When I first found out we had to write a set of instructions I thought it was going to be something along the lines of, "Write some instructions and turn them in next week." It is funny though because we received multiple instructions on how to write instructions. That is fine because I like learning the right or proper way to do things, at least the first time through, then figure out shortcuts later. I did find it interesting that that much had to go into writing a set of instructions though, like tailoring them to a specific audience and making sure to make them simple enough for the reader to comprehend.
My uncle works for ESAB Welding Equipment, and I just remembered that is one of his jobs for that company. Every time new equipment comes out, someone has to "instruct" him how to use it, then he has to take what he knows about it and write a set of instructions to describe to the customer who buys the equipment how to use it. I guess now I can appreciate what he does a little bit more because, while it definitely seems a little boring and monotonous, I now realize what goes into each set of written instructions.
I initially thought the same thing; 'how hard could it be to write instructions' but it was only then that this mysterious file in my head came sprawling out with several examples of the dozens of horrible instructions I've encountered in my short years of living. Obviously nobody would write instructions and publish them without thinking they were pretty user-friendly, yet it still happens. I am curious to see just how hard it is to give clear and concise instructions. It is easy to be one or the other, as you can be extremely clear if you write pages about every single detail but no one would be likely to actually read all of that and conversely to be concise but not thoroughly go through all of the necessary components. I am excited to take on the challenge of being clear and concise.
ReplyDeleteI agree as well. It seems like writing a set of instructions is initially very easy, but after seeing what all goes into it and writing a set myself it becomes more difficult. Especially for someone like your family member, writing a set of detailed instructions for a complicated machine would be very difficult. It is also sometimes hard to convey the instructions in written words even with the help of pictures. Sometimes it is just easier to show someone.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think about all the instructions we received in order to write instructions, but now that you mention it, it's pretty funny. I also never really thought that it would be that hard, but I've definitely read some instructions that were less than up to par, and so now I know it takes a lot more effort and skill in order to write decent instructions. Sometimes I'm not the most clear person and can be a little wordy, so although I don't think writing the instructions will be super difficult, it may pose a slight challenge.
ReplyDeleteWriting a good set of instructions is definitely a process and I agree with you that it is good to learn the right way to do something. You need to take the time to continually revise instructions based on user feedback. But no matter what, you will never be able to satisfy everyone's needs. It is my goal to be as clear and concise as possible while still being detailed enough for my intended audience.
ReplyDeleteI realized the same thing once I finished the first rotation in my co-op. I also was given the task to write a technical document describing a new device or tool that was made, show its purpose, how it works, how to read it, ect. I never knew that enginering involed so much technical writing. My mentor there told me that this will probably get easier as I write more of them and take a technical writing class. So far I am pleased with how this class is turning out.
ReplyDeleteI wrote some instructions during my co-ops and I definitely think it helped me with this assignment. The company I worked for had specific templates for different documents (eg. safe work instructions, procedures, etc.) so I really only focused on content. For the class assignment, it was good to start from scratch and format the document myself, as well as tailoring it to a particular audience.
ReplyDeleteI know this is a rather belated comment for this post but I just noticed I'd never commented on your blog before. Now that it's been some time since the instructions project was completed, I've realized that I look at how instructions are crafted a lot more than I used to. The project turned out to be a lot more complex than I initially thought it would be, but in the end I think I learned a lot from it.
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