An instruction manual is a tool that describes in an orderly and clear way the steps to follow to carry out a certain action or task. In other words, the instructions are guides that help a person to successfully fulfill a certain objective.
Examples of instructions are instructions to wash hands correctly, use a mask in times of coronavirus, operate electronic equipment, perform evaluations, develop maps, perform diagnostic tests in laboratories, follow medical instructions, among other purposes..
In addition, depending on the objectives for which they were created and how they will be used, the instructions can take different forms, such as brochures, manuals or posters..
As examples of instructions in poster form, mention can be made of those designed to indicate the behavior that people should follow in the event of an earthquake or fire. Usually, these posters are placed on the walls of public places in areas where they are visible.
Despite the great diversity and types of instructions that exist, all of them require that the instructions indicated in them be written in a logical sequence, that is, that the words are adequate and the sentences clear and simple..
There is a great variety of types and forms for the instructions; They can be as simple as a recipe or as complex as large maintenance manuals. However, they all have certain characteristics in common, which facilitate their handling by the user:
The instructions are designed to achieve an end, which is its main purpose or objective. Defining this objective and detailing the steps to achieve it is decisive for the success of the instruction..
For these reasons, many instructions are prepared by specialists such as educators, social communicators, industrial technicians, scientists, among other experts..
In the instructions, the steps to fulfill the main objective follow a strict order. This order - in most of them - is listed.
For example, an instruction manual for installing a video camera on a computer shows the steps to follow (sequentially) as follows: 1) install the program for the video on the computer, 2) connect the video camera to the computer, 3) install the rest of the programs.
The use of simple language favors the understanding of each of the steps that are described in the instructions; In addition, in the case of using any technical word, a clear and simple definition of the term used is included..
For example: the instructions used in science practices include in a glossary the definitions of the materials used.
The instructions explain what the functions of the products, equipment or their parts are.
For example, an instruction manual on the operation of a digital camera explains when to use the control button as follows: "The control button is used to check the last recorded image and to focus on nearby objects."
In some instructions, such as cooking recipes or games where the creation of paper figures is taught, a list of the necessary materials is included..
For example: to make some paper figures, the instructions can ask to have sheets of paper and markers of different colors on hand.
Other instructions list the list of items that come with the kit. For example, an installation guide for your TV may state that the following accessories are supplied: a remote control, batteries, and an adapter.
In many cases, the instructions use images or graphics to describe in a schematic way the processes and steps to follow. For example, in the case of the instructions for the installation of electronic equipment, images are included that show the location of the elements in the equipment..
The instructions show the consequences in case the stages or steps are carried out incorrectly or incompletely. For example: "Warning: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose the equipment to moisture."
The instructions are generally made up of three parts: the introduction, the body and the closing or final.
Many instructions have a cover with the image of what you want to achieve or build.
In the introduction a small exposition of the objective is made. An example could be: "this instruction manual has been prepared so that you can adjust the image of your television according to your preference."
In the case of a cooking recipe, the instructions begin by listing the ingredients necessary to make the dish.
In the introduction, the tutorials may also include some important general remarks. It could be stated, for example: "Please read this instruction manual carefully before using the appliance and record the model and serial number on the appliance."
This section can also include the most important security measures and the index.
In some cases the introduction has general indications that are given with illustrations.
The body is made up of the different stages that must be fulfilled in order to achieve the main objective of the instructive.
In this way, it can be a simple and ordered list of activities or a series of ordered guidelines that in turn are divided into others. The body of the instructions can also include arguments, advice and conditions to achieve the objectives.
When it comes to an instruction manual to manufacture or make a product, either at a domestic or industrial level, it must indicate what are the materials or ingredients necessary for the production of said product..
Regarding the technical requirements, some types of instructions mention the need for certain conditions so that the equipment can function..
For example, household appliances (blenders, microwaves, etc.) and in general, all electrical appliances, indicate the type of current with which they work, as well as the voltage (110V or 220V).
The game instructions indicate what is allowed and what is not and how it is penalized. In the case of the manuals for the use of electronic equipment, recommendations are usually included so that the device does not suffer any damage due to improper handling or exposure to inappropriate conditions..
Warnings tell you what not to do.
This section includes procedures to keep the system or product working properly..
This section should attend to any error message that could appear in the system or any possible malfunction of the equipment..
The instructions have different functions:
The structure and order of an instruction manual allows the successful execution of a process.
For example: the user, by following the steps indicated in an instruction manual or manual, manages to correctly assemble or install a piece of equipment. You can also prepare food or make games.
Likewise, in more specialized areas, scientists and researchers through the use of instructions manage to carry out their experiments..
The instructions manage to prevent damages and dangers through safety instructions, which are divided into two types: "warning" and "caution".
Warnings are made to prevent serious accidents from occurring. An example of a warning would be: "do not put your hands on the underside of the equipment, the turned parts under the machine can cause damage."
Whereas, precautions are included to prevent equipment damage or minor accident occurring. For example: "Do not try to disassemble the equipment yourself, it should only be done by a qualified technician."
Through the instructions, the individual or any entity (such as a company or an institution) manage to systematize all their activities and resources.
For example: clinical laboratories, by using an instruction manual, standardize the steps to follow to carry out a specific biological or chemical test. Such is the case of the instructions to perform a blood test or hematology.
Due to their characteristics, the instructions manage to reduce the time used to achieve the objectives. This happens because they facilitate or speed up the steps to follow.
For example: by means of an instructional, a company makes that the employees know the processes quickly; this considerably saves the time invested in your training.
Another example of instructions that reduce the time invested are the posters, which can show the indications to quickly vacate a room or building in case of fire..
The instructions are classified depending on the type of activity or action for which they are designed:
They are those that show the steps to get to a certain place or area. These instructions are very specific and include the names of the avenues and streets. In addition, these instructions include maps or diagrams that allow you to better understand the directions.
The procedure manuals provide the information you need to install or use a specific product. For these reasons, they are widely used in the installation of electronic equipment, in addition, most of these manuals are written in several languages.
They show in an orderly way the rules or regulations to be followed in a certain situation or in an institution, such as in a school.
They are those that show the rules and steps necessary to play a certain game. In these instructions, the way they are written and the images used depend on the population to which they are directed (adults or children).
They are those who give the guidelines, in an orderly and schematic way, on how to carry out a process in the clinical area. For example: how to fill out a patient's medical history or how to take different samples for analysis in laboratories.
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