Processes and Instructions Noun Addiction, Double Negatives and - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Processes and Instructions

Noun Addiction, Double Negatives and Other Lard

You should give thoughtful consideration to a career change. In the event of a system failure, your sounding of the alarm is essential. Never fail to wear non-transparent clothing. “A theory has been proposed where it has been opined that a supernumerary tooth is created as a result of dichotomy of the tooth bud.”

Process Analysis

How something happens or is done (not how to do it) (Ex. egg laying, How It's Made—sciencechannel.com) Introduction

• Purpose of the item
• Definitions
• List of tools, equipment (maybe)
• Overview of stages

Stages (remember to keep them under ten)

• Complete sentences
• Full paragraphs

Conclusion Options

• Summarize the major stages if the process is long
• Discuss advantages and disadvantages
• Show how this process is related to other work or compares to

similar processes

How detailed should the process analysis be?

Process Analysis

Purpose Person Voice Mood To tell/learn how something happens, works

• r is done (info
• nly)

Third: “A pirate ties the anchor hitch.” or “The chicken lays the egg.” Active or passive: “The navigator checks the coordinates.” or “The coordinates are checked.” Indicative (giving information): “The mechanic reattaches the droid’s arm.” Instructions Purpose Person Voice Mood To tell how/find

• ut how to

perform an action Second: “(You) Shake the drink.” Active: “Check the coordinates.” Imperative (command): “Reattach the droid’s arm.” Narrative: past tense, indicative, what happened

Instructions include cautions:

• At the beginning
• Just before the relevant step
• On the device if relevant

Instructions: How to Do Something

Caution (lowest level): possible minor injury or property damage Warning (mid-level): possible severe injury or death Danger (highest level): definite severe injury or death

Always give a reason.

Warning: To avoid electric shock, do not lick the capacitor.

Instructions include an introduction:

• Purpose of device
• Function of device (if different)

Instructions: How to Do Something

Instructions include a complete list of tools and supplies.

Instructions: How to Do Something

Instructions include a numbered list of steps for

• Assembly and/or dissassembly
• Operation
• Maintenance

Adjust for short term memory

Instructions: How to Do Something

Instructions may also include

• Troubleshooting
• FAQs
• Visuals and white space

Instructions: How to Do Something

Use appropriate instruction wording.

Positive phrasing

Not: Don’t put your feet on the table. >>> But: Put your feet on the floor.

Instructions: How to Do Something

Use appropriate instruction wording.

Logical order, vertical numbered list

Not: Open the gate to the pen, but not until you put the scale in front of the opening. Then chase the pig through. >>> But:

• 1. Put the scale in front of the pen gate.
• 2. Station someone at each end of the scale.
• 3. Open the scale doors.
• 4. Open the pen gate.
• 5. Be ready to slam the doors shut as soon as the pig

enters the scale.

• 6. Chase the pig into the scale.
• 7. Slam the doors shut.

Instructions: How to Do Something

Enasco.com, 2014

Consider a caution here.

Use appropriate instruction wording.

Imperative (command form)

Not: The door must be unlocked. >>> But: Unlock the door.

Instructions: How to Do Something