Technical Instructions

1
Technical Instructions

• ENGL 3100
• Dr. Shelley Thomas

2
Overview

• General Requirements
• Task Analysis (in class 9/29)
• Technical Instructions (final product DUE 10/13)

3
General Requirements

• Select a topic that has at least 3 to 5 sets of
  steps
• Document a technical procedure for an
  identifiable group that would want or need
  detailed instructions
• Use only original text for this assignment

4
General Requirements (cont)

• All of these documents are due with the final
  product
• A brief cover memo introducing the project and
  its components (at least 1 page)
• The task analysis (outline)
• The final, printed set of instructions

5
Task Analysis

• Provides a detailed outline from which to develop
  the document
• Clearly states the goal for each step
• Provides the start state and end state for each
  step
• Start state the conditions that need to exist
  before the step is performed
• End state the outcome of the step

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Task Analysis (cont)

• Graphics
• Insert placeholders for appropriate graphics
• Gives an indication where graphics will be needed

7
Example Task Analysis

• Topic Checking email in Hotmail
• Audience/User New Hotmail account holders
• Scope Checking email (only)
• Materials Computer with internet connection and
  Internet Explorer

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Example Task Analysis (cont)

• Goal of Step 1 (Open Browser)
• User needs to access the Hotmail homepage
• Start State
• User has access to a running computer with an
  internet connection
• End State
• User has successfully accessed the Hotmail home
  page
• Graphics
• Screenshot of the Address line and screen shot of
  the Hotmail homepage

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Example Task Analysis (cont)

• Goal of Step 2 (Sign in)
• Successfully sign in to Hotmail
• Start State
• User has the Hotmail home page up
• End State
• User has successfully signed in to her hotmail
  account
• Graphics
• Screenshot (close-up or callout) of sign in

10
Enter Password
Click to Sign In
Figure 1. .Net Passport Sign In
11
Example Task Analysis

• Repeat the Goal, Start State, End State, and
  Graphics for each step within the task

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Format for Instructions

• Clear introduction (see Anderson 556-560)
• Presented step-by-step
• Numbered
• Sufficient detail
• Imperative mood
• Appropriate graphics
• Conclusion (see Anderson 567)