Chapter . Case 1: Using the Measures of Excellence in Evaluating a Résumé

Mechanism Description Using Interactive Graphics

Interactive graphics provide an efficient way to convey information about a mechanism or a complex process. As users click through the parts of a system or the steps of a process, they can see the changes without continually needing to scroll down to new pictures or to download new pages of information. Many interactive graphics include animation; some animations might run continuously.

This example of a mechanism description is from a website that explains how hybrid automobile engines work. It requires users to click on tabs to see how the engine responds to typical phases of driving a car: starting the car, accelerating the car, cruising at highway speeds, and applying brakes to stop. This example includes animated lines to show the directions in which types of energy travel as the car runs.

Source: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_vehicles/smart-transportation-solutions/advanced-vehicle-technologies/hybrid-cars/how-hybrids-work.html

Courtesy of Union of Concerned Scientists

Explore the graphics and consider the questions below. Then “submit” your responses.

Question 1.1

Question 1.2

Question 1.3

Question 1.4

Question 1.5