Technical Instructions ENGL 3100 Dr. Shelley Thomas

Overview General Requirements Task Analysis (in class 9/29) Technical Instructions (final product DUE 10/13)

General Requirements Select a topic that has at least 3 to 5 sets of steps Document a technical procedure for an identifiable group that would want or need detailed instructions Use only original text for this assignment

General Requirements (con’t) All of these documents are due with the final product: –A brief cover memo introducing the project and its components (at least 1 page) –The task analysis (outline) –The final, printed set of instructions

Task Analysis Provides a detailed outline from which to develop the document Clearly states the goal for each step Provides the start state and end state for each step –Start state – the conditions that need to exist before the step is performed –End state – the outcome of the step

Task Analysis (con’t) Graphics –Insert placeholders for appropriate graphics –Gives an indication where graphics will be needed

Example Task Analysis Topic: Checking in Hotmail Audience/User: New Hotmail account holders Scope: Checking (only) Materials: Computer with internet connection and Internet Explorer

Example Task Analysis (con’t) Goal of Step 1 (Open Browser) –User needs to access the Hotmail homepage Start State –User has access to a running computer with an internet connection End State –User has successfully accessed the Hotmail home page Graphics –Screenshot of the Address line and screen shot of the Hotmail homepage

Example Task Analysis (con’t) Goal of Step 2 (Sign in) –Successfully sign in to Hotmail Start State –User has the Hotmail home page up End State –User has successfully signed in to her hotmail account Graphics –Screenshot (close-up or callout) of sign in

Figure 1..Net Passport Sign In Enter Password Click to Sign In

Example Task Analysis Repeat the Goal, Start State, End State, and Graphics for each step within the task

Format for Instructions Clear introduction (see Anderson ) Presented step-by-step –Numbered –Sufficient detail –Imperative mood –Appropriate graphics Conclusion (see Anderson 567)