Reading 9: Part 1

Advertising from the desktop

by Floyd, E and Wilson, L, 1994

Brochures
Good and bad document designs affect the functions and effectiveness of a brochure.
The regular design is an 8 ½ x 11 inch pamphlet- style brochure (Floyd, E & Wilson, L, 1994). However, there are different sizes of brochures that are commonly used. It is advisable to design brochures that can be fit into standard-size envelopes since custom-made envelopes are expensive. Preprinted brochure shells save the trouble of creating template for brochures. Floyd and Wilson (1994) stated that brochures are designed to last at least a year. This would save budget and the money could be invested in other areas. According to Floyd & Wilson (1994), use only two typefaces throughout the document, one for body content and another for headline. Eye-catching and important information should be placed on the inside flap panel because that is a high-visibility spot. Clear and specific information is important to pitch targeted readers. Brochures are also used as a response tool with reply slips included in the one of the panels. (Floyd, E & Wilson, L, 1994)

In my opinion, standardize font type and font size is a significant element in designing brochures. Applying too many typefaces in a brochure or the use of inappropriate font type affects readability. Hence, the brochure fails to convey its message.
Placement of graphics and text is important as well. Too many visuals caused the brochures to be overloaded. Images have to be chosen carefully so that accurate information could be delivered to the target public.
A brochure’s design may have an impact to the impression of related organization. Thus, brochure serves as an important publicity tool.