The Technology of Text

Book excerpt: Abstract: Techniques for designing and developing text materials are described and elaborated for text development technologists. This book focuses on 2 broad categories of techniques for structuring textual materials, termed "implicit" (e.g.: discourse analysis, elaboration theory) and "explicit" (e.g.: algorithms, tables, diagrams) techniques. Implict techniques are concerned with the structure of the content and sequencing of the message; explicit techniques display the structure of the message. The 4 sections of the book address; implicit communication techniques; explicit textual design; specific design problems; and how individuals differentially interact with text materials, ranging from printed matter to television projections. (wz).