National Occupational Standards
This unit describes the competence required from technical communicators
when designing a page layout for a technical publication. Technical communicators
have to confirm the purpose and scope of the technical publication, and identify
the components that should be included on particular pages. They then have
to design a page structure that can deliver the content and use the available
space effectively. In addition, technical communicators have to design the
style of the page, in line with the overall style of the technical publication.
Information on the design has to be recorded and passed to the appropriate
people.
Evidence Requirements
Evidence of performance and knowledge is required. Evidence of performance
should be demonstrated by activities and outcomes, and should be generated
during the course of normal activities, unless indicated under Assessment
Methods (see below). Evidence of knowledge can be demonstrated through performance
or by responding to questions. A variety of assessment methods can be used
(see below).
Quantity and scope of evidence:
Evidence should show that the candidate can undertake this unit consistently
over a suitable period. The number of times, or the amount of experience,
cannot be specified in detail. However, it is important that the candidate
provides performance evidence of having undertaken this unit a minimum of
two times. Further guidance will be developed during the implementation of
the qualifications.
Assessment methods:
A number of assessment methods are listed below. The ticks and crosses indicate
which methods are or are not recommended. However, these are recommendations,
and this is not a list of sanctioned or prohibited methods: it is up to individual
assessors to determine which assessment methods are suitable in individual
cases. In addition, other assessment methods might be appropriate. Further
guidance will be developed during the implementation of the qualifications.
Recommended Assessment Methods |
|
|
|
direct observation of the candidate by the assessor |
x |
outputs (eg publications) produced by the candidate in their normal activities |
√ |
outputs (eg publications) produced by the candidate as special exercises |
√ |
supporting documents (eg memos, notes, correspondence) |
√ |
responses to questions from the assessor |
√ |
written answers to questions |
x |
testimony of others who have witnessed the candidate achieving the standards |
√ |
Evidence Guidance
Examples of Evidence:
- Direct evidence
- Correspondence with the client
- Notes on the designs
- Organisational records
- Page designs
- Supplementary evidence
- Contract/order notes/job sheet
- Correspondence, memos, faxes, and e-mail
- Design specification for technical publication
- Information notes provided by the client
- Technical specifications
Key words in this unit that can be found in the glossary:
- content
- designs
- information
- information systems
- methods for creating the page layout
- page
- page components
- people
- style
- technical publication
- users
You must be able to:
- Confirm the purpose and scope of the technical publication
- Identify the page components that could be used
- Identify suitable methods for creating the page layout
- Decide on the most effective use of space on the page
- Determine the dimensions and relative position of each page component
- Exchange information on the structure of the page with the relevant people
- Ensure the structure of the page achieves the specified objectives of
the technical publication
You must be able to apply knowledge of:
- Page components
- what are the page components that could be used
- how the page components should relate to each other
- Structure of the page
- how the use of space affects the readability of the page
- what are the conventions for positioning different types of page component
- which people require information on the structure, and who should
provide feedback on it
You must be able to:
- Identify the types of response from different users to different styles
- Identify the styles that could be used
- Select the most appropriate style to enhance the effectiveness of the
technical publication
- Specify clearly the style of the page components
- Exchange information with the relevant people on the style of the page
- Ensure the style of the page achieves the specified objectives of the
technical publication
- Record information on designs in the appropriate information systems
You must be able to apply knowledge of:
- Page components
- what are the page components that could be used
- how the page components should relate to each other
- Styles
- what are the styles that could be used with different types of technical
publication
- which people require information on the style, and who should provide
feedback on it
- how styles can affect the way the content is delivered
- how to use style templates
- Information systems
- which systems should be used
- why it is important to use the systems correctly
© Crown Copyright, 1999,
© Publishing Training Centre, 1999,
© ISTC, The Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators, 1999 |
