2. ECS 3390University of Texas at Dallas1 Activity: Designing Assembly Instructions for a Vacuum Cleaner Click on the audio symbol below to begin.

3. ECS 3390 University of Texas at Dallas 2 Designing Assembly Instruction for a Vacuum Cleaner Summary In Chapter 15 of Finkelstein’s Pocket Book of Technical Writing you learned that in the design and use of visuals, you should: Use only when you have sufficient reason to do so Be sure to reference a visual in text discussion prior to its placement in a report or instructions Number and title all visuals Ensure all visuals clarify or enhance the text and are properly integrated Document when they contain copyrighted information or represent borrowed ideas. Assignment Using the principles in Chapter 10 on instructions and in Chapter 15 on visuals, design instructions for assembling a vacuum cleaner. Use the unstructured text on the next slide for your instructions. Apply structure, including headings and order to your design. Add visuals, as appropriate. Make your design clear so that your instructions are usable for a person assembling the vacuum. Ensure that any visuals you include are used appropriately. You may use clip art, pictures from the web, or your own sketches in your visuals. Submission and Deadline Submit your completed assignment in WebCT by the date and time specified in the syllabus.

4. ECS 3390 University of Texas at Dallas 3 Designing Assembly Instruction for a Vacuum Cleaner Unstructured Text To Be Used In Assignment Assembling vacuum cleaner It is extremely important to read and follow all the instruction steps in order. If you need assistance with any step of the assembly, call 1-800-123-1234 for an automated referral of authorized service outlet locations (U.S. only). Visit us online at www.vacuumsrus.com to find the service outlet nearest you and click on the “Service outlet nearest you.”www.vacuumsrus.com This cleaner is intended for household use. Carton contents Remove all parts from carton and identify each item. Note that some of the items are shipped together in the sealed bag with the owner’s manual. Step 1 Assemble handle. Place upper and lower handle parts of vacuum on a flat surface, aligning rod sections. With hands on sides of parts, push them together until they “click” and rod sections lock together. Step 2 Attach cord. With side marked “UP” visible, insert large rectangular end of cord into pocket in bottom of handle. Make sure rectangular end is pushed down into the handle as far as possible. Slide cord protector. Rotate cord protector on cord until you see its arrow. With arrow on chord protector pointing toward arrow on upper handle, press groove in cord protector into slot in upper handle. Step 3 Attach handle. Pull cord tight. Press cord into place at each of the three notches indicated on the vacuum. With printed side of bracket facing up, slide rails on bracket onto rails on lower handle until bracket snaps past the lock tab. Your vacuum cleaner is ready for service. Do not plug in vacuum cleaner until assembly is totally complete.

5. ECS 3390 University of Texas at Dallas 4 Designing Assembly Instructions for a Vacuum Cleaner Additional Resources Although you will not likely want to use most of the visual categories (such as bar charts or line graphs) in your design of vacuum cleaner instructions, the web site below provides good examples of the types of visuals Finkelstein referenced in Chapter 15: http://www.engl.niu.edu/wac/visuals.htm References Finkelstein, L. (2008). Pocket Book of Technical Writing for Engineers and Scientists. New York: McGraw-Hill. Northern Illinois University Writing Across the Curriculum Web site, http://www.engl.niu.edu/wac/visuals.htm. http://www.engl.niu.edu/wac/visuals.htm