Using Word Processors

• Productivity tools are resources on the internet that allow individuals to increase productivity based on specific outputs like written, visual, or audio content and are used to produce professional documents, presentations, databases, charts and graphs.

Word Processor

• A word processor is an application that allows users to write, edit, and print documents.
• Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and OpenOffice Writer are examples of word processors
• A word processor offers features to improve documents, including:
  • Text Copy: Enables copying the same text multiple times.
  • Text Cut: Removes text from its original location.
  • Paste: Places copied or cut text.
  • Multimedia: Allows image, video, clip art and chart insertion.
  • Text Formatting: Personalizes documents with font changes, styles, size and color.
  • Spelling, Grammar, and Autocorrect: Ensures correct language usage.
  • Tables, layout customization, search and replace, headers, and footers are other features.
• Word processors use file extensions like .txt, .htm, .html, .doc, and .docx.

Spreadsheet

• Spreadsheet is a file with rows and columns to sort, organize, arrange, and compute numerical data.
• Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and iWork Numbers are examples of spreadsheets
• Spreadsheets can be used for:
  • Forms: Handling inventories, timesheets, surveys, and personal information.
  • Finance: Checking account information like billing, invoices, transaction and budgets.
  • School and Grades: Tracking student performance, calculating grades, and consolidating data.
  • Lists: Simple lists such as to-do, grocery, and telephone lists.

Presentation Program

• Presentation programs are software for creating slideshows for professional or educational purposes.
• Microsoft PowerPoint, Canva, Google Slides, and Prezi are examples of presentation programs.
• A presentation requires:
  • Simple Structure: The presenter and audience can follow the structure, highlighting major points without tangents.
  • Visual Aids: Use informative images and videos. Use a minimalistic background and ensure the design fits the theme.
  • Preparedness and Confidence: Practice how to command an audience and prepare content. Engage with anecdotes, eye contact, and be personable.
  • 10-20-30 rule: 10 slides discussed within 20 minutes, using a font size of 30.

Graphic Design Tools

• Graphic design tools are programs and applications for design, editing, animation, and illustration
• Examples include Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, PicsArt, GitHub, and Blender.
• Types of graphic design:
  • Web Design: Planning and organizing online content.
  • Advertising and Marketing Design: Promoting products and services via ads and logos.
  • Motion Design and Animation: Making inanimate objects move
  • Illustration: Creating visual outputs like photos and drawings.
  • Publication Design: Designing printed materials like books and magazines.

Fundamentals of Graphics Design and Layouts

• Graphic design focuses on the details of the overall composition to enhance a design.

Principles of Graphics Design

• Unity: Coherence of design elements to achieve overall harmony.
• Variety: Adds visual interest, excitement, and creativity.
• Hierarchy: Manages and arranges design elements, identifies the most important part.
• Proportion: The size relationship between elements, vital in publications.
• Balance: The visual weight distribution of elements.
  • Symmetrical balance: Equal visual weight on either side.
  • Asymmetrical balance: Detailed visual weight to balance "heavier" elements.
• Graphic design support principles include:
• Size and Scale: Element size is used for comparison and to create variety.
• Movement: Prescribed visual path through a layout.
• Proximity: Placement of elements together or apart
• Repetition: Placement of elements in a regular pattern.

Creating Layout

• Layout is the process of placing images, text, and graphics together.
• Grid: Subdivides a page vertically and horizontally to help establish organization.
• Golden Ratio: A proportional ratio of roughly 1.618 replicating the golden section.

Principles of Visual Message Design

• A visual message uses graphic design elements to communicate information.
• Visual literacy relates to skills for reading images.
• To create a visual message, assess:
  • Audience: Guides how the message is communicated.
  • Purpose and Intention: Defined by the target audience's knowledge.
  • Context: The platform or tool used.
• Benefits of visual messaging:
  • An exciting way of information exchange than text-based
  • Generational enjoyment as it is more appealing
  • Cross-cultural communication by removing language barriers.

Effective Visual Message Design Principles

• An efficient visual message builds trust and credibility.
  • Use simple design by avoiding too many colors or fonts.
  • Use contrasting colors effectively.
  • Use high-quality and original images/artwork.
  • Use a creative background that blends with the content.
  • Use the correct tool and platform.