Procedure Description Procedure: Events that produce a predictable outcome Examples: Requesting vacation days, manufacturing an engine part, discipline for sexual harassment, balancing a checkbook A procedure description informs by helping the reader understand what happens or what should happen.

Instructions Different from a procedure description Instructions inform by explaining how to perform a procedure Examples: product manuals, assembly instructions, “how-to” instructions, assignments Instructions also persuade readers. How?

Instructions General Instructions—instructions that explain how to perform a generic procedure Specific Instructions—instructions that explain how to perform a procedure under conditions involving particular equipment, surroundings, or other such variables Trimming a hedge vs. using a 22-inch Craftsman Bushwacker electric hedge trimmer Changing a tire vs. changing a tire on a 2012 Toyota Corolla

Instructions: Components Brief introduction explaining the purpose and importance of the procedure List of materials, equipment, tools, and skills required Actual instructions: numbered, step-by-step, detailed explanation of how to perform the procedure Typically, one or more visuals for clarification Brief conclusion, if needed.

Instructions: Guidelines Use short, simple commands that start with a verb. Avoid “recipe shorthand” that omits small words such as a, an, and the. Separate steps unless closely related or simultaneous. Try to avoid more than about nine steps at a time. Use subdivisions for complicated or long steps

Example: http://www.ehow.com/how_2258249_make-ladder-golf-game.html 3. Use a T-connector to connect two more 2-foot sections of pipe, so that the T-connector is in the center of the pipes with the open end of the T-connector facing up. Do this again to make a second piece. Add 1-foot sections to either end using elbow connectors. This is the base that will support the ladder form.

Use a T-connector to connect two more 2-foot sections of pipe, so that the T-connector is in the center of the pipes with the open end of the T-connector facing up. Repeat this step to make a second piece. Add 1-foot sections to either end using elbow connectors. NOTE: This is the base that will support the ladder form.

Make the base of the ladder form. a. Use a T-connector to connect two more 2-foot sections of pipe, so that the T-connector is in the center of the pipes with the open end of the T-connector facing up. b. Repeat this step to make a second piece. c. Add 1-foot sections to either end using elbow connectors.

Instructions: Avoiding Liability Note, caution, warning, and danger Note—alerts to information that will make the procedure easier or more efficient (Blue) Caution—alerts to risk of equipment failure or damage (Yellow) Warning—alerts to possible equipment damage, serious injury, or death (Orange) Danger—alerts to probable serious injury or death (Red) ANSI (American National Standard Institute) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

Usability Testing Testing the effectiveness of a document (such as instructions) based on readers’ use of the document Is the document useful? Does it enable users to do what they need to do? Result: Writers can improve the document based on user needs and experiences.

Guiding Principles The users (readers) drive what is “right” for instructions. What is clear to the writer may not be clear to the users. Be open to input and suggestions and resist the temptation to argue the point. Evaluate the input and suggestions and revise as needed.