Design and Layout Tips

Type

• Keep headlines and wording brief ñ include only the most essential information.
• Take time to proofread.
• Choose an easy-to-read typeface. Avoid using all capital letters, stacking headlines vertically or arranging type at an angle, unless a special effect is needed.
• Vary the size of the type (within the readable range) to show the levels of importance of different parts of the message. Make important information larger and less important information smaller.
• Make samples of text using different typefaces and sizes to see how easy they are to read from the desired viewing distance. Good type sizes for the main reading areas of printed materials like newsletters are 10-, 11- or 12-point. Type sizes for presentation graphics, posters and displays should be larger.
• Serif  typefaces ñ Times Roman, for example ñ are the most readable for large areas of small type in printed materials like newsletters or books.
• Sans serif  typefaces ñ Helvetica, for example ñ are usually good choices for headlines or for video graphics.
• Using too many different typefaces and sizes in one design project can cause confusion and make the layout look too cluttered for easy reading.
• Large areas of flush right or centered type are harder to read than flush left. Use these alignments occasionally for special emphasis or, in the case of centered type, for a formal design.
• Match the headline typefaces you use to your message. Type can be used to express many different moods ñ from formal and serious to playful or comical. Remember that readability is the most important thing. Avoid using stylized typefaces for your ìbody copyî or main reading area.

Artwork

• Create art from original photos or drawings, or purchase collections of "clip artî that can be legally reproduced under the conditions of the license.
• Use graphic elements like rules, bullets and art to help guide your viewer through your message.
• When possible, limit artwork to one large (at least one-third of the layout area), eye-catching illustration of the message. This will have more visual impact than several small images.

Color

• Use color to catch peopleís attention and also as a tool for directing the viewerís gaze through the message.
• Pick colors for type and art that contrast well with the background color.
• A simple color scheme of two or three colors (including the background), with only one of the colors being a highlight color, can often communicate more effectively than a design that uses a rainbow of colors.
• Use color to highlight important information, show levels of information and organize material.
• Color can create a mood or an emotional response.
• Warm hues (yellows, oranges, reds) will appear larger and closer. Cool hues (greens, blues) will appear smaller and farther away.

Layout

• Use formal (symmetrical) balance primarily for formal, serious communication.
• Use informal (asymmetrical) balance for topics that call for a more dynamic and interesting treatment.
• Plan for ìopen spaceî in your design. Use open space to visually balance areas of text or artwork. If used properly, it can keep your design from appearing too cluttered.
• Make lots of ìthumbnail sketchesî (small, quick drawings) to see how a variety of headline and art arrangements might look.

  
   

Adapted with permission from: The Communications Toolkit, 4-H Youth Development, Michigan State University Extension, East Lansing, MI, 2000.