UNIT III - Week 9 - User Guides

Over this week and next, you will write TWO user guides
One NOVICE
One EXPERT

Consider the Audience (as always)

Frame the problem..

Optionally "sell" the goal, result, or benefit

Break down into steps

Lots of consideration should be taken here:
Possibilities:

• Bullet Points
• Numbered Steps
• Classic Outline Style?
• Numbered, decimal style?

Be descriptive and concrete

Avoid I and the passive voice (maybe)

BUT FIRST

We need to select our topics and view examples.

(and I thought about saying, "novice this week and expert next, but...)

NOVICE

AUDIENCE: Hypothetical person who uses their computer for facebook and papers and that's about it
TOPIC/GOAL: Some cool or useful thing that they're not likely to know now, and would be impressed with themselves being able to do

EXPERT

EXPERT: Focus on something in the realm of expertise of your most technically adept members; make it something "at your level" or higher.

NOW, and for next class

Let's FINALIZE two topics. This may require some back and forth. Please message myself and or Juan for feedback. We need to pick something substantial and tech-related