UI/UX reaction

For the redesign project, I really liked Soah's group project of Pita Pete's. First of all I have gone in there and just thought I need to get out because it seemed gross and very unappealing. The food was excellent, but the inside was very off putting. The first thing about the presentation was how Soah incorporated the story telling aspect. Seems she had the same experience I did. After describing their dislikes in detail, they showed what they wanted the restaurant to look like using a software system Alec picked. When I saw their final project, I was surprised how detailed and different it looked. Since Pita pete's is a healthy restaurant, it is is only fitting that the inside looks fresh and clean. I really liked how modern they made it. The grey wooden flooring was very elegant, but also homey. The  stainless steel high tables made it look very edgy and modern but very appealing. I was a big fan of the lighting because in the old Pita Petes it's fluorescent lighting and just seemed harsh and not natural. Out of all the groups, even mine, their group actually found a budget for the restaurant. That is a huge detail a lot of us left out. Overall the group incorporated traits that make me want to dine in Pita Pete's and presented in a professional manner.

My thoughts on Procedural Rhetoric Project

I really enjoyed the presentations from the procedural rhetoric project. Before this project, I never really understood how hard it was to give simple instructions effectively. The fact was that it may make complete sense in your head, but baffle your audience. I was at a complete lose on how to project simple instructions to people who have never changed their oil, while I have done it multiple times. There needs to be such detail and clarity when explaining the instructions that the tiniest detail, if not told, could have a negative impact down the road. I learned to simplify instructions, not to leave out crucial but small details, and to always try to see the point from the audience. Because I did this project, I have become more aware of poor instructions and find myself critiquing the instructions and thinking how I would change them. I’ve come to the realization that if I am frustrated with the instructions, that does not mean I am to blame. It is the instructions that did not effectively tell me how to do something.

I really enjoyed Maria’s and Matti’s presentation. It was a coincidence that I was having a lot of trouble picking my classes for next semester and their instructions really helped me. Since MYNIU has changed, I feel a lot of people are confused and lost on how to navigate it, so their instructions were very helpful to me. I found “essential knowledge” presentations like Jacob’s CPR and Alec’s groups project on how to change tires to be very useful and gave me important insight on how to preform those essential tasks.

I voted!!!!

One aspect about this class was the incorporation of storytelling. I really enjoyed the short Vimeo movie "I wish to say". I always thought technical as a "get to the point" word , but being in this class i learned  its about how well you present your message to the viewer. Storytelling is a perfect way to connect with the viewer or reader. I loved Sheryl's storytelling and how she came up with this creative idea and how she executed it. I really enjoyed the people's response in the movie. I feel this country is super frustrated and feel their voice isn't being heard and this creative idea let the public voice their opinion. I applaud Sheryl on her storytelling technique because it captivated me right from the beginning. It may also have helped that I am obsessed with politics. Very much would recommend to a friend.

Reframing:

1. Over the course of the class my view of technical writing has changed from business like papers to just simply being able to convey your message or idea effectively. Whether it be a webpage to a book, any person who efficiently portrays their ideas are effective technical communicators. I know its exact definition is to covey scientific, engineering, and technical information, but as were going through class, I am learning there are many ways to relate that information such as storytelling.

2. Storytelling has an element most humans react the most to: Emotions! Storytelling could help connect the reader more to the message or idea. There are many examples for writers using stories to get their point across because it puts their ideas into an example. People respond to storytelling more because its interesting and captivates them. Instead of being all serious with technical writing, a writer could insert a story to intrigue and relate to the readers. Plus everyone loves stories!

3. Like stated before, storytelling very much relates to the readers more and gives a softer tone. When the commands sound very authoritative, people may respond in defense or simply just not understand. With a storytelling viewpoint, the tone is less harsh and makes the reader at ease. People could better understand it because storytelling connects the concept with examples.

4.I believe present and deliver are the most important for a technical communicator because the way you present the information is vital. The campus signage project taught us that the placement of everything matters in posters and signs. Also the way people present their ideas really can have an impact on how people will absorb the information. If you are very enthusiastic about your idea, that energy will rub off on the crowd and then they will be hyped up. If your very monotone and unenthusiastic, the crowd will most likely shut you out. It’s all about delivery and presentation. One could be talking about Styrofoam, but if they know effective ways of communicating it, people will be intrigued. If you ask me the business world needs some of this storytelling.

The original design: The poster was very bland and had no motivational spirit to it



The final design: The Silhouette gives it a fierce look and a sense of spirit

All the information can be put in a QR code and the information will pop right up on your phone instead of having to go on the website.

PG 16 Exercise #1

When viewing Northern Illinois University website, I found they achieve technical communication skills through their clarity, accessibility, and professional appearance. On the first page there are links to events on campus and links to most visited pages on the website. The page isn’t cluttered with too many tabs and is very simple in creativity. The simplicity helps the professional appearance aspect and doesn’t bombard the viewer. In the center of the page are some students and pictures of the campus. People are very drawn to photos and is a good advertisement opportunity to show off the facility.

As you venture farther into the website, you will see there are tabs that link to other pages. The tabs are very general but are the most visited parts of the site. For any specific questions, the viewer can utilize their search bar. For me websites with search bars are kings of accessibility because I don’t want to go through every page to find what I’m looking for. I want fast access. Along with accessibility, As soon as you type NIU, the schools main website pops up which.

As for clarity, NIU website gets straight the the point and uses simple words. For many international students or non-English speaking people, this could help them better navigate the website. Each page is very well detailed and clear on their points. There is no unnecessary information on the pages.

The NIU website is very professional but seems to have character to it. It is very orientated towards teens and college kids. There are social media links and information on current students.

All together NIU website has effective technical communication skills and entices people to explore it more.