ENG 204-002

Mentioning the confusing drain plug instructions in your Instructor blog was helpful in understanding what not to do and a sentiment I can relate to. The fact that the instructions included three separate terms for the oil drain plug is confusing in itself, especially to someone who isn’t terribly familiar with cars/car parts. I once had a similar experience when trying to figure out how to use Microsoft Excel on my Macbook versus using it on a PC, which was the way I initially learned how to use it. I was familiar with where tools and options were located on the PC version, but frustrated when I discovered they were totally different on my Macbook. I used the ‘Help’ option on the Microsoft desktop, as well as a search engine to find tutorials, but none very clear and I still felt confused.

In the textbook, there is set of instructions entitled, “How to Jump From a Moving Car.” I think these instructions are clear but could still benefit from images to better display the instructions. While most of them are pretty basic and easy to imagine for yourself, steps three and four which suggest jumping at an angle and tucking in your head and limbs could be better presented by showing specific pictorials. Some people benefit from learning with provided images versus reading only text alone, so I think including visual aids would help with most, if not all, instruction sets. For example, if your friend Ryan was provided with pictures of the oil drain plug and any other car part he needed to find or use, the process would have been much easier and less frustrating for him. The use of graphics also plays a vital role in including a “parts list” within your instructions, specifically when instructing how to assemble something.

I found another helpful piece of advice in the “Make Observations” portion of the chapter. This section explained that when observing people using the product you’re explaining, you can note their experience, reactions, and whether or not they encounter problems and with which step in the process.

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I remember bad experiences that I had with a few sets of instructions, one of which was related to medicines. I wanted to find the dosage but the given instructions seemed so endless that I ended up giving up and asking for somebody’s help about the matter. In addition, I was overwhelmed with meaningless information that I absolutely did not care about (the set of instructions was actually describing the laboratory and how it created such medicines). Besides, I was puzzled because of the medicinal terms that I did not understand. As described in the Instructor Blog: Instructions, instructions are frequently poor because they are systems-centered instead of focusing on fitting the audience’s needs and values. Here, it seems that the medicinal set of instructions assumed the user had some knowledge in the field. Yet, I believe this overload of information and expert jargon can be avoided and if ever the set of instructions includes a great amount of useful information, a table of contents may be created to help and guide the user find the information he/she needs.

Another example that I came up with is about Ikea. When opening the box to start assembling the pieces of furniture we just bought, my dad and I only found a piece of paper with schemes illustrating the steps to follow. At some point, we had really hard times to figure out how to assemble the pieces and there was absolutely no written explanation apart from the drawings. Since we were deadlocked, we ended up starting from the beginning… The schemes should have not prevented us from understanding the steps to follow. As detailed in the Chapter 20: Instructions and Documentation, the design should enhance readers’ ability to follow the steps. Design is important but drawings/schemes/graphics without a clear explanation mean nothing.

I feel like that most instruction manuals are not meant to be understood by humans. They are meant to be understood by the machines that printed them. In the Blog that I read it hinted at some good points when writing an instructional manual. The most important thing that it talked about though was writing for a particular audience because Tirrell was right when he said that there is no such thing as a “general audience” the person that is purchasing that product knows what he or she is getting and probably has a good idea on what is used for. They all have similar backgrounds and motivations. So for example you wouldn’t need to put a picture of a plunger and toilet when you are writing an instruction manual for a plumber about how to plunge a toilet. By Omitting all Jargon from an instructors manual and keeping the instructions basic and simple and with pictures is all that you need to do.
I remember recently I was putting together my girlfriends new vacuum. The instructions for the manual were in small print and literally had two pictures. Those two pictures were of a bolt and the vaccum as a whole. We were thoroughly confused and ended calling the company who referred us to their company website, which had pictures but no instructions. We ended up taking it back and getting a simpler one.
Another example that I have is that my uncle bought a three thousand dollar play set for his niece. The play set was dropped off and was almost as big as his house. The instruction manual said quick and easy, it took us 3 days to build it and the pictures made everything seem like a 2 year old child could do it. In TCT they talk about “ Identify the time required for completions” I think that is pivotal because we completely underestimated how long that it would take, and in TCT it also talk about “ Motivate the reader” I think that every other step in the manual should be something motivational to keep the consumer going.

Honestly, I’m usually one of those people who just start putting together a product without reading instructions. But recently, I was helping a friend put together a cage for her new hamster and we were having so much difficulty we needed to go through and read the instructions. Much like the example of the dog crate from the Instructor Blog, the instructions did “not match real world experience.” You were supposed to easily snap the wheel in place, but we tried several times to no avail. We finally worked the piece in to place after many failed attempts and several pinched fingers.

