Writing Instructions

Assignment

Choose a team of 3-4 students.
Choose a device or process that requires instructions to use or complete.
Design and write a set of clear instructions at least 6 pages in length, using text and images.
Design and create an instructional video showing a demonstration of the device or process using the instructions.
Turn in the printed instructions
Post the instructional video on YouTube.

Printed Instructions Grading Rubric

Video Instructions Grading Rubric

Instructions Formatting Guide

Due Dates

Peer review of written instructions: Tuesday, February 5

Final written instructions: Thursday February 7

Posted instructional video & presentation in class: Tuesday February 12

Assignment Details

Topic

Choose a device or process that typically requires instructions to use or do. Examples might be changing a tire, creating a prosthetic device, machining a tool, updating iOS on an iPhone, or anything that requires steps to complete, such as an assembly or creation process. Design, write, and test your instructions on how to use the device that your team has selected. Your instructions may not be comprehensive in instructing the reader on the use of all the device’s capabilities or all of the steps in a process. Test your instructions on a sample group of other students. Then, record a video of the device or process in use following the instructions. You may use your phone camera or potentially use a camera in the Stetson Multimedia Lab, and edit it using iMovie in Stetson or another video editor that you have.

Audience

Write your instructions so that they will be usable by the range of users that the device manufacturer or process intends. Don’t assume knowledge that some members of the intended user group might not possess. The print instructions should have step-by-step photographs to accompany the text. and steps should be written in active voice using action verbs (Click, Press, Attach, Connect, etc).

Format

Write instructions for enough tasks to produce a final document of approximately 6 pages (8 ½ by 11 inches), not counting the title page. Use appropriate document design to make your document aesthetically pleasing and instructionally effective.

For the overall document, include a title, and a brief overview of the device, and any needed materials besides the device itself. You should also provide troubleshooting and contact information at the end of the document.
For each task you include, include a task title, a brief description of the task’s purpose, step-by-step instructions to perform the task assigned, and any other information the audience will need to perform the task. Again, each team member should participate. Be sure to use visuals -- at least one image per page, preferentially one image per step. Also, include a materials or parts list.

Peer Review and Usability Testing of Print Instructions
Tuesday, February 5

On Tuesday, February 5, we will peer review your instructions. If possible, bring in the device or process used and your printed instructions. Two other teams will test your instructions by walking through them and performing the designated tasks and will document problems they encounter with your instructions.

Final Print Instructions
Thursday, February 7

Using the advice and insights you gained about the written instructions from usability testing, revise your instructions, making sure that they achieve your purpose and are suitable for your audience final submission on Thursday, February 7.

Video Instructions
Thursday, February 12

Create your video, edit it in Stetson or using your own software, upload it to YouTube, and bring the url to class for presentation on Tuesday, February 12. You may ask Jerome Gratigny in the Stetson Multimedia Lab for help in this portion of the assignment.