What hit the closest to home for this week was in “Instructor Blog #4: Technical Instructions.” It speaks of how successful video game instructions are built into the game so that you learn while performing the task itself. I almost always skip looking at the instructions of a new game. It just always seems easier to jump in and learn by doing. Unfortunately, in most situations you may not be able to merge the instructions directly into the task and skipping them may result in a lost life (and not just the virtual kind). So the hard part of making instructions for a task is making them user friendly enough to get people to actually look at the instructions. This is where chapters 19 and 20 do a really good job of describing how to go about making the structure and style of instructions properly. It relates back to our last project quite a bit. They speak a lot about sectioning off different steps and minor/major features. This sectioning makes the document easier to read and flow better (much like the resume). I couldn’t possibly count them number of times that I have skipped a very large chunk of instructions in life because it is just a large, looming block of text without graphics or anything to relate to the user. I think the readability factor and graphics go into making instructions geared toward the “novice” approach. Without graphics it makes it much harder for visual learners (like myself) to picture what is going on, which is why a picture can truly be worth a thousand words and a lot of saved time/effort. I think it’s obvious that walking the line between making instructions for a “novice” and for an “idiot” is a lot like when we did our resumes. We needed to use the proper words and context that would be understood by a third party that may not have all the technical experience that we do. Also, the words we used could make us seem qualified or boastful. The words we use could put off a reader to our documents quickly.
Graphics
I think that graphics are one of the most important parts to instructions. It always makes it so much easier to actually see what the instructions are telling you to do especially if you are unfamiliar with the task. I think that including graphics in your instructions falls into the write for “novice” idea. I think it is almost necessary to include some graphics if you are writing for people new to the task or topic. I know that whenever I have had to look up how to do something for class I almost always looks for graphics unless the instruction are perfectly clear.
Graphics, another perspective
I also like looking at graphics rather than a bunch of words. The saying in mind “a picture is worth a thousand words” often is true, some things you cannot describe with words. Graphics always also seem less intimidating and often give a different perspective other than what’s generated in the mind’s eye. I can always relate better with having a visual image. It is a good way to deliver specific details; especially in a multiple step process. I don’t think kids would want to build with Legos or Erector sets if they only had the directions in wording and not with pictures.
Zebulon Rouse
Context
Although graphics are helpful you need to make sure that you consider the audience and context before determining your work to picture ratio. Do Lego's need written instructions? No (in fact that might even make it harder. Put the black piece with twenty holes on the green piece with 8 holes) The example you mentioned in another thread, installing an after market air intake. Do it need written instructions? For me having no idea about air intakes: yes. For someone who has installed them before or has good knowledge of cars: probably not. And while I agree with you on the fact that graphics show you something other than what you generate in your head, if they aren't very detailed they can be intimidating and irritating.
Andy
Resume comparison
I also got the impression during the readings that writing instructions were a lot like writing the resume. As were writing, we need to tune the document toward what the read wants, not what we think the document should look like. I never really realized that I was doing it until I did these readings, but I almost always skip over directions that don't look appealing. Whether this is from large blocks of text or lack of graphics, it is amazing how much the design and layout of instructions really makes a difference. Word choice is another way this project relates back to the resume. We need to remember to write in words that the potential reader will understand, not in words that we understand. This project will basically be taking the same concepts that we have already learned and applying them to a different situation.