The text also mentions the importance of graphics in instructions and states that “each graphic should also appear on the same page as the step that refers to them.” I realized that this was something that was lacking from the cage’s instructions. It merely had a graphic showing all the included pieces. They didn’t use graphics to show step-by-step actions. It probably would’ve helped us finish setting up a lot sooner had their been images corresponding to each step.

I also thought it was important for the text and the Instructor Blog to stress how pivotal knowing your audience is. A few months ago my car had a flat tire. I know absolutely nothing about cars or changing a spare tire, and I felt like the car manual instructions weren’t totally car novice friendly. The biggest problem was trying to get my spare tire off my car (it’s attached to the back of my SUV in a hard case). The instructions didn’t go in to enough detail about how to get the spare out of the case and I was getting really frustrated. Thankfully, another driver pulled over and helped me out. I would’ve been there for a quiet a while had I continued to follow the directions.

After reading the articles assigned, as well as the chapter, I got a good sense of how instructions for the use of a product should appear. I can honestly say that I am among the ones who get frustrated with instructions when they do not seem to help me out. I eventually give up! I was able to relate to the information in the article when it described the instructions for the Rubik’s Cube. I have come across instructions that were too gaudy. It makes so much more sense to add imagines to help the audience, and to direct the instructions to a particular audience. Instructions need to be to the point so that the audience does not get bored or overwhelmed with background information. Personally, I enjoy when imagines are added for help as well as sequence instructions. When shaping instruction sets to target specific audiences, it helps to know the background information needed so that you are able to give the audience exactly what is needed and nothing more. If you are helping your audience to build or put a product together, you want to make this process a simple one for them. The audience is looking to your instructions because they obviously need help or they are unfamiliar; therefore, it is your job to direct them and make sure that potential questions are answered in your text. For example, I color my hair with a kit that I buy and although I have done this more than once, I always tend to look over the directions. Personally, I like that the directions are in steps and there is a diagram to the right that helps to give me a visual of what I should/should not be doing. I usually only look for certain steps because coloring your hair is a similar process no matter the color or brand you use; therefore, it helps to be able to look to the directions and know what I am looking for and around which step to look. You want to make sure that your audience/user is not confused.

I’ve started playing online games more and more since I have come to college and I have had many different experiences with the games and their instructions. Sometimes they are really well done and other times very poorly done. The newest game that I have tried out is called “Aion”. I am playing this game on a private server so the instructions of how to download and play are a little more complex, especially for one such as myself, since I am not familiar with torrents and certain codes. The person that made the instruction set was just as Chip and Dan Heath had said, cursed by knowledge. It was clear that he knew and understood a lot about computers and was able to skip steps and access files that I was unclear of how to access. This was really frustrating and made the task more difficult that it should have been. This is why I was able to fully grasp just how annoying the problem with the oil drain plug was. The instructions break down an intricate step too broadly to fully understand what to do if you are new to it.
I think the most important part of the instruction making process is the very beginning. In TCT chapter 20, it talked about researching and making observations. Perfecting the simplest thing often makes the best end product. Before just going out and writing instructions take the time to view some mistakes that people using the product are making, as well as finding out the purpose behind the product. People may be using it for different needs based on what they need it for. The instructions should be comprehensive and descriptive in order for the reader to quickly comprehend and put into action those instructions.

When it comes to reading instructions, I’m usually 50/50 on whether I’ll actually take a peek at them before assembling or toying around with whatever device they go to. If the object I just bought is something I’m familiar with (a laptop for example), then I won’t read the instruction booklet on how to navigate it; previous experience has already taught me how to use a computer. But if it’s something like a cooking recipe, then following the instructions is generally a good idea, even if I’ve made it before.

In the reading (TCT Chapter 20), they stressed the importance of mentioning all the materials that will be needed up front. From my own experience, I’ve found this to be extremely frustrating when instruction booklets fail to mention key elements. One case was when I was helping my father build a Black&Decker plastic cabinet and the instructions didn’t mention that we would need a type of screwdriver for assemblage until halfway through constructing it. Similarly, I’ve gotten a stereo for my iPod and the instructions never specifically stated that I needed a piece that came in the actual iPod packaging, not the radio’s; they were also very confusing and could have benefited from having more illustrations to show what the screen on the radio should look like at different stages of the set-up.

Going off of the illustrations idea, the book also gave great examples of how illustrations can help make the product easier, and in some cases more enjoyable, to use (SEE: Mini Cooper instructions on pgs. 582-3). Combine that with the note in the blog about keeping the audience in mind when writing a set of instructions and it seems like the perfect recipe for creating a user-friendly document. Something that most instruction sets fail to remember when writing them these days is that the people are who are putting them together are in specific emotional states when consulting the instructions, and thus having twenty little detailed steps for one piece can be frustrating (as the book points out, it’s also unnecessary).

