1. Writing User-Friendly Instructions

2. You’ll have 4 sets of readings World Wide Web site (click here for access)World Wide Web site an instruction checklist (below)

3. You’ll have 4 sets of readings 3 sets of student-written instructions (see the starting page for lesson 7) Microsoft Word Helpful Hints (see the starting page for the Instruction lesson )

4. Instruction Checklist

5. Use this list to help you write effective instructions. This list also contains my grading criteria.

6. Title Clear Precise Limiting

7. Vague title: "Changing a Flat Tire" Precise title: "Changing a Flat Tire on a Toyota Corolla, 1994-1998"

8. Introduction states your purpose establishes the parameters--what the instructions will or will not include

9. Introduction explains the benefits to the user--a sales pitch to use the instructions previews upcoming information

10. Introduction estimates the time needed to complete the steps informs the reader of any special circumstances

11. Example introduction Find the introduction Find all of the parts of the introduction

12. List of materials / tools contains some introductory text uses a list format

13. Steps Include only one verb per step Every sentence within your steps should have a number or a bullet

14. Steps Number each step--every sentence that is giving a command Bullet all informational sentences--every sentence that is not giving a command

15. Steps Include all steps--don't leave any out List all steps in chronological order

16. Steps Place the most important information first within the step Make all instructions thorough

17. Steps Use examples where needed

18. Steps Group related instructions into subgroups with headings –each subgroup should begin with #1

19. Steps Show the relationships between steps in cases of danger or intricate operations

20. Warnings Warn of danger to persons or property

21. Warnings place them immediately before the step to which the warning relates

22. Warnings Make them visually prominent, with borders, colors, symbols, etc.

23. Warnings include a thorough explanation of the warning

24. Cautions state precautions to avoid injuries, problems, etc.

25. Cautions place them immediately before the step

26. Cautions are visually prominent with borders, colors, symbols, etc.

27. Cautions include a thorough explanation

28. Notes and / or Hints state helpful information

29. Notes and / or Hints place them appropriately –sometimes before a step –sometimes after a step

30. Notes and / or Hints make them visually prominent

31. Conclusion provide a sense of closure, reassurance, congratulations

32. Conclusion describe the results

33. Conclusion make it a paragraph--not another step

34. Conclusion may explain the maintenance of the product

35. Accurate audience analysis appropriate language level/specialized terms

36. Accurate audience analysis appropriate examples used

37. Accurate audience analysis ample detail given

38. Accurate audience analysis adequate background given

39. Accurate audience analysis determine how the readers will use this document

40. Accurate audience analysis determine the actual setting of the users

41. Effective presentation Audience Setting

42. Size, Shape, & Form 8.5" x 11" poster Video (turn in the script, too) website anything your skill and creativity tell you would be effective

43. $$$$$$ $$$ Expense? $$$ Laminated? Enlargements? Photographs? Sticky-note policy

44. Effective format single space within steps double space between steps

45. Effective format do not continue a step or an illustration onto a new page –no widows or orphans

46. Effective format number the steps

47. Effective format each numbered step should contain only one sentence

48. Effective format bulleted informational sentences may contain more than one sentence, but only if they contain one main idea

49. Effective format inviting, persuasive, user-friendly appearance

50. Effective format use effective white space: keep it uncluttered

51. Effective format access should be easy in, easy out

52. Headings use headings to divide major steps from sub- steps use left hanging headings

53. Headings use specific words for headings use verb-based headings

54. Fonts Attractive, readable font for text –nothing distracting or hard to read –no courier

55. Fonts More creative font for headings –Free fonts on the Internet –Google: “free fonts”

56. Fonts Bell Bottom JetSetSSK, 123 Paper Bag

57. Style clear language simple language

58. Style Articles used –the, an, a –If you can't tell where you need to use an article, read your instructions aloud. If you sound like a robot, then add the article.

59. Style imperative mood –a command Turn on the switch

60. Style maintain nomenclature –always refer to the same item by the same name

61. Style Concise Active voice Precise language Unambiguous language

62. Sentence Structure short, direct sentences similar sentence structure strong verbs, usually at the beginning of sentences

63. Illustrations Useful Placed adjacent to the instruction

64. Illustrations referred to in the text –“Place the bricks side by side, as shown in Figure 14. Placing the Bricks”

65. Illustrations Accurate

66. Illustrations numbered and labeled as an illustration –Figure 1. Sandblasting

67. Illustrations label the parts of the visual

68. Illustrations note any differences between visual and reality

69. Illustrations reinforce visually the verbal information

70. Illustrations used at each opportunity

71. Illustrations add color

72. Illustrations line drawings preferable to fuzzy photographs

73. User testing test your instructions on the actual users revise problem areas