CisaleeBurgessEnglish6401

In my literature review, I will touch on some established principles of visual design in technical writing. These design choices are made so as not to overwhelm readers/users. When those principles are violated, readers/users can experience user-fatigue and eye strain with print and digital interfaces. This concept can then be carried forward into new areas of the print/digital landscape. I can then introduce how QR codes are "new terrain" for technical writers to consider. I will then be able to outline the QR code gap I’m interested in investigating. I want to explore what the saturation point of QR codes is for print and digital materials. How many are too many? Is the eye overwhelmed? Or is the user tired of having to interact? Or both? I’d then be able to explain the usability test I want to carry out to collect data. Tentative Sources Colombini, C. B., & Hum, S. (2017). Integrating quantitative literacy into technical writing instruction. Technical Communication Qua...

OVERTURE I want to be proficient at cultivating research that advances the field of Technical Writing and Digital Rhetoric. Though I haven't decided on an area of focus yet, I am open to writing a master's thesis since it would create a pathway for pursuing a doctorate later. Everything I learn in this class will be to my benefit in later coursework. The readings for Week 1 have led me to consider very different areas I could focus on.  The topics that interest me are QR codes, commercials, and manuals. QR CODES Last semester, I was investigating how QR codes could be implemented into history textbooks. I created an experimental chapter that used QR codes that provided various supplementary materials like concept maps, vocabulary terms, videos, and links to websites. As QR codes are relatively new in the United States (rather than Japan where they originated) and the versatility of QR codes continues to expand, there's plenty of space to explore for technical communicators....