By reading the internet reading and the chapter in the text I understand a tad more now about how to write out instructions. It’s always been hard for me to grab the instructions and read them, I’m one of those people who thinks I can do it by myself and I don’t need the directions. Most of the time I’m wrong and end up picking up the instruction manual within 20 minutes. I also have a hard time explaining how to do things a lot of the time, especially when I have to write it out. I always assume that people know what I’m talking about and forget the little details they need in order to get the project done.

After previous incidents of being too close to breaking new “toys” without reading the instructions I have come to the conclusion that reading the directions is always the safer bet. Just by reading the text I learned a lot more about writing (and just saying) instructions than I knew before. Like I said above I have always had a hard time giving directions because I always assume that people know all the nitty-gritty stuff like I do. The text showed that it’s important to add the little details into the directions for those who may not know the material as well. They also showed that it’s important to be specific in the directions and give detailed instructions.

I’ve already learned various things about putting together an instructional manual that I believe will help me in the future.

When I first heard that this was our next project I thought, "Really? Wow why in the world are we doing that?" I know that this is a class about Professional Writing, but who thinks about instruction manuals when they think about writing (except the people that end up writing them of course)? After reading this though I can reason how they are useful-and in some ways necessary- for the assembling of all the toys and gadgets and utilities on the market, and even more on all the different ways you can use them.

I feel as though one of the main points this project will make for me (and anyone else with little experience in this field) is the idea of specifying your work for an intended audience. We got a lot of practice with that in the last project, and now we get to apply it to a different field and under different conditions. I suppose if I was trying to find something compelling or semi-interesting about a seemingly monotonous job, I could be engaged in ensuring that the way I write makes the appropriate impact on the reader.

When I think about user-efficient instructions, Apple computers comes to mind. I personally have a Macbook and am an avid fan of that company and their work. One thing that I think has made them so successful has been their ability to introduce a new kind of computer and not bewilder or overwhelm people. If you go on the Apple website you can find all different kinds of instructions-anything from written instructions to tutorial videos that are simple but informative. The Mac itself just seems so user-friendly and it comes with the simplest instructions: "Pull it out of the box, and turn it on." It's simple, it's concise, and if it doesn't work there is an extensive network where customers can be assisted. Having access to the operating information as well as what to do in the case of trouble is just another part of keeping a customer informed about their purchase-but not so informed that it can be overwhelming. Judging by Apple, there definitely is more thought behind instruction making than just making a list of everything a person could need to know, and it seems as though by the end of this our class will have more insight into that process.

The comments and examples given in the Instructor Blog regarding instructions apply to personal experiences I had with them. I have to admit I seldom read instructions. I often find them confusing and/or unappealing. Whenever I buy home appliances and other electronic devices, I try to figure out myself how to operate them first. If I encounter problems, I usually turn to other users in my circle before consulting instructions. I resort to the latter only when nobody is able to help me. This applies to almost everything, from board games to computer softwares. The only instructions I actually read and follow are recipes. There are so many existing for any given dish that I can opt for the one that seems to be the most intelligible. If unsatisfied by its content or format, I can easily change for another one that fits my needs better.

What I find most interesting in the textbook is the material on planning for cross-cultural readers and contexts. More than ever in globalized markets, documentation should not overlook the cultural factor. As a French native speaker, I have had a hard time figuring out how to install certain application programs because I was not able to understand part of the jargon used. I do not mind reaching for the dictionary for a word or two – although most people do – but I tend to give up if I have to look for a definition in every sentence; it is frustrating and time-consuming! But some English-speakers can also have problems understanding technical words. Considering cross-cultural readers also applies to idioms and metaphors. That is why companies and other organizations often constitute lists of basic words to use for instructions.

I very seldom use instructions when assembling something. Instructions are usually more frustrating to me than trying to put something together on my own. The language they sometimes use is too technical and seems to assume things about the audience that may not be true. It's very important to know your audience before creating instructions. Knowing your audience helps you to plan out the entire process of how to give directions and what to include in your instructions. I found it helpful in the Instructor Blog to address the concept of using the same terminology for certain things so as to not confuse the audience. It's not something I would have thought about if it wasn't addressed in the blog. It is important to be as clear and concise as possible.

The book addresses the use of specific and precise titles. You want to make sure the audience knows exactly what they're reading before they start to read. Instead of naming the title "Head Wound," you should name it "Procedure for Treating a Head Wound" because it is more descriptive. The introduction should lay out the format for the instructions. This way, the reader can know what will be included in the instruction. You should make sure that you include the parts, tools and conditions required. It is necessary to order your instructions with steps to make it easier and clearer for the reader to understand them. If you do not use steps, you should at least label specific paragraphs with subtitles so the reader knows what each section describes.

