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In this unit of Writ 3562, you are required to write a set of instructions--documents
Let’s look at ways to effectively organize steps in your instructions using the principles
of style and design. You will see a set of tasks for ONE of the major steps in the procedure
used to build the Lego ® figure above.
My primary audience will be 8 – 12 year-olds. No special skills are required.
The components of instructions begin with the introduction, to a list of the materials
your users will need, then to the writing of the steps, which may include notes of warnings
or cautions, and finally a conclusion to signal the completion of the task.
We will focus on two of the components from this outline: listing the materials and writing
major and minor steps for one step of the procedure.
Our focus will be on these three items: 1) reviewing the finished product, 2) listing
the parts needed, and 3) constructing one of the major steps of this procedure.
Guidelines you want to use for your written tasks are chunking and numbering the steps
under headings, showing only one action per step, using the command voice (imperative),
and integrating visuals with the text to guide the user through the tasks.
In this step, you want to visualize the assembled parts to organize how you can explain the
process to your user. Then, you can break the steps down into individual tasks.
Next, lay out the individual materials needed to perform your process. Add individual images
of each part you will use to construct the motorcycle figure. The most effective method
is to label and number all parts in the exact order they are used.
Problems with ineffective steps are using passive voice, ineffective numbering, not
using references to the parts, and showing more than one action in each step.
Without numbers or part references, a user would not know which wheel to insert or the
sequence for attaching the read and black blocks. Another question may be what is the
‘back’ of the base?
In contrast, characteristics of effective instructional steps include breaking down
and numbering the major and minor steps, referencing each part, integrating visuals, and following
a logical and sequential sequence.
Begin by numbering tasks in sequential order. This major step is broken down into 9 minor
steps or substeps or tasks. To convey this to your reader, use outline numbering to show
minor steps within a major step of the procedure.
The next component to consider is the writing style you will use to write your tasks. To
get users to perform an action, begin each action with a verb (in this case— “insert,
attach, place,” etc.) This is “command” or “imperative” voice. Also note that
you want to include only one action for each numbered minor step (sub step).
Within the minor steps, you want to refer to the list of numbered parts from an accessible
list. Have numbers 1 and 2 blink on, then wipe to the numbered part. Add the number
next to the name of the part that corresponds. Close-up graphics are an effective way to
show the action described in the task. To add graphics, use a reference directly following
the task and label the graphic (blink on fig 1 under graphic) for easy location. Keep the
graphic as close as possible to the numbered task. It is this text-visual integration that
enables users to visualize the action described in the written text.
Observe the completed major step that includes 9 individual minor steps or tasks required
to construct this figure. Note the numbering of parts and figure references to easily locate
the parts for each task; and note the integration of visuals within close proximity of the tasks
they reflect.
In conclusion, you see the finished figure, the list of materials used to assemble the
figure, and the 9 minor steps(tasks) with integrated graphics.
For your written instructions assignment, you would add other components such as an
introduction, additional steps for the complete procedure, possible warning and caution notes,
and a conclusion.
Last, you would perform a usability test on actual users to determine the effectiveness
of your instructions.
Good luck on your instructions!