on diagram testing techniques
Show steps
Follow a tutorial to learn about diagram testing techniques and how to ensure your diagrams are effective.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a tutorial on diagram testing techniques
- Follow the tutorial and complete any exercises or assignments
- Apply the techniques to test your own diagrams
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Practice creating visual diagrams
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of diagram components and design principles by creating your own visual diagrams.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic and create a visual diagram
- Identify and label diagram components
- Apply visual design principles to enhance clarity
- Get feedback on your diagrams
Create a visual diagram for a simple concept
Show steps
Create a visual diagram to solidify your understanding of diagram components and visual communication principles.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a simple concept to diagram
- Choose appropriate visual elements and layout
- Create the diagram using a tool or software
- Get feedback on your diagram from peers or instructors
Participate in a peer review session on technical diagrams
Show steps
Participate in a peer review session to provide and receive feedback on technical diagrams, enhancing your understanding of effective visual communication.
Browse courses on
Visual Communication
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a peer review session or group
- Bring a technical diagram for review
- Provide feedback on other participants' diagrams
- Incorporate feedback into your own diagram
Participate in peer review sessions
Show steps
Enhance your understanding by sharing and discussing your visual diagrams with peers, exchanging feedback and gaining valuable insights.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study partner or group
- Share your visual diagrams for review
- Provide feedback on your peers' diagrams
Analyze and critique technical diagrams
Show steps
Practice analyzing and critiquing technical diagrams to improve your understanding of effective visual communication.
Browse courses on
Visual Communication
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Collect a set of technical diagrams
- Examine each diagram and identify its strengths and weaknesses
- Write a short analysis of each diagram, highlighting its key features and areas for improvement
- Share your analysis with others for discussion
Redesign an existing technical diagram
Show steps
Apply your understanding of visual communication principles to redesign an existing technical diagram, enhancing its effectiveness.
Browse courses on
Visual Communication
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select an existing technical diagram to redesign
- Identify areas for improvement in terms of clarity, readability, and effectiveness
- Create a redesigned version of the diagram
- Test and evaluate your redesigned diagram
Contribute to open source software for diagram creation
Show steps
Contribute to open source software for diagram creation to enhance your understanding of diagram creation tools and techniques.
Browse courses on
Open Source Software
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an open source software project for diagram creation
- Review the project's documentation and codebase
- Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug fixes or feature enhancements
- Make your contributions to the project
Develop a visual diagram for a project or presentation
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of visual diagrams by creating one for a real-world project or presentation, solidifying your understanding and showcasing your skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a project or presentation that requires a visual diagram
- Plan and design the visual diagram
- Create the visual diagram using appropriate tools
- Incorporate the visual diagram into your project or presentation
Mentor others in creating and understanding technical diagrams
Show steps
Share your knowledge and skills by mentoring others in creating and understanding technical diagrams, reinforcing your own understanding and gaining a deeper perspective.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify someone who needs help with creating or understanding technical diagrams
- Provide guidance and support to the person you are mentoring
- Answer their questions and provide feedback on their work
- Encourage them to ask questions and seek clarification
Career center
Learners who complete Visual Communication: Creating Engaging and Effective Technical Diagrams will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers are responsible for designing and developing instructional materials. Instructional Designers often use diagrams to illustrate concepts and procedures. This course provides an introduction to visual communication and how to use it to create effective technical diagrams. This course may be particularly useful for Instructional Designers who wish to improve their technical diagram design skills.
Technical Communicator
Technical Communicator
Technical Communicators are responsible for creating and delivering technical information. Technical Communicators often use diagrams to help explain complex technical concepts. This course provides an introduction to visual communication and how to use it to create effective technical diagrams. This course may be particularly useful for Technical Communicators who wish to improve their technical diagram design skills.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science Writers are responsible for writing about science and technology. Science Writers often use diagrams to help explain complex scientific concepts. This course provides an introduction to visual communication and how to use it to create effective technical diagrams. This course may be particularly useful for Science Writers who wish to improve their technical diagram design skills.
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorneys are responsible for drafting and prosecuting patents. Patent Attorneys often use diagrams to illustrate inventions. This course provides an introduction to visual communication and how to use it to create effective technical diagrams. This course may be particularly useful for Patent Attorneys who wish to improve their technical diagram design skills.
Medical Writer
Medical Writer
Medical Writers are responsible for writing about medical topics. Medical Writers often use diagrams to help explain complex medical concepts. This course provides an introduction to visual communication and how to use it to create effective technical diagrams. This course may be particularly useful for Medical Writers who wish to improve their technical diagram design skills.
