Text Information and Media by Jazel Dumasal

Definition, Characteristics, Format and Types, Sources, Advantages and Limitations, Value

Text Information and Media

1.

2.

Text as Visual

3.

Selection Criteria

4.

Design Principles and Elements

Characteristics

Format and Types

Sources

Advantages and Limitations

Values

EXAMPLES

Relevance

the information seeker has to be sure that the data he or she gets accurately meets the requirements of his or her queries

Authority

it is always important to look at the author/s. by doing this the information seeker can be sure that he or she is in the right track because the information is based on the expertise of the right person.

Timeliness/

Currency

o “nothing is permanent in this world, except change”.

o it is crucial to always look at how information also changes if necessary

o the most current information is always the most valid and reliable source.

Validity/

Accuracy

o even if the source of information looks rich in content, what matters is how valid and accurate this information is.

o the author must be able to provide reliable data like statistics and other previous studies.

o it is important to ensure that these information are reliable enough, and have undergone criticisms in the past.

Argument

o it is necessary for authors to have their stand if there is a call for it, however it is important to observe how his or her stand is justified by logical reasoning.

o it can achieved through evidences to support the author’s stand.

o examples: statistical data, studies, past records

o it is also important to check the validity of this evidences

o moreover it is important to see if these are aligned to the stand of the author.

o lastly, the important angle in observing an argument is making sure that he or she is not manipulating the reader in accordance to his belief; otherwise the argument is invalid.

Coverage

o it is important to look for information that are complete.

o is the date still relevant and able to cover the matter on hand?

o does the author choose information and neglect other sides of the story?

Bias

o being selective can also trigger biases.

o the information seeker has to look at possible topics that are omitted or even added to practice transparency.

Emphasis

- Importance or value given to a part of the text-based contents

1) make the text bold

2) italicized

3) darkened or lightened

4) enlarged

Emphasis

Appropriateness

- How suitable the text is used for a specific audience, purpose or event

Appropriateness

Proximity

- How near or far the text elements from each other

- When two things are closely related bring them closer together

Proximity

Alignment

- How the text is positioned in the page

- Left , center, right, or justified

Alignment

Repetition

- Consistency of elements

- Unity of the entire design

Contrast

- Creates visual interest

- Two elements are different from each other

Contrast

1) white text on a dark background

2) large font with a small font

3) thin elements with wide elements

4) cool color and warm color