Due: Wednesday, June 23

With two classmates (this project will be done in groups of three), dissect your given plane and create a set of instructions for constructing the plane. Create a set of instructions for your plane and individually write a one-page memo explaining / assessing your design / instructions choices.

Instruction Components
Begin with analyzing your given plane. You will want to examine the construction of the original plane in order to create a set of instructions that would allow another user to construct your plane. Determine which of the different basic parts of instructions that we've discussed in class you will need in your instructions for this assignment:

• Overview—Let your users know what the ultimate goal is for your instructions; provide a general overview of the process and product so readers know what to expect.
• Definitions—Be sure to define terms / establish terminology for your instructions; you may find that declaring your own names for certain parts / components / processes may shorten your instructions by allowing you to describe certain aspects of your instructions only once.
• Materials—What does your audience need in order to begin? What initial steps should they take before they actually start the construction process outlined in your instructions?
• Steps—Be complete but concise in your descriptions of the construction process. Too much information will overwhelm / bore your audience; too little will leave them confused.
• Outcome—What should your audience end up with? How will they know they have completed your instructions properly? Be sure to provide thorough description for your audience so they know they've properly completed the process.
• Troubleshooting—What if something went wrong? How can your audience get back on track? What typical problems might readers encounter with your process? How can you provide pre-emptive solutions for these possible hang-ups?

Instruction Techniques
Also consider the different ways to present information to your audience:

• Definitions / Terminology—Establishing your own terminology can aid in the description of complex concepts within your instructions. If you have a certain complex step or process that is repeated a number of times throughout your instructions, referring to that process with an established term allows you to be succinct.
• Lists / Steps—Instructions are not often presented in prose format. Think of ways to divide and organize your instructions visually, by using the Visual Design concepts we've examined.
• Images / Diagrams—Remember the goal of this assignment is to verbally articulate your chosen technological process... Visuals are not forbidden, but don't rely on them to explain the concepts for you.

Instruction Language
As with the LEGO® Instructions assignment, there are no formatting restrictions whatsoever. You may write a memo, design a poster, create a booklet—whatever format you wish to use for your instructions, so long as you can justify your design / formatting choices. However, you will be graded on how well you adhere to the following criteria for your instructions:

• Clear—be sure that the level of diction and terminology you use is appropriate for your Audience; keep in mind also that wording and phrasing can have a tremendous effect on an audience's ability to understand your instructions

  Example: Burning CDs "If your CD is damaged or the CD drive is not functioning properly, you will want to fix this problem first by contacting the maker of your CD drive." Both of these problems could inhibit the creation of a new CD, but the manufacturer of your drive cannot fix a broken CD; be sure that your references to problem-solution pairs or other steps in your instructions do not mix concepts together. Also, this may sound trivial or even moronic, but consider your audience: would they understand you don't mean to hold an open flame to a CD...? Consider phrasing as well.

• Complete—make sure all terms, concepts, and processes are thoroughly explained so your users know exactly how to complete the task at hand

  Example: Telling your audience to "put the two parts together" may not be enough instruction; be sure to tell them which parts, what orientation the parts should have with each other, and, if applicable, how to put the parts together (e.g. how much force to use, what to use to adhere the parts, etc.).

• Concise—your audience will want to fully and clearly understand how to complete your task with as little reading as possible; be direct in your instructions

  Example: When you find the hole to put the chair leg into the base of the chair, put some super-glue on the end of the chair leg and then place that end of the chair leg into the hole. ...could be written more succinctly as... Apply super-glue to the end of the chair leg end; place the end in the base of the chair.

Accompanying Memo
With this assignment, you will individually submit a one-page memo, analyzing (not summarizing) the following:

• Product Analysis—How did your group dissect your product? What methods did you use to determine how the original plane was constructed?
• Document Genre—Why did you create your document in the style you chose (e.g. booklet, website, poster, etc.)? What benefits does your type of document lend to your instructions? Why did you choose the layout / organization you used in your document? How does this organization make the information more accessible? What are the costs of producing (or mass producing) your instructions?
• Instruction Methods—What methods (e.g. steps, diagrams, links, animations, etc.) did you use to present your information? Why? How do the methods of instruction presentation you chose enhance your instructions?