UNIT 4: USERS & USER GUIDES Instructor: Stephanie Loomis Pappas

Agenda In tonight’s seminar, we will: Review upcoming assignments Define usability Develop usability tests Perform usability tests

Unit 4 Homework Reading Read Technical Writing Chapters 1 and 10 Discussion Review Technical Writing Chapter 17 and discuss usability testing Practice using the subject line to highlight contents Group Work Post and comment on comprehensive final project outlines Project Review Technical Writing Chapter 10 (especially p ) Part 1: Write instructions for one of the two scenarios in the directions OR your own topic Part 2: Write a 300-word reflection about what you learned

Ingredients Eggplants(Brinjal/Vashuthananga) Green chillies – As reqd Coriander leaves – A bunch Dry or Fresh Coconut – As reqd Salt – As reqd Turmeric powder – A pinch Chopali, S. (2010). Vankaya Kottimeera Kaaram Koora. Retrieved January 1, 2011 from

Steps 1.Cut brinjals into 4 sections taking off the stems into water. 2.Heat oil in a pan. 3.Add the brinjal pieces. 4.Grind together green chillies, coriander leaves, salt, turmeric powder and coconut. 5.Add this paste to the brinjals along with a little water. 6.Cover and cook until soft. 7.Garnish with a little coriander leaves. 8.Serve hot with rice. Chopali, S. (2010). Vankaya Kottimeera Kaaram Koora. Retrieved January 1, 2011 from

Usability Testing Usability is “the degree to which something…is easy to use and a good fit for the people who use it” (Usability Professionals’ Association, n.d.)

Useable communications are: 1.Effective—accuracy, especially when completing tasks 2.Efficient—speed, typically coupled with accuracy 3.Engaging—appeal, primarily visual design aspects 4.Error tolerant—reliable, reduced user-error potential 5.Easy to learn—intuitive, user quickly assimilates necessary skills and knowledge Martinez, D., Peterson, T., Wells, C., Hannigan, C., & Stevenson, C. (2008). Kaplan technical writing: a resource for technical writers at all levels. New York: Kaplan Publishing.

Usability Testing: Vankaya Kottimeera Kaaram Koora 1.Visit p?id=893&RecipeName=Vankaya%20 Kottimeera%20Kaaram%20Koora or use the link provided in the “links” section at the bottom left of your seminar screen. p?id=893&RecipeName=Vankaya%20 Kottimeera%20Kaaram%20Koora 2.Evaluate the directions based on the five criteria on the left of this slide.  Effective  Efficient  Engaging  Error tolerant  Easy to learn

Usability Testing: Thai Green Curry with Seafood 1.Visit ood/views/Thai-Green-Curry-with- Seafood or use the link provided in the “links” section at the bottom left of your seminar screen. ood/views/Thai-Green-Curry-with- Seafood Evaluate the directions based on the five criteria on the left of this slide.  Effective  Efficient  Engaging  Error tolerant  Easy to learn

Usability Testing 1.Visit omer_service/assembly/M/M pdf or use the link provided in the “links” section at the bottom left of your seminar screen. omer_service/assembly/M/M pdf 2.Evaluate the directions based on the five criteria on the left of this slide.  Effective  Efficient  Engaging  Error tolerant  Easy to learn

When should you conduct usability testing? 1.Before you write 2.Halfway through writing 3.Prior to release Martinez, D., Peterson, T., Wells, C., Hannigan, C., & Stevenson, C. (2008). Kaplan technical writing: a resource for technical writers at all levels. New York: Kaplan Publishing.

QUESTIONS?  Stick around after seminar  me at  Post your Questions to “Course Questions”