Readable Instructions

After doing all of the readings for the week, it seems that just like resumes, the fate of instructions can largely rely on the design and layout. One thing that always guarantees that I will not read instructions is seeing a bunch of large blocks of text with no graphics. I have found that, as the readings state, it is much easier to learn something and follow instructions when visual aids are used. Sometimes words can be confusing, especially if instructions are written at a higher level than my knowledge. Seeing pictures of what is being said can usually make a huge difference in understanding. I have also come across instructions that just don't have enough information. Short blurbs describing a picture can also be confusing. It seems that one of the most important things in writing instructions is going to be finding a balance between words, graphics, and space.

As with writing resumes, cover letters, and anything in general, it is also important to consider your audience when writing instructions. Everyone will have a different level of knowledge, and because of this, will see different things in your instructions. Writing at too high of a level and less knowledgeable readers will get confused and won't be able to follow your instructions. Writing at too low of a level and the more experienced readers will be bored to death with details or stop reading all together. I also thought it was interesting that instructions that seemed harmless in America, could send other messages to other cultures. A common way of connecting to the audience, by using graphics with people in them, could be considered disrespectful to other cultures.

One of the best pieces of advise offered by the book was to include a troubleshooting section at the end of the instructions. Since most people don't read instructions until they actually have problems. It is very frustrating when the instructions don't solve the problems that brought the user there to begin with. A troubleshooting section is very helpful for both the person using the instructions and the company that produced them. If there is no troubleshooting section, the company could end up spending countless amounts of time answering customer questions about simple problems that could have been answered in such a section. The only draw-back to a troubleshooting section is that it requires much more user testing. However, if instructions are offered online, as many are these days, this section can be later added to address common problems. As people experience problems, the company can add the solutions to the online instructions and save time by not having to explain it to the next person with the same question. After this week's readings, I have a much better idea on how to write instructions. Once I think of something to write about, I don't think it will be too difficult to produce user-friendly instructions.

Instruction Design & Troubleshooting

Kristin's picture

You make some great points about the design used in technical instructions. Large blocks of text are daunting, and short blurbs with pictures often gets confusing for lack of information. I've experienced this before with computer assembly instructions. The pictures were laid out on the page in some funky pattern and I could never figure out which step was supposed to come next! You say it perfectly when you say the trick is going to be "finding a balance between words, graphics, and space."

I also think you make a good point about including a troubleshooting section. Many people in their blog posts reiterate your view that we never turn to instructions until something has gone wrong!

Kristin

As you have stated the

JFlitt's picture

As you have stated the graphics can play an extremely important role in instructions. From what I have seen many instruction sets do utilize the correct graphics, but those that do not use the correct pictures for the product you are working with are irritating. I hadn’t really thought about the real importance of the troubleshooting area of an instruction set. It makes sense, seeing as I utilize the FAQ section of most sites before any other area. A good very well tested FAQ certainly would improve any instruction set and as you also stated could save the company costs by avoiding simple user problem phonecalls.

The most work R7

secolema's picture

I definitely agree that the main issue with instructions seems to be layout. It seems like it is the obvious main factor that will determine whether or not a reader will actually read through the directions. Graphics also play a big role but I think it's a lot easier to take a picture or copy and paste a diagram than it is to properly layout instructions in a well-worded, flowing manner. I think the text itself, much like our previous assignments, will be where we need to spend the most time and effort perfecting in order to best finish our upcoming work.

Shane

Graphics

Isaac's picture

I share your pain when an instruction manual has lots of pictures but the layout is so bizarre you cannot make any sense of it. It’s like they are taking something helpful, and completely destroying it. I have seen some instruction manuals that have nothing but pictures. It seems to help when the words aren’t there getting in the way sometimes. This seems to be a pretty good approach for simple assembly instructions. It is much easier to just show some pictures of how to snap a few pieces together rather than trying to explain it in detail. It is also a lot easier if you can get away with it and still have satisfactory instructions.