Technical Illustrator
Technical Illustrator
Technical Illustrators are responsible for creating visual representations of technical information. This course provides an introduction to visual communication and how to use it to create effective technical diagrams. This course may be particularly useful for Technical Illustrators who wish to improve their technical diagram design skills.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning and executing projects. Project Managers often use diagrams to track the progress of projects and to communicate project plans. This course provides an introduction to visual communication and how to use it to create effective technical diagrams. This course may be particularly useful for Project Managers who wish to improve their technical diagram design skills.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. Systems Analysts often use diagrams to document the design of systems. This course provides an introduction to visual communication and how to use it to create effective technical diagrams. This course may be particularly useful for Systems Analysts who wish to improve their technical diagram design skills.
Information Architect
Information Architect
Information Architects are responsible for organizing and structuring information in a way that is easy to find and understand. Information Architects often use diagrams to represent the structure of information. This course provides an introduction to visual communication and how to use it to create effective technical diagrams. This course may be particularly useful for Information Architects who wish to improve their technical diagram design skills.
Software Developer
Software Developer
Software Developers are responsible for designing and developing software. Software Developers often use diagrams to document the design of software. This course provides an introduction to visual communication and how to use it to create effective technical diagrams. This course may be particularly useful for Software Developers who wish to improve their technical diagram design skills.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists are responsible for analyzing and interpreting data. Data Scientists often use diagrams to visualize data and to communicate their findings. This course provides an introduction to visual communication and how to use it to create effective technical diagrams. This course may be particularly useful for Data Scientists who wish to improve their technical diagram design skills.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing and improving business processes. Business Analysts often use diagrams to document and communicate business processes. This course provides an introduction to visual communication and how to use it to create effective technical diagrams. This course may be particularly useful for Business Analysts who wish to improve their technical diagram design skills.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers are responsible for creating written documents that explain technical concepts and procedures. Technical writers often use diagrams to help explain complex information. This course provides an introduction to visual communication and how to use it to create effective technical diagrams. This course may be particularly useful for technical writers who wish to improve their technical diagram design skills.
UX Designer
UX Designer
UX Designers are responsible for designing the user experience of products and services. UX Designers often use diagrams to communicate design ideas and concepts. This course provides an introduction to visual communication and how to use it to create effective technical diagrams. This course may be particularly useful for UX Designers who wish to improve their technical diagram design skills.
Graphic designer
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers are visual communicators. They use visual elements to communicate ideas with clarity and impact. The graphic design field requires a strong foundation in visual design principles. This course provides an introduction to visual design and how to use it to create effective technical diagrams. This course may be particularly useful for graphic designers who wish to specialize in technical diagram design or who wish to improve their technical diagram design skills.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/icw8iy/visual
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Visual Communication: Creating Engaging and Effective Technical Diagrams.
Save
Provides a practical guide to designing effective information dashboards. It covers all aspects of the design process, from choosing the right type of dashboard to using color and typography. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the principles of data visualization.
Save
Provides a practical guide to creating effective diagrams. It covers all aspects of the design process, from choosing the right type of diagram to using color and typography. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn how to create clear and informative diagrams.
Save
Provides a practical guide to the art of data visualization. It covers all aspects of the design process, from choosing the right type of graph to using color and typography. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the principles of data visualization.
Provides a practical guide to effective data visualization. It covers all aspects of the design process, from choosing the right type of graph to using color and typography. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the principles of data visualization.
Save
Provides a practical guide to designing effective tables and graphs. It covers all aspects of the design process, from choosing the right type of graph to using color and typography. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the principles of data visualization.
Classic guide to information graphics. It covers all aspects of the design process, from choosing the right type of graphic to using color and typography. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the principles of information graphics.
Save
Classic guide to the visual display of quantitative information. It covers all aspects of the design process, from choosing the right type of graph to using color and typography. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the principles of data visualization.
Comprehensive guide to the grammar of graphics. It covers all aspects of the design process, from choosing the right type of graph to using color and typography. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the principles of data visualization.
Save
Provides a gentle introduction to data visualization. It covers the basics of data visualization, including how to choose the right type of visualization for your data. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about data visualization.
Provides a simple introduction to data visualization. It covers all aspects of the design process, from choosing the right type of graph to using color and typography. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the principles of data visualization.
Provides a comprehensive overview of technical communication, including the principles of effective writing, design, and presentation. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the foundations of technical communication.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/icw8iy/visual
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Time
85 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Amber Israelsen
Language
English
Good to know
Fills in necessary foundation for technical documentation specialists
Covers essential elements of visual design for technical diagrams
Emphasizes the importance of diagram testing for effectiveness
Designed as a foundational course on technical diagram creation
Provides multiple real-world examples for improved understanding
Introduces fundamental principles of designing effective diagrams
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