Chapter 11, Additional Case 1: Revising a Report Template

Chapter 11, Additional Case 1: Revising a Report Template

This case is best for individuals.

Background

You are part of a technical documentation team at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Your supervisor, Kaila Wagner, wishes to revise the report template used for NTSB reports. She has asked you to study and evaluate the design of a report that is published as a PDF file on the web, then write a memo presenting your conclusions and recommendations for improving its design. The suggestions you make in your memo will be used in redesigning the template for future reports.

The report is presented in the standard 8.5 x 11-inch format. Assume that you must use that format so that the report can be distributed on standard-size paper and converted easily to PDF format for publication on the web. Otherwise, you are free to suggest any design changes you wish.

Your Assignment

To complete this case, perform the following tasks:

  1. Study Chapter 11 on page design and document design.
  2. Study Safety Report: Actions to Reduce Fatalities, Injuries, and Crashes Involving the Hard Core Drinking Driver. Pay particular attention to the following aspects of the report:
    • The design of the headings. How many levels of headings are contained in the report? Is each level designed effectively?
    • The design of the headers and footers. Are they attractive and functional?
    • The justification of the text. What kind of justification is used? How well does it work?
    • The design of the body paragraphs. What design is used? What are its strengths and weaknesses?
    • The design of the text boxes. What kinds of information are contained in text boxes? Do the text boxes help readers understand the report?
  3. Write a 1,000-word memo, addressed to your supervisor, presenting your findings. What are the main strengths and weaknesses of the current design? What changes would you recommend?