...User Manual Critique Chris Bolte ENG/221 November 5, 2012 Janet Chappell So many people depend on some form of media to escape the everyday grind, stay informed, or simply to relax. Media comes in many forms, such as film, radio, internet, and text. Consumers all over the world fill their homes with these many forms of media. In fact, as of May, 2011, consumers worldwide spent over $4.2 billion dollars on home entertainment, and that figure is down from the previous year by 9.8% (Dan, 2011). That is not $4.2 billion spent a year -- that is $4.2 billion spent during the first quarter alone. With all of those media devises in all those homes, it can be a hassle keeping track of all those remote controls. After all, everything comes with a remote control these days. Many have tried to organize the handful of remotes that are in their possession by labeling them, keeping them in a designated drawer or basket, or even gone as far as “Velcroing” them to the wall. However, there is a better method to the madness that requires a little less creativity, but more ingenuity. It is a great little solution known as the universal remote. In most cases, you can put up to four devices onto one remote, eliminating the frustrating remote control cluster that many people deal with, and they can cost as little as $4 and up to more than $100. It all depends on your needs and budget. In this user manual critique, the item reviewed is the One For All Universal Replacement...
Words: 1073 - Pages: 5
...User Manual Critique Ryan Parker University of Phoenix ENG/221 Technical Writing Fundamentals August 8, 2012 Susan Boyle I. Introduction This Sony® manual critique will analyze how the document is organized, the layout, the use of visuals and written instructions of the document. II. Document Organization The user manual for the Sony® Blu-ray Disc/DVD Home Theatre System is well organized. It includes a cover page with the title but does not have a visual picture of the actual product. In some products it is helpful to the consumer if the manufacturer has a visual on the cover. This ensures the customer that they have received the correct documentation for the product they have purchased. III. Layout The layout of this manual is standard. It includes the scope, which is, that it contains operation instruction for the product. There are the warnings that are necessary for the safety of the consumer. One section that I noticed it contains is the instructions for unpacking the product. This is something that I do not normally see. The unpacking instructions are combined with the parts list of the home theatre system. The manual also contains the standard index, instructions on how to hook up the system, how to operate the system and how to make adjustments to customize the settings. IV. Use of Visuals The uses of the visuals in the home theatre manual are detailed but general enough so not to confuse the consumer that is not technically knowledgeable...
Words: 449 - Pages: 2
...User Manual Critique Brenda Wissman ENG/221 November 17, 2014 Nancy Feldman User Manual Critique The technology we have today can at times be confusing for those that use it. To compensate for this almost all devices come with a manual that explains the proper usage of the device. These manuals break down each part of the device and gives the user a detailed description of what should be done and how it should be done properly. These manuals also inform the owner of what could happen if proper instructions are not followed. This paper is going to look at the user manual for the Samsung Galaxy S4 which is a smart phone. This paper will look at the manual and critique it for a number of things such as readability and understanding of the content. The first part of the manual that I am going to critique is the how well the manual is written. The manual is written in a way that most users will be able to understand what the manual is telling them to do. However, in the beginning of the manual it seems that it is backtracking when it gets to the point of telling the user was is to be found in the packaging. I would have put that information first and then proceed with discussing the device. The manual however, begins by describing the device, and then informs the user what should be in the package. The packaging information should also be listed first because it states in the wording that the device may look differently than described so this should be listed before the basic...
Words: 721 - Pages: 3
...is to critique the user manual of the Samsung 460DX-3 LCD display. The manual is set up in PDF form to easily be viewed on a computer or hand held device. There are numerous tabs to select that will allow the user to quickly find the information they are looking for. The manual seems to be in good written order with images and warnings to help the user operate the display. The first section of the manual is about safety instructions. This section includes both headers and footers to let the user know what subject they are reading about and also what page they are on. The images that are shown are really helpful in determining what may be dangerous to the user while operating the display. The manual uses the color red to show warnings and other images about the display such as the electrical plug and safe lifting instructions. The safety instructions are not vague in any way that would confuse the user. Anyone with the ability to read would be able to understand these safety instructions. The next section of the Samsung’s manual is the introduction section. This section explains to the user everything they must expect when they first get the display home. It shows how to take it out of the box safely and what contents should be in the package when first opening it. This section also includes headers and footers for the user. This section is very useful as it explains the different buttons and inputs that are located on the display. Images are present to help the user identify...
