Create Your OwnCreate Your Own

Instruction ManualInstruction Manual

ObjectivesObjectives

Create an instruction manual, step-Create an instruction manual, step-by-step guide to perform a task or by-step guide to perform a task or project.project.

Possible TopicsPossible Topics

How to send a text messageHow to send a text message How to post a BlogHow to post a Blog How to use / set up a play stationHow to use / set up a play station How to set up My Space / Face BookHow to set up My Space / Face Book How to build a car (specific car) engineHow to build a car (specific car) engine How to send an emailHow to send an email Children’s guide to bathing a dogChildren’s guide to bathing a dog How to create a power pointHow to create a power point How to apply Acrylic Nails with TipsHow to apply Acrylic Nails with Tips

Audience AnalysisAudience Analysis

Know your audience:Know your audience:What is the skill / age level of the What is the skill / age level of the

user(s)?user(s)?How much knowledge about this topic How much knowledge about this topic

does the user(s) need to effectively does the user(s) need to effectively complete the project?complete the project?

Where will the user(s) use the manual?Where will the user(s) use the manual?Will the user(s) need to hold the manual Will the user(s) need to hold the manual

while completing project?while completing project?

Design BasicsDesign Basics

All manuals must contain the following sections:All manuals must contain the following sections: Title pageTitle page Table of contentsTable of contents IntroductionIntroduction A detailed tools and materials section (if A detailed tools and materials section (if

appropriate)appropriate) Safety instructions and warningsSafety instructions and warnings Step-by-step instructionsStep-by-step instructions Diagram or image labeled with key partsDiagram or image labeled with key parts ConclusionConclusion

Title PageTitle Page

Words indicating this is an instruction Words indicating this is an instruction manualmanual

Name of itemName of item Name of companyName of company

INCLUDE TWO OF THE FOLLOWING:INCLUDE TWO OF THE FOLLOWING:

Picture of itemPicture of item Model numberModel number Contact number for customer serviceContact number for customer service

Table of ContentsTable of Contents

The heading “Table of Contents”The heading “Table of Contents”A list of each main category in your A list of each main category in your

instruction manualinstruction manualPage numbers for each categoryPage numbers for each categorySub-categories and page numbers Sub-categories and page numbers

when necessarywhen necessary

IntroductionIntroduction

Explain the purpose and audience of the Explain the purpose and audience of the manual:manual:

Why should the reader carry out this task Why should the reader carry out this task (reading the manual)?(reading the manual)?

What safety measures should the reader What safety measures should the reader understand?understand?

What tools and materials may be needed?What tools and materials may be needed? Who can be contacted if there is a problem Who can be contacted if there is a problem

with the instructions?with the instructions?

Warnings & Safety Warnings & Safety InstructionsInstructions

Does your item require safety Does your item require safety instructions?instructions?

If so, include a list of possible If so, include a list of possible hazards and how to avoid them. hazards and how to avoid them. This can be done as a list or with bullet This can be done as a list or with bullet

statements starting with ‘DO NOT…’statements starting with ‘DO NOT…’

Step-by-Step InstructionsStep-by-Step Instructions

Number the instructionsNumber the instructions Put the right amount of Put the right amount of

information in information in each step.each step. Use imperative mood (command Use imperative mood (command

or or request) and make your request) and make your sentences sentences parallel. (Avoid parallel. (Avoid passive voice)passive voice)

Include graphicsInclude graphics Do not omit articles (Do not omit articles (a, an, thea, an, the) to ) to

save save space.space.

DIAGRAM OR PICTUREDIAGRAM OR PICTURE

This should be included with the This should be included with the Step-by-Step instructions.Step-by-Step instructions.

Insert at least one graphic into your Insert at least one graphic into your word document.word document.

Label the key parts Label the key parts

ConclusionConclusion

Maintenance tipsMaintenance tips Troubleshooter’s guide, usually in the form Troubleshooter’s guide, usually in the form

of a table. (identifies common problems of a table. (identifies common problems and explain how to solve them)and explain how to solve them)

Customer service contact informationCustomer service contact informationINCLUDE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:INCLUDE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

-Additional accessories-Additional accessories-Warranty information-Warranty information

--GlossaryGlossary

--Environmental note or warningEnvironmental note or warning

BonusBonus

If you wish to include a bilingual If you wish to include a bilingual section, you will receive extra points.section, you will receive extra points.

Bring in a an instruction manual to Bring in a an instruction manual to use during the writing process.use during the writing process.