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

Abstract

This article provides evidence that diagrams in procedural instructions can help as well as hinder performance depending on how the diagrams are designed. Results suggest that diagrammatic instructions for performing one-time mechanical manipulation tasks that are designed according to specific rules are superior to equivalent instructions presented as a combination of text and diagrams. Tasks were completed quicker with fewer errors. One important 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 (1990) minimalist principles 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.