Words: 799 - Pages: 4
...User Manual Critique This is a critique of the first generation Motorola Droid cellular phone. One of the criteria used will be the table of contents. The table of contents is important if the user wants to learn how to execute a specific task without reading through the entire manual. Another important criterion is how accurate and detailed the information is to accomplish each step successfully. The manual must be able to be read and understood by different audiences. The graphics in the manual should stimulate the visual learner and provide clear guidance to the user. The ability to contact customer support is important so the user feels they have a place to go if they have any questions about the phone. Table of Contents The table of contents is organized and thorough using the different topics of the phones attributes. The table is structured in a numerical sequence that helps the user navigate to different parts of the manual. The table of contents is well organized and complete, but the light blue color font on white paper is a little hard to see. If the writer would have used better highlighting techniques, the font would not look washed out. The organization of the table of contents is important but accuracy is critical for user success. Accurate and Detailed This manual provides the accurate and detailed instructions required for any user to open the box, follow the step-by-step instructions, successfully set up and operate the phone. This manual states...
Words: 740 - Pages: 3
...User Manual Critique I have chosen to critique the Apple iPhone manual for ISO 6.1. This is the most current iPhone operating system available. It is only available on Apple mobile devices. The manual has 32 chapters and three appendixes. There are 156 pages total in this manual. One of the most important things I find with this manual is that it is easy to navigate. That is if you are only looking into one section. If you need to look up anything else in the manual you will either have to reload the page, or scroll all the way back through the pages. This can be annoying to the reader and can be easily solved by making the manual truly online and not a browser PDF. One of the issues that I have with this manual is that the print is small in some of the sections. There is the option to zoom the page in, but not all readers are familiar with the features of their individual web browsers. With that, readers will become aggravated with the fact that they have to squint or get close to their screen in order to read some of the smaller print. The manual does have interactive links to external sites within the Apple Company, allowing you to go further in-depth into some of the information that is just touched on in the manual. This allows the reader the option to gain more information on the subjects that Apple decided to not place an abundance of information in the manual on. The manual overall is not designed well. There are areas of the manual that there are a large amount...
Words: 499 - Pages: 2
...User Manual Critique In the following pages I will be critiquing an online user manual for a Black & Decker Cordless Drill. The criteria that I will be using are Audience Recognition, Development, Conciseness, Consistency, and Document Design. This online manual can be found at http://powertools.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/black_decker/510275104.html?idRes=15742403 . Audience Recognition While reading the manual I noticed that all of the technical terms were defined so low-tech people would know what the section was talking about. As with all manuals the first section contains the Safety Rules. This section is easy to follow with the rule in bold font and the at least one reason for the rule in regular font following. Right after the general safety rules there is a table for the most commonly used abbreviations and symbols that might be on the drill itself. These included the symbols for volts (V), amperes (A), watts (W), and alternating current (~). The chosen graphics clearly help the readers understand how to apply and remove the battery cap, install and remove the battery from the drill, change the direction of the drill, adjust the torque of the drill, and insert and remove a drill bit into the chuck. The graphics are easy to understand and are numbered to make them easier to follow. This cordless drill is on the lower end of cordless drills and would typically be purchased by a person who just needs to drill a couple holes in the wall here and there to...
Words: 630 - Pages: 3
...| Reducing the time and expense creating proposals: 2013 table of contents executive summary 1 back ground information 2 problem and objectives 3 research methodology 4 estimates of cost and schedule 6 qualification of researcher 8 appendix 9 executive summary automating to meet the needs of jump inc. Construction company Proposals are extremely important tools in construction, sales and marketing efforts but they also pose some serious challenges. These are some of the specific problems our company is facing Inefficient delivery of information where and when it’s needed Lack of tools to help construction sales people to work productively Difficulty in completing and delivering quality proposals quickly Construction sales people are experiencing too much desk time and not enough face time as they wrestle with the challenge of preparing proactive proposals Inconsistent looking proposals that contain conflicting and sometimes incorrect information The main goal of this project is to research a specific need expressed by members of the Proposal Development Group and Sales Department, that is the need for an industry specific Proposal Software Program. As outlined in the proposal, this is to be accomplished through significant interaction between the researchers, Information Management department and experts in the Proposal Development Group and Sales Department. This type of cooperative agreement is seen as fundamental to the success of all projects. Background information the...
