Create Your Own Instruction Manual

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

Possible Topics How to send a text message How to send a text message How to post a Blog How to post a Blog How to use / set up a play station How to use / set up a play station How to set up My Space / Face Book How to set up My Space / Face Book How to build a car (specific car) engine How to build a car (specific car) engine How to send an How to send an Childrens guide to bathing a dog Childrens guide to bathing a dog How to create a power point How to create a power point How to apply Acrylic Nails with Tips How to apply Acrylic Nails with Tips

Audience Analysis Know your audience: Know your audience: What is the skill / age level of the user(s)? What is the skill / age level of the user(s)? How much knowledge about this topic does the user(s) need to effectively complete the project? How much knowledge about this topic does the user(s) need to effectively 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 while completing project? Will the user(s) need to hold the manual while completing project?

Design Basics All manuals must contain the following sections: Title page Title page Table of contents Table of contents Introduction Introduction A detailed tools and materials section (if appropriate) A detailed tools and materials section (if appropriate) Safety instructions and warnings Safety instructions and warnings Step-by-step instructions Step-by-step instructions Diagram or image labeled with key parts Diagram or image labeled with key parts Conclusion Conclusion

Title Page Words indicating this is an instruction manual Words indicating this is an instruction manual Name of item Name of item Name of company Name of company INCLUDE TWO OF THE FOLLOWING: Picture of item Picture of item Model number Model number Contact number for customer service Contact number for customer service

Table of Contents The heading Table of Contents The heading Table of Contents A list of each main category in your instruction manual A list of each main category in your instruction manual Page numbers for each category Page numbers for each category Sub-categories and page numbers when necessary Sub-categories and page numbers when necessary

Introduction Explain the purpose and audience of the manual: Explain the purpose and audience of the manual: Why should the reader carry out this task (reading the manual)? Why should the reader carry out this task (reading the manual)? What safety measures should the reader understand? What safety measures should the reader understand? What tools and materials may be needed? What tools and materials may be needed? Who can be contacted if there is a problem with the instructions? Who can be contacted if there is a problem with the instructions?

Warnings & Safety Instructions Does your item require safety instructions? Does your item require safety instructions? If so, include a list of possible hazards and how to avoid them. If so, include a list of possible hazards and how to avoid them. This can be done as a list or with bullet statements starting with DO NOT… This can be done as a list or with bullet statements starting with DO NOT…

Step-by-Step Instructions Number the instructions Number the instructions Put the right amount of information in each step. Put the right amount of information in each step. Use imperative mood (command or request) and make your sentences parallel. (Avoid passive voice) Use imperative mood (command or request) and make your sentences parallel. (Avoid passive voice) Include graphics Include graphics Do not omit articles (a, an, the) to save space. Do not omit articles (a, an, the) to save space.

DIAGRAM OR PICTURE This should be included with the Step-by- Step instructions. This should be included with the Step-by- Step instructions. Insert at least one graphic into your word document. Insert at least one graphic into your word document. Label the key parts Label the key parts

Conclusion Maintenance tips Maintenance tips Troubleshooters guide, usually in the form of a table. (identifies common problems and explain how to solve them) Troubleshooters guide, usually in the form of a table. (identifies common problems and explain how to solve them) Customer service contact information Customer service contact information INCLUDE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: -Additional accessories -Warranty information - Glossary - Environmental note or warning

Bonus If you wish to include a bilingual section, you will receive extra points. If you wish to include a bilingual section, you will receive extra points. Bring in a an instruction manual to use during the writing process. Bring in a an instruction manual to use during the writing process.