Creating a good impression with the title page

Many people pay special attention to how an object appears when they take it in their hand
for the first time. This also applies to an instruction manual or guidebook. The title page has a
great impact on your first impression. There are specific guidelines for its typographic design.

Typographic design has special significance for that part of a technical document which is seen
first: the title page of the cover. The goal is to make it as advantageous as possible. The first
prerequisite for this is that only those components are shown on the title page that actually
belongs there. According to the formula "What and Who", the title page is an object that is
described inside the manual, and consists of an image with captions for the purpose and the
name of the product, as well as the identification of the manufacturing company through a logo
or emblem. Do not use any other data while designing the title page. Organizational or legal
data may as well be placed on the second cover page. But do not leave out color.
Some sample pages have been shown in the below sections. Some of these are actual title
pages of manuals, but with the names removed. The examples are intended to show design
options from the perspective of typography and based on the DIN A5 format.

The botched title page

Figure 1 shows a title page as it should not be. The idea has been implemented well to some
extent. A beam-like shaded area at the top and on the side, complemented by a shaded area
for the image has a high recall value. This can play an important role when these elements are
defined as a design requirement for a product series.

Fig. 1: A not very good example of a title page. Image: Manfred Siemoneit

However, the product has not been represented properly. The insignificant image has no
relation to the product value. To represent such an expensive item in such a simple way
provides no advertising for the manufacturer. Using the word "Washing machine"
(“Waschmaschine”) to identify the object uniquely is downright outrageous. Apart from that:
Why should the object be represented so small, when the area, which is intended for the
image, would allow a much larger representation? Anything that looks small and tiny is also
perceived as such. Similarly, the notes are also placed incorrectly. Where they would look
better is explained at the end of this article.

An alternative
The representation in Figure 2 is much better. The basic idea behind the design is retained, as
lines, shades and colors are the three design options with which text and images can be
represented.

Fig. 2: The basic idea is retained, but overall, the page has been extensively modified. Image:
Manfred Siemoneit

When designing a title page, it is advisable to use a colored product photograph. Whether the
product is photographed only from the front or as in our example, is ultimately decided by the
representation in other media, such as the Internet or in sales literature. A consistent
representation is decisive in achieving a high recall value.
A color other than grey brings conciseness to the design. Also, washing machines are usually
painted in light colors and the product is clearly emphasized by a dark background.
What has also changed is: The shades have an optically visible relationship with each other.
From a typographic point of view, this makes it easy on the eyes. The word "Instruction
manual" (“Gebrauchsanleitung”) was written in a tilted fashion and with the foot to the
outside. This suggests to the reader that it continues on the next page. Tilted lines are always
an interesting variant to display captions. Instead of using the inconspicuous "de" as the
country code, the title page had the internationally accepted form of the country code.

Interesting design - without text

Figure 3 has no text at all. Instead of the words "Instruction manual" or "Manual", a pictogram
that supposedly indicates commencement was used. The colored shades are suitable for
images. From a typographical point of view, the following should be considered while using
them: Never use the ratio of 1:1 for a two-tier area - that's boring. 2:5, 3:5 or 3:8 as shown
here, make the design interesting to look at.

Fig. 3: Title page with no text. Image: Manfred Siemoneit

An image doesn’t always need to be exactly in the middle. Images that are cut beyond the
format or motifs that are reproduced in part, like on this title page, make for an interesting
design. However, it should be noted that even if the motif is reproduced only partly, it should
still be recognizable.
To select the language, the title page has country codes. If the title page is used as an
interactive PDF, the technical editor can link the corresponding language version to the country
code.

Not always formal

It is quite possible to design a title page with humor, as shown in Figure 4 (Translation: “This
doesn’t need to be… …when using your vacuum cleaner correctly”) One thing is for sure in this
design: It is memorable because it is designed differently. But for the technical editor, this
would mean a cutback and moving away from conventional forms. The following should also be
borne in mind while making a humorous design: The inner contents must follow this direction,
without calling seriousness into question. This might be a devious idea for some editors, but it
can be quite effective in advertising and meets the taste of the users.
Fig. 4: Humorously designed title page with an alternative text suggestion. Image: Manfred
Siemoneit

Speaking of advertising, if a company decides on this form, then it must be done consistently.
Thus, creativity does not begin with the technical documentation, but right with the initial
activities of offering a product.
The picture shows the format divided into three shades. What is clearly evident is, color shades
are always a good recommendation for design, because they are striking and concise.

And without the title picture

For some products such as software, it is difficult to use pictures. Figure 5 shows an example of
how to illustrate the title lines thematically: The topic of "Diagnostic system for doctors" is
represented by a stethoscope. Many software products can be represented by characteristic
symbols. Image databases in the Internet can provide ideas.

Fig. 5: Title page with creatively integrated back page. Image: Manfred Siemoneit

It is important to note here that if the technical editor designs the front page with a colored
shade, then the outside back cover must also be similarly designed. It seems abrupt to the
reader if the color ends at the fold. By continuing the colored area, the editor can establish a
connection to the data that is on the outside back cover. It is advisable to edit the following
facts: company address, service address, probably reference to other products, and in-house
organizational data.

The title page in landscape format

So far, only the portrait format has been discussed. However, a landscape format can also be
used depending on the subject. Figure 6 shows this format very well in sync with the image
motif: as a colored image with an integrated, realistically depicted motif.

Fig. 6: Elaborately designed title page in landscape format. Image: MAN Truck & Bus AG, Service
Documentation SAWD

A landscape format offers other benefits over the portrait format, especially in the inner part.
While only two columns can be placed side by side in the portrait format DIN A5, three columns
are allowed in the landscape format. This has the advantage that shorter descriptions can be
set in the columns without wasting too much space. The rubricated character can thus be
clearly underlined, which makes reading easier. Apart from this, three-column design is always
more interesting than one or two columns, from a typographical point of view.
In terms of the layout work, both formats are equal.

Behind the title page

The second cover page is suited for legal information. This page should not be overlooked, as
printed documents are normally read from the cover page. The same applies for PDF
documents. Branches should therefore begin at the earliest in the table of contents that
precedes the text. In case of branches in foreign languages, it must be ensured that the text of
the second cover page is shown first. The alternative is: All languages are placed on the second
cover page. Copyright notices, safety tips or tips for using the manual are the most striking
parts of the second cover page.

Conclusion
Technical documentation mostly follows formal requirements; there is barely any place for
creativity. The title page is an exception which can impress customers with its inventive design.
The aim is to attract the customer even as he holds the manual in his hand for the first time.
Finally, every technical editor must realize that an attractive title page cannot outweigh the
typographical weaknesses of the inner contents.

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