Reading manuals can be daunting at times. I myself have found this to be true first hand. Whether it was an operating, service, or parts manual I have found myself looking for answers. Manual writing can obviously be made a lot easier and more helpful for the reader. If you ever find yourself in the position to write a manual here are some easy and helpful tips, these should help someone else avoid the confusion of manuals.
ESTABLISH FORMAT
Determine what type of manual you will be writing. Will you be writing a service, operating, or parts manual? After establishing your format look to other sources for help. Look over past manuals that pertain to your field to develop ideas.
CREATE PROCEDURES AND PLANS
Develop an outline as to what exactly will be presented in your manual. Form and create any procedures or plans that you will be inserting in your manual.
USE GRAPHICS
If allowable use graphics in your manual. It can sometimes be easier to comprehend things that use visuals. Be sure that the graphics used are implemented in a way which conveys the main purpose easily.
DRAFT AND REVIEW
Create a draft of your proposed manual. After creating your draft follow your own steps to ensure clarity and overall accuracy of your manual. Allowing an outsider to go through your manual is also highly recommended.
These are just a few tips to manual writing, below is a youtube clip that also offers more tips.
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Nicholas,
ReplyDeleteGreat job on providing information about manual writing. You made this informatin easy to read and understand. The attached video also was very informative. Nice work!