For my research project, I decided to discuss how document design is related to technical writing. I wanted to focus on the CRAP principles (contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity) as well as how readability, accessibility, and usability tie into it all. When researching this topic, I mostly found articles on how the CRAP principles are related to graphic design rather than writing itself. I felt that if I wanted more technical writing focused research, I had to look for google sources rather than sources from our school's data base. I think the research gap could be more focused on how design is applicable to writers as it is to designers. We've moved into a digital era where hardly anything is print based. Document design has become very important to writers, and I think that that should be reflected more in studies.
What I've learned about developing a research study is that it takes a lot of time and planning. It's not just something that you can come up with the day before it's due. Time management and planning out what you're going to do, how, and when is so important. It's taught me that I cannot be the procrastinator that I've always been. I've just been getting by by the skin of my teeth by doing everything last minute. I need to start planning and time managing better.
Hi, Sam! I'm glad you're doing research on the CRAP principles. I, too, believe these principles should be applied to the writing content, as opposed to just the graphic design aspect of it. I look forward to seeing where your research leads to.
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