DTP Redesign

Amy Bohman
EDMT 380-002 DTP Redesign
Fall 2005

Print Material Source
The original print material is a handout I made for an experiment in CHEM 121 ( Elementary Chemical Education) in order to finish my general science minor. The handout was not a requirement for the assignment, but any effort was a plus. I redesigned the handout into a short lab worksheet for an in class experiment.

Original print material

Redesigned print material - DTP file format

Redesigned print material - PDF file format

Redesign Analysis

Changes	Relation to Terrific Training Materials Textbook Guidelines
Black Background for Title	I decided to make the title of this handout with a black background to add contrast. This will also add more emphasis to the title of the handout in order to help students understand what the experiment is about.
Serif and Sans Serif Font	This is actually warned against in the textbook, however, during class we discussed the benefits of using one serif and one sans serif font. This adds a bit of contrast to the handout as a whole. The contrasting sans serif font for the title and subheadings allows them to stand out
Differing Font Sizes/Bold Title and subheadings	I wanted to differentiate between the font sizes. The use of three different sizes adds contrast to the handout without being cluttered or too busy. The subheadings were already bolded, however, I wanted to add more contrast emphasis as to where the different sections of the handout were. Students would be better able to see what the main points of the experiments are, and the material that belongs together stays together. The use of different type sizes is addressed on page 17 of the textbook.
Shaded Background for subheadings	Using a shading technique for the subheadings allowed me to put emphasis on the subheadings without taking emphasis away from the title of the experiment. This is suggested on page 80 of the textbook about handouts. On the same page, it also suggest the repetition of the shading to signify the similarities between the to subheadings.
Shading in Data Table	I put the shading in the data table in order to allow the headings to stand out. It was pointed out in the textbook that shading allows the headings to stand out on page 54. It was also mentioned on page 41.
White Space	Having less white space uses the whole sheet of paper better. However, the white space is also used effectively so that students will not be over stimulated with busy handouts. I also moved the text under subheadings slightly indented from the subtitles in order to add a small amount of white space. This is called a hanging indent suggested on page 83 in the Terrific Training Materials.
Box for conclusion	I decided to use a box for the students to write their conclusion. The students will have the room they need, and are not constricted with a certain amount of lines to fill. The box defines the area for the answer to be written. There are many suggestions for using boxes given in Chapter 4. This particular tip is mentioned on page 37.

Frank, Darlene. (1996). Terrific Training Materials: High Impact Graphic Design. HRD Press: New York.

Redesign Summary
Because the original assignment did not require a handout, there was a lot I could do to it to make it better. I decided to change the purpose of the handout so that using this experiment would allow my students to get more out of the experience. They would also be able to practice their observation skills in completing this experiment. I wanted to make the handout more appealing to the eye, and also make the directions easy to follow. Every decision I made while redesigning this handout was made in order to give the handout more depth and usefulness.

Last updated on December 22, 2005
Any Questions? Email bohmanac@uwec.edu