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Parts of a User Manual

Learn key components and criteria for writing effective user manuals. Includes topics like graphics, hazards, required tools, and more. Guidelines on layout, content, and usability testing included.

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Parts of a User Manual

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  1. Parts of a User Manual Criteria for writing a user manual User manual components

  2. Criteria for Writing a User Manual • Requires more detail than you can fit into one instruction • Focus may vary: installation, operation, maintenance, software use, etc. • Size may vary depending on topic • Includes instructions plus additional components

  3. Criteria for Writing a User Manual • Long User’s Manuals include all of the topics already discussed: • Graphics • Hazards • Required tools • Detailed information geared toward the audience • An appropriate style (numbered steps, articles, verbs, personalization, etc.)

  4. User Manual Components • Cover page • Topic – names product or service • Function (purpose) • Graphic • Table of contents • List of Figures • List of Tables

  5. User Manual Components • Introduction / Overview / About this Manual • What do you need to know to make the best use of this manual? • Personalized, positive tone • Emphasizes the value and importance of the manual • How this manual is organized • How to use this manual • Special icons or symbols used in manual

  6. User Manual Components • Glossary—define acronyms, abbreviations, and high-tech terms • May be separate section or part of overview • Alerts and special considerations • Warnings, hazards, dangers • Technical description (hardware) • Parts lists/accessories

  7. User Manual Components • Instructions listed as tasks • Other possible sections: • Warranties/guarantees • FAQs • Troubleshooting • Corporate Contact information • Index

  8. Components – Index • Might be in addition to the general end matter • Helps readers locate specific information within a manual • Generally lists words and concepts alphabetically • Identifies where readers can reference information in the manual

  9. Usability Testing • Usability Testing—another approach to Revision: • Choose a test audience. • Ask the audience to test the instructions. • Monitor the audience. What challenges do the instructions seem to present? • Time the team members as they attempt to perform the tasks. • Quantify the audience’s responses. What problems did they encountered. • Revise the instruction to improve its usability.

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