User Manual Critique
User Manual Critique
ENG/221
September 29, 2011
User Manual Critique
Many technical fields rely on user manuals, operator manuals and technical manuals to do their day to day tasks at work. Without these manuals there would be too much information for one person to know to be able to their job. Accidents, personal or equipment would be more frequent in the work field. That is why manuals are developed, to prevent accidents and to keep people informed of updated information on equipment. So a well-developed and written manual will help a person succeed at their job, which is why someone needs to critique a manual before it is released to the public.
In this essay the critiquing of the user manual for the Black & Decker Cordless Drill (OwnersIQ, Inc, 2011). The criteria that will be used are; Audience Recognition, Development, Conciseness, Consistency, Ease of use and Document Design, (Gerson & Gerson, 2012).
Audience Recognition
The technical terms in this manual all seem to be defined, an example is on the second page, paragraph eight, and the manual uses the abbreviation “RBRC” and then immediately spells it out as “Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation”. There are graphics that are being used to help the readers understand how to install and remove the battery cap protector. The graphics are easy to understand and are numbered for ease of following. The writing was graded on the Flech – Kincaid grading criteria and was graded at the 6.4 to 7.8 reading level. This reading level would correspond with the level of understanding of how to use this type of equipment. This is a low end type of cordless drill, which would be bought by someone who would not have a great understanding of how to use such a tool.
Development All required information seems to be in the correct location and all information is provided. An example is on the first page, first paragraph heading, which is titled “General safety rules – for all battery
ENG/221
September 29, 2011
User Manual Critique
Many technical fields rely on user manuals, operator manuals and technical manuals to do their day to day tasks at work. Without these manuals there would be too much information for one person to know to be able to their job. Accidents, personal or equipment would be more frequent in the work field. That is why manuals are developed, to prevent accidents and to keep people informed of updated information on equipment. So a well-developed and written manual will help a person succeed at their job, which is why someone needs to critique a manual before it is released to the public.
In this essay the critiquing of the user manual for the Black & Decker Cordless Drill (OwnersIQ, Inc, 2011). The criteria that will be used are; Audience Recognition, Development, Conciseness, Consistency, Ease of use and Document Design, (Gerson & Gerson, 2012).
Audience Recognition
The technical terms in this manual all seem to be defined, an example is on the second page, paragraph eight, and the manual uses the abbreviation “RBRC” and then immediately spells it out as “Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation”. There are graphics that are being used to help the readers understand how to install and remove the battery cap protector. The graphics are easy to understand and are numbered for ease of following. The writing was graded on the Flech – Kincaid grading criteria and was graded at the 6.4 to 7.8 reading level. This reading level would correspond with the level of understanding of how to use this type of equipment. This is a low end type of cordless drill, which would be bought by someone who would not have a great understanding of how to use such a tool.
Development All required information seems to be in the correct location and all information is provided. An example is on the first page, first paragraph heading, which is titled “General safety rules – for all battery
References: Gerson, S. J., & Gerson, S. M. (2012). Technical Communication. Process and Product (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. OwnersIQ, Inc. (2011). Manuals Online. Retrieved from http://powertools.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/black_decker/510275104.html?idRes=15742403