I.  Context

A.  Readers will use instructions in all sorts of ways under all kinds of circumstances:  instructions need to be flexible

1.  Ignore and only come to in trouble
2.  With specific questions
3.  Step-by-step
4.  Collaboratively
5.  While in process
6.  Read, put away, and do
7.  Tension—may want to urge readers to follow a process but have to be aware that they might not

B.  Legal Implications

1.  Need clear disclaimers and warnings if any of the advice you offer or activities you suggest are dangerous—A2 Guides, Auto Mechanics Guide
2.  Disclaimers and Warnings about any advice you offer that may not pan out—car buyer’s guide and lemons

A.  Navigation and Location Aids

1.  Global:  T of C, index
2.  FAQs
3.  Headings, subheadings, spacing, etc.
4.  Links and Cross-references

B.  Graphics

1.  Critical because of different learning styles
2.  Carefully integrated with text

C.  Reader-based Organization that allows

1.  Systematic Presentation:  present the service or thing as a whole
2.  Functional Presentation:  present as the user will use the service or the thing
 

D.  Tone:  Appropriate for Topic, Purpose, and Audience

E.  Ancillaries:  Where to place useful but not critical information