Create a written user guide (750 words) and explain to a user how to use one of the software listed below.

Assume that when the reader reviews your user guide, this is their first time ever operating the software.

You are limited to the software listed below:

iOS
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Outlook
Prezi

● Clear and limiting title: title should promise what your instructions deliver
● Visuals: include icons, photographs or diagrams to help illustrate what
should be done
● Appropriate Level of Technicality:
○ Background – explain why it needs to be done a certain way, i.e. if not done this way you
could destroy the hardware
○ Detail / Action oriented – explain what actually needs to be done. Begin each instruction
with an action.
○ Provide Examples

Chronological order
Because instructions are written step by step and often must be done in a
particular order, it is helpful to use transition words.
Next Meanwhile Finally
Afterwards Before Prior to
It is also helpful to number the instructions, using one number for one activity.

Example:
Thank you for purchasing this smartphone.
To start, remove the orange sticker from the back of the phone.
Press and hold the POWER button. The screen will turn on.
Wait for the device to load completely.
Click “Start” when the START icon appears.

Make note of which software version (if any) that is being used for the guide. You can include
recommended browser(s) for example for the websites being used.

The only items that should interrupt the actual instructions are ‘Notes’,
‘Cautions’, ‘Warnings’ or ‘Danger’ information.
● Notes – emphasize vital information, describes options or alternatives.
● Caution – prevents possible mistakes that could result in injury or damage.
● Warning – alerts against potential hazards to life and limb.
● Danger – identifies an immediate hazard to life and limb

Instructions
● Outsider language (usually instructions are
given because there will be no contact
between the writer and the reader)
● Instructions need to be clear
● Instructions need to direct action
● Instructions need to be widely
accessible–meaning people who are of
different education levels need to be able
to read it and understand

Procedures
● Insider language (usually a procedure is
enforced within the confines of a specific
context–a workplace, a classroom)
● Procedures need to be clear
● Procedures need to direct action
● Procedures, in most cases, will be directed
to a specific group of people who are
pretty homogenous