Words: 1397 - Pages: 6
...Faculty Portal Homepage 1.2 If you have enrolled in E-Campus and have a User name and Password skip to section 2.1. All other continue to 1.2.2. 1.3.1 New User Registration (See Figure 2 Red Section) 1.3.2.1 Click on “New to campus? Sign up here” link 1.3.2.2 Follow directions on New Registration Screen to enroll in to E-Campus ( Figure 1) 1.3.2.3.1 Create a Username Note: * You cannot use your Social Security number and/or PIN as a User Login Name. * An all-numeric User Login Name will not be valid. * Use 6 to 20 characters, alpha/numeric (e.g. johndoe1). Important: Your user login name will be used as the prefix of your University issued email account (i.e. johndoe1@email.phoenix.edu). 1.3.2.3.2 Create a Password and enter it into the Password field then re-enter your created Password into the Re-enter Password field. Note: * Use 7 to 16 characters, alpha/numeric. (e.g., passwrd1) 1.3.2.3.3 Enter Birthdate 1.3.2.3.4 Enter email ID 1.3.2.3.5 Enter your Individual Record Number (IRN) 1.3.2.3.6 Choose a Challenge Question 1.3.2.3.7 Give your Challenge Question an Answer and submit information. Note: * Use 7 to 16 characters, alpha/numeric. (e.g., passwrd1) Figure 1: User Registration (Ecampus Student & Faculty Portal, 2008) ...
Words: 748 - Pages: 3
...User Manual Critique Week 4 Assignment Gregorio Cisneros ENG/221 07/17/2014 Joseph Aguirre The following review and critique will be on the Keurig, Inc., Keurig® K-Cup™ K70/K75 Platinum Brewer Owner’s Manual. The document is available online via the following website link: http://www.keurig.com/~/media/Files/Keurig Brewer Manuals/2013 Use and Care Guides/Platinum Use Care Guide.ashx This review will cover the purpose and function of the manual, format and design, manual usability, the uses of written communication and appropriate usage of visual and technical elements. This critique will demonstrate how this manual is both concise and effective manual. Purpose and Function The purpose of the manual is clear to the reader as to help product owners know how to setup the unit, use the device correctly. The manual also informs readers of the device controls and features, how to clean and maintain the device, knowledge of troubleshooting topics and solutions, and informing the end user of warranty specifications. The fundamental function is to educate the consumer how the Keurig product works and provide additional available support content pertaining to the device. Format and Design The manual format is both pre-printed physical copy or available online for viewing and downloading. The document dimensions are smaller than 8.5 in. x 11 in. letter size. The manuals custom size of 8.5 in. x 5.5 in. size makes it compact and economical. The cover is a 4-color process scheme...
Words: 644 - Pages: 3
...Critique of Microsoft Word User Manual The key to beginning anything is a good introduction, be it a book, an essay, and editorial, and yes, even a user manual. I especially enjoyed the Introduction to the user manual for Microsoft Word 2007. It begins with an introduction to the authors that contributed to the user manual, telling us about their fields of expertise and experience in technical writing. Such an introduction assures the reader that what they are about to read comes from those that have much experience in the area and that the user manual will be as informative as they hope to expect. It then goes on to describe what is new in Microsoft Word 2007, at first glance you can already tell that Word 2007 is more aesthetically pleasing, but this section goes beyond the obvious make over to describe new and different features from previous versions of MS Word which helps the end user learn what to expect and what to watch out for if they encounter a feature that is unfamiliar to them.. The experience of the author’s technical writing skills really shows. Everything is clear and concise. Even the most basic of beginners should have no troubles learning the software through this user manual, they keep things simple without using sentences that run on and on. However, I searched high and low looking for anything that would help to describe what certain terminologies such as “footnote” or “bullets” mean. The manual is pretty extensive so I may have just overlooked it....
