Discussion of the effectiveness of video images in distance education focuses on identifying and designing two-dimensional graphics that will display properly. Offers image design recommendations and discusses format modifications for 35-mm slides, overhead transparencies, printed materials, and computer images. (Author/LRW)

This article examines images of the future as visualized by space artists and design engineers. In excerpts from interviews, the artists describe their activities and their use of computer-aided design. The article concludes that visual thinking plays a large part in translating the dreams of visionaries into reality. (JDD)

A study analyzed the relation of four information presentation methods--text, tabular, black-and-white graphics, and color graphics--to level of retention, reader reaction, and reading time. Results confirmed that the incorporation of color graphics in a document increases psychological reaction, but does not necessarily improve task performance.…

Argues that business cards, as a key means of initiating business contacts, are worth studying in business writing courses. Shows instructors how to incorporate a unit on business card design into their business communications courses. Suggests the criteria by which business cards can be evaluated. (HB)

Major changes affecting Swiss graphic arts are photocomposition, replacement of letterpress with offset printing, scanners, and microcomputers and laser printers for desktop publishing. Effects on workers include monotony, alienation, and apprehension. Sex discrimination continues in the industry. (SK)

Special feature includes "There's More to Blur than Meets the Eye" (Davidhazy), about photographic imaging; "Photography Lab's Silver Lining" (Borchers), about recycling silver; "Budget-Priced Layout Programs for School Publishing with DPT [Desktop Publishing]" (Dose); and "Good Learning and Good PR--All in One…

Presents an intellectual framework for describing a visual-verbal interface. Applies the implications of the framework to collaborative work by illustrating ways in which the authors used the framework to observe and teach collaborative teams of student graphic designers. (RS)

Describes the habits of human reasoning that distort designers' abilities to intuit how users will understand and respond to graphics. Advocates two solutions: investigating scientifically how visuals communicate to viewers, and using user-based iterative design to explore user's reactions while developing design prototypes. (SR)

Explanations of geometric dimensioning symbols are provided to assist in the comprehension of the implied basic sentence structure of modern geometric dimensioning and tolerance. The proper identification and interpretation of the substantive language within several exemplary engineering drawings, otherwise called feature control frames, is…

Asserts that textbook graphics assignments tend to give students too many hints and instructions. Suggests using newspaper articles to more closely approximate real working situations, because newspaper articles force students to use their skills and imaginations to create graphics that illustrate real data. (PRA)

Demonstrates several different ways to visually display patterns of data. Discusses how the different graphics highlight different information in the data. (SR)

Examines the attributes of picture books in subject matter, form, style, and media used by the artists as exemplified by winners of the Caldecott Medal over several decades. Discusses the changing styles of illustration brought on by technological advances. Announces the 1999 winners of major awards for children's books. (AEF)

Presents a critical report on the events of the Association Typographique Internationale's 1998 conference held in Lyons, France. Discusses papers presented and the state of the field of typography. Notes that, although attending the conference was expensive, the real reward for the author and students he spoke to was the chance to socialize with…

Defines illustrations and discusses their effective use. Topics include information literacy; statistical graphics; visual literacy; illustrating student term papers; understanding the visual display of information; illustrations that instruct; cognitive processes; and criteria for effective explanatory illustrations. (LRW)

Presents a 17-item annotated list of essential books on information design chosen by members of the InfoDesign e-mail list. Includes a 113-item unannotated bibliography of additional works, on topics of creativity and critical thinking; visual thinking; graphic design; infographics; information design; instructional design; interface design;…