The video about Google docs was a good example of instruction because it used such simple language and enforced everything with a visual representation. Many people wouldn’t even realize that there were now 4 copies of a document that they had just sent out as an attachment. But after seeing this video, I’m sure that they could see the problem with using email attachments and the benefits of using Google docs.
Chapter 19 focuses on concrete, yet accessible descriptions. For example, the Segway description found on the product website, several in-depth technical descriptions is followed up with metaphors that the average reader would find helpful in understanding. Recently I was reading about how much power certain motors have and I wanted a way to be able to gauge the power rating in relation to the power of motors on products that I already know. It would’ve helped if something like ‘this many hp would typically be used to propel a 300 pound adult’ or something of the sort.
One frustrating thing that I have found about technical instructions is that often, even though the game changes a little bit, the instructions don’t change as well. For example, if icons change from one edition of a game to another on a video game system, instructions for the earlier edition aren’t changed to match. Therefore, if you are trying to follow them based on pictures, you often don’t have the correct pictures to look at. If the people writing the instructions and producing the game did some simple usability testing, it seems that this problem would be resolved.
In terms of the story about Ryan and the difference between systems-centered and user-centered instructions, I agreed with the blog saying that the instructions need to account for audience. For example, if a person who was really good with cars was changing the oil, he or she probably wouldn’t even need the directions in the first place. So the instructions should be written in the most explicit way possible for someone who doesn’t know much at all about cars.
Problem 3: Instructions are unappealing really hit home with me. I get something that I am excited about putting together only to open up the instruction booklet and see the tiny font that fills up about 40 pages just for the simple task of putting an oscillating fan together. I am immediately going to try to do it without looking at the instructions, which will probably cause me more frustration in the end.
You Can't Go Back
I agree that the best way to produce effective sets of instructions is to subject them to usability tests. As stated in the readings, it's almost impossible to remember what questions you had before you learned how to do a certain task. The difficulty lies in the fact that the author won't be able to address all the questions that a reader may have. This is why I think it's important for a reviewer to have 'fresh' eyes. Then they can inform the author of any ambiguities and hopefully have them corrected. I think we've all used instructions that were clearly untested, and they always make the job incredibly more frustrating.
I have also noticed that one
I have also noticed that one of the worst problems with instructions is the use of the incorrect graphics. I can’t stand it when I’m reading directions on an item and the images don’t correspond to what I am looking at. This causes a certain feeling of worry, where if the company can’t even make their instructions right what does that say about their actual products. The usability testing would really help to improve some of the horrible instruction sets out there. I guess companies just have to figure out that balance between too much and too little as far as effort is concerned with instructions.
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Google Docs
When I first saw the Google Docs video, I realize the creator did a great job in understanding who was their specific audience. As you mention the video was effective because of the simple language and visual graphics. The intructions layout of the video was intended for user wanted to learn how to Google Docs and how it works. Using methods as Common Craft did were able to help viewers comprehend a complicate topic.
Another video I had found http://vimeo.com/3261363 uses the same techniques as the Google Docs. The creator produced a flash animation video on the “Credit Crisis” to help people comprehended a complex situation.