Creating Reader-Centered Instructions

Parameters of the Assignment Your instructions can be in a variety of formats. Web Page PDF Interactive Slides Traditional Manual

Communication Element Elements of Instructions Readers’ Questions Will these instructions help me? How can I use them effectively? Communication Element Introduction

Communication Element Elements of Instructions (Cont.) Readers’ Question What do I need to complete this task? Communication Element Description of process/hardware/software

Communication Element Elements of Instructions (Cont.) Communication Element List of Materials and Equipment Needed Readers’ Question What material and equipment should I collect before I begin?

Communication Element Elements of Instructions (Cont.) Readers’ Question Once I’m ready to start, what—exactly—do I do? Communication Element Directions

Communication Element Elements of Instructions (Cont.) Graphics Use appropriate graphics for your instructions. These may include, but are not limited to, screen shots, icons, flowcharts, photographs, or illustrations. Communication Element Directions

Communication Element Elements of Instructions (Cont.) Communication Element Troubleshooting Readers’ Question Something isn’t working correctly. How can I fix it?

Ensures your instructions will be understood by your readers. Testing Your Instructions Usability Test Ensures your instructions will be understood by your readers.

Usability Test – Who attends? Testing Your Instructions (Cont.) Usability Test – Who attends? At least one of your potential readers – optimally several of your readers.

Testing Your Instructions (Cont.) The Usability Report Write a usability test report to go along with your instructions. This is required for the assignment. If you have never written one before, you can find a variety of examples in the resources of this supplemental lecture.

For more information: Read the chapter in the Anderson text. Look over the resources I provide with this lecture.