1. Creating Reader-Centered Instructions

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

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

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

5. 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?

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

7. 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

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

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

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

11. 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.

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