PURPOSE:
To effectively communicate with Blackberry users in instructing how to use BlackBerry Messenger.
AUDIENCE:
Individuals who use a BlackBerry for personal use and have not been introduced to Blackberry Messenger previously. Wide range of ages and backgrounds.
CONTEXT:
The instructions will be in print-out booklet form. Most likely received when inquiring to a service provider about working the application. Individuals will be accessing instructions once they are home, when they will have time to sit down and work through them.
STRATEGIES:
Will be in booklet form. Large point font. Step-by-step instructions. Important information at beginning of booklet. Pictures to coincide with steps. Embedded link to BlackBerry website? Wide ranging color scheme. Helpful tips section.
MEDIUM:
Booklet format. Readily available for service providers to hand out to customers.
ARRANGEMENT:
Title of instructions. Before you start FYI, compatibility requirements. Need to have section. Step-by-step instructions, starting with creating an account and moving into more complex things as steps progress.
TESTING:
Let a non BlackBerry user access a BlackBerry and see if they are able to successfully move through all the steps. Write down any issues or difficulty that was had with the instructions.
Feedback
I think both "Context" section is covered most thoroughly. The elements of the context are very simply stated, but precise and to the point. From personal experience with a Blackberry, I was in this exact situation- at home, alone, reading through a booklet.
I feel that the "medium" section was could have been a little more in depth. It is stated that booklet format will be used, but doesn't mention the finer details of the booklet. Maybe anserwing questions as to what size or type of paper the booklet will be made of, or the overall style of the booklet could help add detail to the plan.
This connects with my own design plan in the fact that it is focusing on making a complex action into a simple, user-friendly process. I also am thinking about using a booklet-format.
I think it would be interesting to see how this instruction set would change if the medium used was an interactive on-line program, that walked the customer through each step. Each step could have a "play" button underneath the instructions to play a video of the action on the screen. Personally, I feel that this would really help some of the customers at home who are a little more impatient and not as tech-savy than others.
Blackberry usage
The most thorough element is definitly your arrangement. You have it pretty clearly laid out what you will put and where. Very nice job.
The least thorough element is probably testing. You have a good way to test it but how will you find these people? Will you survey the class or friends or just approach people at random?
Your instruction set isn't really all that similar to mine. I am going to be communicating to children who probably don't know half of the words you will use in your instruction set.
Your instruction set would change if instead of a booklet you used a pamphlet. A pamphlet would have a very small amount of info compared to the booklet you describe. It also may not be as effective in educating your audience on how to use Blackberry Messenger.