A semiotic analysis of user manuals for two blender brands

Magister Artium - MATechnical documentation comes in a variety of forms such as installation or operation manuals, quick reference guides, maintenance manuals, user manuals, policy and procedure manuals or marketing brochures and flyers (Walsh, 2012). What all these sub-genres have in common is that the texts that correspond to them seek to inform and give instruction about procedures, behaviour and actions related to products (Schäffner & Wiesemann, 2001: 49). Manuals have been described as “the complete reference source for a product’s operation, maintenance and safety” (Cowley & Wogalter, 2011: 1773). For the purpose of this study, we will focus on one form of technical documentation, namely user manuals. The terms “documentation” and “manuals” will be used interchangeably. Although there are probably as many manuals as there are products in our homes, these user manuals have not frequently been the subject of academic study in the South African context. The relative lack of research into user manuals is especially regrettable at a time when new product liability legislation and trade regulations (e.g. the Consumer Protect Act of South Africa, 2008) have enhanced the profile of product manuals in public and regulatory discourse. As a result of this relative neglect, it is not known how understandable, relevant and therefore empowering users of products find these manuals. There is also not much knowledge concerning the level of compliance in manuals to the provisions of product liability legislation. This study therefore proposes to investigate the comprehensibility and usability of user manuals associated with two products (blenders) marketed in South Africa. It will draw on theories and methods of analysis associated with technical writing, analysis of terminological consistency, genre and multimodality, to evaluate the selected manuals from the standpoint of a subset of the criteria listed in Section 22(2) of the Consumer Protection Act of South Africa, No. 68 of 2008, which was later amended in 2011. The methodology for the proposed study will combine text analysis (by the researcher) with comprehension and usability tasks performed by selected participants. Data from these sources will be collated and analysed to determine the conformity of the manuals to criteria in the Consumer Protection Act of South Africa, and the effect the manuals have on product users. Areas for optimising (improving) the manuals will also be identified

Spartan Daily, November 25, 1986

Volume 87, Issue 61https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/7518/thumbnail.jp

Microcomputer utilization in elementary schools : a Henderson county case study

The purpose of this study was to report the results of a survey on computer programs conducted among the certified personnel in Henderson County elementary schools. Respondents registered the intensity of their attitudes to two groups of stimuli: factors which limit the current program, and factors which might be added or changed to improve the program in the future. The survey also gathered information about the teachers' certification levels, experience, and computer training. The results of the survey indicated that respondents to the survey are comparable to the entire staff in certification and experience, that they are comparable to statewide norms in the area of experience, and that they are slightly above state averages in terms of graduate degrees. Survey responses indicated that teachers' chief concern is for planning time. Other strong concerns are for a specifically trained staff member to assist in the computer area, for an expanded computer inventory, and for a greater supply of software

Introduction to data processing

Originally published by: Haskins & Sells

Maine Perspective, v 10, i 9

The Maine Perspective, a publication for the University of Maine, was a campus newsletter produced by the Department of Public Affairs which eventually transformed into the Division of Marketing and Communication. Regular columns included the UM Calendar, Ongoing Events, People in Perspective, Look Who\u27s on Campus, In Focus, and Along the Mall. The weekly newsletter also included position openings on campus as well as classified ads. Included in this issue is coverage of a proposal to create a Maine Agricultural Center focusing on agriculture-related research and programs; UMaine\u27s development of a model laboratory safety plan; the donation of 14 Peruvian artifacts to the Hudson Museum; and a personal profile piece on Claude Junkins