Readers, Users, Browsers, Problem Solvers...

Chapter 2, Questions 1-5

1-2. How origins, impact, readers, use, culture, expectations, accessibility, and constraints on development and production might affect these documents:

1. Boat motor maintenance manual: It would need to be weatherproofed, have diagrams, and clearly labeled headings.

                                                              i.      It would be used near the water, and possibly in emergency situations. It could be used by an expert or a novice.

2. A journal article about bacterial infection: It would need to match the style and layout of the journal.

                                                              i.      Readers will select a couple articles that interest them most. Therefore, it is important that the title accurately encompasses the article.

3. A 5^th grade science textbook: It would need to include lots of colorful pictures and simple language.

                                                              i.      Students will read this because it is assigned. They will need all the help they can get to stay engaged. 5^th graders are in the process of learning how to read academically.

4. Flashlight instructions: It would need to be low budget, so that the production doesn’t cost more than the flashlight. It would be in black and white, with minimal white space, and printed on thin paper.

                                                              i.      Users will be reading selectively for a solution to their malfunctioning flashlight.

5. Community center newsletter: It would need to be layed out clearly, look attractive, possibly be in multiple languages, contain correct contact info, and have big section headings. It would need to be located or distributed effectively.

                                                              i.      This is a document that readers will pick up at their leisure. Some may read the entire thing; others may just glance at headlines. They will read as much as they need in order to feel involved and up-to-date.

6. Photoshop tips and tricks webpage: It would need a neat layout, seamlessly embedded photos in the directions, and specific instructions. The editor would also check for correct vocab.

                                                              i.      This could be used by people with some to no experience. It would be important to organize the content by difficulty level.

3. I would start by doing a web search for “how to write Chinese instruction manual.” My goal would be to learn what a Chinese consumer expects for an instruction manual. If possible, I would also talk someone in my company who works for the international division or with the Chinese client.

                                                    

4. Verbal, structural, and visual signals of webpages:

a.       Hershey’s vs. Godiva: Hershey’s is more interactive than Godiva. Hershey’s homepage includes links, photos, and text about recipes, crafts, and gift ideas. Godiva’s first section is about a discount on expensive orders. Their page is less busy, giving their brand a feel of selectivity.

b.      Hyundai vs. Mercedes: Hyundai is structured to direct the reader straight to each different model, while Mercedes look more like a blog about the amazing features of all Mercedes.

c.       Southwest Airlines vs JetBlue: Southwest is more utilitarian. It is structured to direct readers immediately into purchasing a flight. JetBlue is more colorful and stylish, and takes the space to make large, attractive headings.

5. On a document that defines open heart surgery for patients and their families:

a.       Origin: It was written by an M.D.

b.      Impact: It should educate the patient so that he fully understands the procedure and its effects.

c.       Readers: The readers are patients and their families who are faced with immediate surgery. They are likely panicked, and may have no medical knowledge at all.

d.      Use: The patient may use the document to may an informed decision about whether he wants to have surgery or not. Or, it may be used to calm down patients and relatives who don’t know anything about the topic.

e.       Culture: If the reader is not used to academic readings or scientific language, the document may seem unfamiliar and daunting. If the reader is from a country where it is typical for the doctor to answer all questions personally, the document could be offensive.

f.       Accessibility: The document is only in English and in small type. This is not ideal for non-English speakers or people with weak vision.

g.      Development and Production: It is probably easy and cheap to produce. However, whoever is responsible for maintaining the document probably has more pressing duties. Therefore, it may be difficult to keep this document in stock and up-to-date.

h.      Edits: I would make it a Q&A format, add a diagram of the heart, and bold the text that actually defines open heart surgery.