This chapter has focused on extending the basic notions of collaboration and workflow first introduced in Chapter five. The discussion first centered on the use of computer-aided visualization (CAV) to explore ideas, enhance the decision-making process through communication and persuasion, and as the common means of implementing strategies through project documentation. It did this by identifying six types of e-graphics most commonly used to produce EDP work. These included:

• Digital photography

• Digital sketching

• Color rendering of bitmap images

• Vector illustrations

• 3D modeling

• Visual simulation

After providing numerous examples of these six types of e-graphics common to EDP work, the emphasis was shifted to crafting the e-graphics experience. This is a complex issue with chicken-and-egg problems. Digital graphics can be used in many different ways, but the ways they are to be used influence how the graphics are prepared in the first place. This shifted to a discussion of composite assemblies. These were identified as:

• Poster-size prints

• Publication-size documents

• Electronic presentations

• Web pages

This led to a discussion of the limitations and production issues associated with producing content for digital presentations, electronic projection, and printing. The final focus of the chapter was on managing digital work in progress.

This chapter has covered a wide range of topics affecting the use of e-graphics by EDP practitioners. The good news is that this is a tremendously powerful and flexible tool for communicating EDP content. The bad news is that, as useful as this methodology is, it comes at a price. E-graphics demands...