Document Density

Section 1.4.4

Document Density

Document density refers to the amount, type, detail, complexity, and rate of information presented to the reader. The density appropriate to any document is determined by its audience and the ways in which the audience will use it. Matching the density of information to your audience is crucial for the success of any technical document. The following table presents some general guidelines.

Guidelines for Document Density

Feature of Document	Expert	Managerial	Layperson
Introductions	Technical	Problem/solution	Relevance
Math models	OK	Avoid	Avoid
Equations	OK	Keep simple or avoid	Avoid
Graphics	Detailed, analytical	Simple, presentational	General illustrative
Detail level	Accurate, numerical	General, accurate	Simple, narrative
Technical terms	Expert, technical	Administrative	General, illustrative
Emphasis	Analysis	Operations, costs	Informational, interest

See Examples of Document Density.