Improve your instructions: begin with the basics

Abstract

Task analysis involves several stages. Two preliminary stages that writers frequently forget are determining what information the user needs to perform the task and what tasks are required for the user to reach a goal. All too often writers fail to understand what knowledge and skills users already possess and which they need. I look at task analysis as it applies to designing instructions, focusing on these two preliminary levels. I also examine two samples and apply these levels to them.