English 421Y: Technical Writing Online

As with almost any paper that is written, research must be done. There are certain steps that should be followed to make the entire process of researching and writing go smoothly. After solidifying a topic and hypothesis, I like to create an outline of the paper so that I know every subject that needs to be covered. Next, I gather as much reliable information on my topic as possible and read through it. All relevant information or data is compiled in a text file on a computer or on paper if no computer is accessible.

I have never heard of the term “white paper” before this project, although I have read quite a few. From just reading the phrase “white paper,” I figured it to be some kind of unbiased government research paper. Reading “The Steak behind the Sizzle”, by Elissa Miller, shed a lot of light on this type of document. Miller does a great job explaining what a white paper is, in a white paper, and even subtly plugging her own company at the same time.

These instructions will be in landscape format. Each page, except the Fermentation Data page, will be laminated to prevent the instructions from being ruined while brewing.

Beginner Instructions Here:
http://drop.io/HomeBrew/asset/homebrewing-beginner-pdf

My instructions are for brewing a California IPA (India Pale Ale, a fairly bitter beer). These instructions are still incomplete due to fermentation lasting for about two weeks (should be ready this Thursday for bottling). I am trying to place as many detailed, but to the point steps in as possible for the inexperienced brewer. I have attached many visuals to aid in the process. I will also be taking quite a few more as I finish up the instructions as well as attempting to replace some blurry ones.

Usability is a very important part in today’s society. I would even venture to say it has become excessive. Sure, in most aspects the usability of objects or features is vital to the consumer, but there comes a time where people take it too far. There were quite a few examples of “bad designs” where I thought that people just took too far. For example, airpark, the airport parking codes.

Font is Franklin Gothic Medium
Headers will be green, rest of text will be black.
Equipment and ingredients will be in list form with appropriate pictures.
Instructions will be in steps with pictures.
Layout will be landscape with a binding across the top.

When reading something or listening to a visual presentation, my interest and comprehension are heavily determined by the design and layout of the visuals. Something that is poorly designed can be hard to understand and will not hold the attention of its readers *cough Thompson Handbook cough*.

Honestly, I think the Thompson Handbook is a mess. There is just way too much going on to stay focused on one thing at a time. Maybe that was a point of having us read those chapters though.

For my instructions project, I have decided to brew a batch of beer. This instructional process will cater to people looking into brewing their own beer, or a novice attempting to expand their knowledge. I will include a list of required tools, equipment, ingredients and an outline of the process. From these instructions I hope to encourage people to try brewing their own beer as well as give tips and tricks to help improve the batch.