Instructions should include safety tips and address any dangers that could potentially arise. Dangers and warnings are important in avoiding legal issues. When you start to come to the end of your instructions, give clues that hint to the reader that they are coming to the end of the instructions.

The readings helped me understand a bit better the conflicts there are within the realm of creating instructions that will actually be used and made sense of. I myself avoid instruction manuals at all cost which is funny that that is my natural instinct, because the instructions are merely there to help. I think a good portion of other people tend to avoid instruction manuals as well. They are however extremely important. In a specific case that I just encountered was when I was installing a water filter on my kitchen sink. It seemed self-explanatory so as usual I continued without consulting an instruction manual, but had I not, I would have finished the installation without the actual filter, never knowing, and continuing to drink the unfiltered water thinking it was filtered.

That is a far less complex case than say the instructions for building all the furniture, shelving, etc. from IKEA. It is extremely important that their diagrams and directions are clear as everything there is on a "do-it-yourself" basis. As stated in the reading one of the primary issues with instructions is not considering the audience. As far as the construction directions for IKEA furniture, the company cannot start out assuming that you know any of the steps, therefore it is vital that they take the time to visually display each and every part of the process.

One example where I have had lots of issues with instruction manuals was when I played this computer game called Myst when I was younger. It came with an entire novel that was instructions for how to navigate your way through the game but it all went right over my head, I'm assuming, because of my age at the time. I don't think that the authors took too much into account the potential age range of gamers, therefore making the book useless for me.

I am going to begin by honestly coming forth and admitting that i am one of the individuals that is mentioned in Instructor Blog: Instructions, who uses instuction manuals for table leveling more than finding out how a new product works. I would prefer to play around with a new item before reading about how it works. Of course instructions on how long to heat your kashi meal i can handle and appreciate greatly... my attention for instructions really only lend to short snippets of information.

With this in mind about myself i know that i pay attention to creativity. If instructions are formatted in a new or interesting way they stand a better chance of holding my attention. I plan to approach this project with that in mind. I will not put it on paper if i would not pick it up myself.

With the creative aduience in mind,i would like to take an item that seems very complicated or lacking in any artistic way of being presented and figure out a way to put a creative spin on the instructions so that people who hate dry lists of facts can get through the instructions and have fun doing it.

Chapter 20 and the instructions mention that instructions should play up t the audience you are attempting to reach. This also will affect the form that manuals will take! if one is informing another on the act of installing a diving board.. it might be a good idea for the instructions to be waterproof just incase some splashing occurs durring installation.

Both readings are helpful and informative on giving the readers ideas about how to caputure the audience in a task that is Universally thought of as a hassel... reading the instructions!

As mentioned in the Instructor Blog: Instructions, a main problem with most sets of instructions is they do not take into account their audience.

I have had many experiences with less than sufficient instructions that do not properly identify their audience. I'm completely self-taught when it comes to the recording and engineering of music and, while searching for tutorials on a related task, constantly encounter sets of instructions that use terminology of which I am unfamiliar. Because I am self-taught, I don't associate the correct names to certain processes and actions, making most written instructions difficult to decipher. All official instructions for audio recording software and hardware seem to target an audience that already have a certain level of technical expertise.

The expectation of a certain level of technical savviness is understandable as the readers of recording-software instructions most of the time already have basic computer knowledge, but to assume that the readers all refer to specific recording techniques by the same terms hinders the overall effectiveness of the instructions. The inclusion of more visual examples (or perhaps video tutorials on a CD) would make their instruction sets valuable to not only experts, but self-taught individuals who aren't necessarily aware of the field's established nomenclature.

I'm usually the first one to open up a box and try to assemble something without the instructions. When it comes to technology especially, i find that if i tinker with it and use my method of trial and error I will be able to figure it out eventually instead of using the instructions provided which rarely make any sense. It is true that most instructions are system centered and they do not fit the needs of the audiences needs and values. Instructions do not take in mind that people may have never worked out a car, like the example in the Instructors Blog where the person working on the car was having a horrible time trying to figure out how to clean his oil drain. The instructions where not specific to his needs and therefore led to confusion, which could have been avoided had the instructions been more aimed and his needs. Some instructions are specific but the creators of the instructions do not take in mind the fact that some of the audience members or people buying the product may have never used a computer, set up a television, changed a hard drive, or put together a piece of furniture.

In the Textbook it states that instructions should have 1. a specific and precise title, 2. introduction with background information, 3. list of materials, parts, tools and conditions required. A lot of instructions do not have all three of these and sometimes they may include these three but one part may be less descriptive than another.

The example given for the common outline of a document, shows that first there should be a title, introduction with background information, list of materials, parts, tools, conditions, steps one and two for whatever you will be doing then a conclusion and some troubleshooting which is always helpful if the instructions are poor. This is helpful because for our project when we pick out topic and start working on it, using this template will be helpful.