InfoD: Distinguishing different types of information

[Barry Glasford]

   * Distinguishing different types of information *   (question)

     message by:  Barry Glasford


I am hunting for a method of visually distinguishing different types 
of information (helpful hints, references, nice-to-knows, etc.) for 
users. We have traditionally placed the majority of these types of 
information in the body of the text. Notes appear in a box with a 
different type face; Cautions and/or Warnings also appear in a box, 
with a different typeface and with the appropriate graphic of the  
ANSI [American National Standards Institute]. Graphics in the margin 
may serve as navigation aids. For example, we occasionally use a 
'HelpfulHint' graphic - a piece of paper with a thumbtack stiking 
into it - in the margin.

What have other people used to present these types of information 
to their readers? Has there been any research or study done on what 
kind of visual cues help people navigate though paper documents? 
Are there examples of what other people have done?

Thanks,

Barry Glasford
Technical Information Product Developer
Marquette Medical Systems, Cardiology Division, Milwaukee, USA


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