Archive for category Trial graphics
How to: Transform Mediocre Graphics into Effective Trial Visuals
Posted by Joseph Ficocello in Graphics, Trial graphics on August 5, 2009
The first thumbnail image above (click to view larger) is a graphic that was created for use in the U.S. House of Representatives. If you’ve ever watched C-SPAN, you are probably familiar with the graphics created and developed on behalf of the U.S. Congress. These images are intended to serve as a visual aid to complex material, and are hopefully geared toward educating anyone, regardless of their achieved level of academia, cultural background, ethnicity or native language. The graphic depicts a visually confusing pattern of shapes, colors and clip art that are intended to educate an individual about the Democrats’ recent plan for healthcare reform. Personally, I believe it does not accomplish this objective (unless the goal is to be confusing) for a variety of reasons. Visuals are a common thread within litigation, and given the diversity of most juries, emphasis is placed on how well the argument is packaged as much as the actual substance. As trial consultants and professionals retained to educate jurors with the same mass appeal of Congressional graphics, how do we transform a mediocre graphic into an effective visually appealing representation? Read the rest of this entry »
How to: Draw a timeline in PowerPoint 2007
Posted by Joseph Ficocello in Microsoft PowerPoint, Timelines, Trial graphics on June 5, 2009
A timeline is intended to demonstrate a series of entries across a range or specified duration. It doesn’t have to be fancy, the goal is for it to be effective.
Ideally, the overall message of the information should be drawn, either directly or implicitly, from the content presented within the boundaries of the timeline. Every area of the law can benefit in one way or another from the presentation of case related events in a visual form, and a timeline can be an excellent choice for condensing time-related information. Fortunately, accomplishing this task doesn’t require a Master’s in Fine Art or software that costs a small fortune. Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 can empower any user, regardless of their comfort level with design or the facts they seek to express, and can assist in creating a visually appealing “infographic.”
In this article, we will explore the resources you need to develop a basic timeline within PowerPoint, as well as a step-by-step guide which demonstrates how to create a simple and effective product. While this timeline might not have all of the “bells and whistles” that we might normally use during a trial, it is geared toward showcasing the extensibility of PowerPoint in creating a timeline that could be used for any occasion, from a trial or mediation to a Markman hearing. Read the rest of this entry »
Trial Graphics: 7 Ways to Draw a Timeline
Posted by Joseph Ficocello in Graphics, Software, Timelines, Trial Presentation, Trial graphics on April 7, 2009
A timeline can be a clarifying force within any case. How the facts evolved, represented in a visual form over a specific time frame, can assist a Judge, Jury or Mediator/Arbitrator in understanding why the parties are seeking a resolution. Contrary to popular belief, the only requirement of a timeline is that it be easy to understand. But, how do we actually create a timeline and what software can be used to accomplish this endeavor? There are 7 solutions, each with their own pros and cons, which can satisfy the need in a, well, timely fashion. Read the rest of this entry »
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