Development of Diagrammatic Procedural Instructions for Performing Complex One-Time Tasks

Abstract

This study provides evidence that pictures and diagrams can help as well as hinder performance depending on the nature of the task and the skill level of the user. Results suggest that diagrammatic instructions for performing one-time mechanical manipulation tasks are superior to equivalent instructions presented as a combination of text and diagrams. Tasks were completed quicker with fewer errors. One major factor is that these types of tasks do not require learning or memorization. The goal for the instruction designer is to create diagrammatic instructions in accordance with Carroll's minimalist principles (1990) as well as verifying that each step occurs in either an internal or external representation (Zhang, 1997). Contrary to what is presented in the literature, this series of experiments provides evidence that if the diagrams are well designed they can be perceived, understood, and performed quicker than the same information in a text and diagram format.