The visual development of documents

Abstract

Information processing theory is applied to documents to analyze the visual processing of the page. Research on readers' perceptions of graphic characteristics and spatial organization is examined. A method is presented that increases the efficiency of developing and using a document by applying information processing principles and research on perception. It is concluded that, by applying principles of information theory, the semiology of graphic characteristics, and reader's spatial perception of the page, the desktop publisher can develop visually efficient documents, improving not only the reader's comprehension of the document but also the document development process.<>