Words: 571 - Pages: 3
...User Manual Critique Munchkin Baby Gate User Manual Critique INTRODUCTION Almost any parent can attest to the importance of a good baby gate. The right gate can help keep your little one safe from many of the potential hazards around the house. In addition to protecting your child, a wall mounted baby gate is easier to use than a pressure mounted gate, typically looks better, and can be used safely at the top of a staircase. In order to reap the benefits of a wall mounted baby gate, it must be properly assembled, installed, and mounted. Most customers that buy a baby gate rely on the user manual included to help guide them through this assembly. Unfortunately, the majority of those that purchase the Munchkin Extended Baby Gate will find themselves very unsatisfied with the included user manual instructions. I know all too well how frustrating a poorly written user manual can be because I purchased the Munchkin Extended Baby Gate, and I had to suffer through the poor excuse of a manual provided. While the guide had some of the important pieces we expect from a solid user manual such as warranty information, hazard details, and equipment information; the manual does not however properly consider its audience. The manual also fails in its ease of use, and its document design. THE GOOD Ethical Instructions It is important for any successful user manual to be ethical. A key factor in doing this is to highlight the potential hazards and warnings involved in...
Words: 749 - Pages: 3
...Critique of Microsoft Word User Manual The key to beginning anything is a good introduction, be it a book, an essay, and editorial, and yes, even a user manual. I especially enjoyed the Introduction to the user manual for Microsoft Word 2007. It begins with an introduction to the authors that contributed to the user manual, telling us about their fields of expertise and experience in technical writing. Such an introduction assures the reader that what they are about to read comes from those that have much experience in the area and that the user manual will be as informative as they hope to expect. It then goes on to describe what is new in Microsoft Word 2007, at first glance you can already tell that Word 2007 is more beautiful pleasing, but this section goes beyond the obvious make over to describe new and different features from previous versions of MS Word which helps the end user learn what to expect and what to watch out for if they encounter a feature that is unfamiliar to them.. The experience of the author’s technical writing skills really shows. Everything is clear and concise. Even the most basic of beginners should have no troubles learning the software through this user manual, they keep things simple without using sentences that run on and on. However, I searched high and low looking for anything that would help to describe what certain terminologies such as “footnote” or “bullets” mean. The manual is pretty extensive so I may have just overlooked it. But if...
Words: 356 - Pages: 2
...User Manual Critique: Marantz DVD Player DV4003 This critique is on the Marantz DVD Player DV4003 user manual. This manual was chosen at random from brand names with which I am unfamiliar so as to provide an unbiased critique on its printed material. The user manual for this particular product is very comprehensive. Although there are 54 pages total including the covers, the information is organized well and in a logical order. The chapters are marked on the edge of the page for easy location in the manual, and the language (of the several available) in which this particular manual is written is highlighted on the top. The manual starts with a page giving congratulations on the purchase as well as information on DVD copy protection, the operating environment, and warnings and cautions. It welcomes the user and provides some valuable information before any startup or installation is discussed. This is followed by two pages of safety instructions that conclude with regulatory information. All of the legalities are covered before the “user” part of the manual begins. Following all of the legally required information is the table of contents which is thorough and accurate. It is well organized with headings for the specific categorized chapters and subheadings or the indexed items in those categories. It is very simple to go through and see what is contained under each heading, and to find the needed steps by the layout. Helpful notes are marked with a very visible icon to grab...
Words: 676 - Pages: 3
...User manual User Manual Critique Robert L. Jordan, Sr ENG/221 February 14, 2011 Janet Chappell User Manual Critique Canon PowerShot SX130 IS I. Introduction The user manual I have chosen to critique is from Canon Inc. for the Canon PowerShot SX130 IS camera, a digital camera with High Definition capabilities. It can shoot in 720p HD video with stereo sound. The SX130 also has a large 3 inch LED screen with high resolution and a wide viewing angle. It also has a 12 X digital zoom for perfect pictures from close ups to wide angle shots of the whole gang. Advanced Smart Auto detects and analyzes faces, brightness, colors, distance and movement, then selects an appropriate setting based on 28 predefined shooting situations. The complete manual can be found at http://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/5/0300003855/04/PSSX130IS_CUG_EN_03.pdf . II. Document Organization This user manual has 180 pages divided into ten chapters. The first five chapters explain the basic use of the camera and the final five chapters expand on that knowledge by showing advanced functions. The first five chapters cover such topics as getting started, learning more about your camera, shooting with commonly used functions, choosing settings yourself, and getting more out of your camera. The last five chapters concern more advanced topics such as using various functions for shooting movies, using the various playback and editing functions...
Words: 466 - Pages: 2
