Does anybody else find it ironic that we’re reading about useful instructions and efficient formatting from a book with such an abstract design? Chapter 24 even stresses the importance of an effective layout in the first few sentences. When reading this book, I usually start with the narrow columns along the outer edges of the pages, but I constantly feel as though the pictures near the center are trying to draw my eyes away from the text. I’d agree that the examples are informative, but I often find myself losing my place and getting off track. In my technical instructions, I plan on using more of a format that follows the ‘left to right’ and ‘top to bottom’ approach, making it easier for the reader to find each additional step without losing their place.
I found Chapter 25 to be quite useful though. After reading the description of our project last week, I immediately thought “What size pages am I supposed to use exactly, and how can I use them to their fullest potential?” The reading has several suggestions for alignment, font, contrast, and several other features. I’m almost embarrassed to say that I didn’t realize that there were two basic classes of fonts (serif and sans serif) before taking this class. The book said that serif fonts are usually more useful for body text on a printed page, so should we try to incorporate those fonts into our instructions? After all, I figure that our instruction steps are more closely related to body text than headers. The readings also gave examples of brochures and such, which may actually be similar to what I have in mind for my ‘experienced’ users. I’m not sure if a tri-fold has enough space for an effective set of instructions, but it may be worth consideration when drafting a quick reference guide.
Fonts in Instructions
I was in the same boat when I began this class. I knew that there were thousands of different fonts, but never knew that there was two main classes of them. I always thought that font choice was just based on the situation. I didn't know that there were specific rules for when to use certain ones, besides using formal fonts for formal documents and crazy fonts for informal writing. As I said in another comment, it's not that I don't care, it's just just that in all of my writing at Purdue, standard Times New Roman was pretty much required. As far as using the different fonts in the instructions project, I think it depends on how you design them. I personally plan on using a two or three word title for each of my steps to make it easier for the reader to follow. I'll use sans-serif for my short titles leading into the body of my steps in serif. This should improve the overall design and readability of my instructions. If you plan on using titles, I would try going that route, but if not, then probably just stick to one font. You could also switch fonts if you use captions with your graphics, using sans-serif for the captions instead of titles. Just a thought.
Context
This just goes to further prove what we have learned earlier with regards to context. Not only does context dictate how you write, but it can also determine what you font you use to write with. While Times New Roman is the standard for reports and school papers as discussed in the book, sans-serif can be used in other ways. I usually use sans-serif fonts in the way you described: for titles. I feel that it is a good way to set it apart from body text without having to do too much formatting to the title that could take away from the design.
Andy
Page Space
I share your concern with what size paper to use and how to use it effectively. For my instructions, I would like to keep them on the right side of the screen so that other operations can still be carried out. It also gets tricky because if you make them too wide, there isn’t enough screen left, but if they are too narrow, the reader may have to scroll down just to read one step of instructions. I am actually thinking about trying to incorporate links into the page or something to reduce the work needed by the reader. For yours, you may find that a tri-fold leaves you just a little cramped, and you will have get more creative.
Instuctions structure
I learned form the readings the importance of structuring your instructions in a way that is very eye appealing and easy to read. I agree with you hen you say that you often loose your place within instructions when they are not structured in a way that has page breaks and/ columns that that ware broken up by borders or a different background color. I also like your idea about putting bold titles before each different section, this is important because it breaks up the different areas in a way that makes it easy for the reader to skim through only the parts they really want to read, easily.
textbook design
I agree with you about not liking the books design. Almost all other textbooks I have read, anything in the side margins is usually extra information, while the text and pictures in the middle of the pages are whats important. However this book does it the opposite. I usually end up lost because I read an example or looked a picture before getting to the part of the text that describes that example. I also had no idea about the two fonts before the readings this week. But I guess that its just one more element we will have to incorporate into our instructions.
Patrick Griffin
pgriffin@purdue.edu
Fonts
The text wasn't abstract, it was colloquial (for lack of a better term-the textual equivalent) at best, but it was strange to read with the side columns and all-in that sense, I see the irony. You bring up a good question with the font. It would depend on how much text you have in a given area of your instructions. I would be inclined to use the heading version in an instruction manual similar to the printer instructions in today's activity. With so little text, I would want attention drawn to those text fields as much as possible. The body type fonts, I would reserve for an advanced instruction set where the user will likely be more inclined to take time to read through everything.