The results are in.

For my technical writing class we had peers test out our instructions. We were instructed to write a user test memo. Here is my memo:

To:        Sandy Jensen, Writing 227 Instructor

From:        Crystal Smith

Date:           February 1st, 2016

Subject:    User Test and Report Memo

INTRODUCTION

My instructions are a step-by-step method for flossing your teeth. My target audience is anyone who has teeth and want to keep them healthy and prevent future gum disease or decay.

OBJECTIVES

My objective is to bring awareness the importance of flossing, as well as the ease of flossing. My instructions are designed to be concise, clear, and easy to follow to anyone, including children. Additionally, my intentions are to test the instructions and be able to relate aythe results of those tests.

METHOD

• My draft had very minor edits that needed to be made in order to become my final draft.  
• My test readers were Dona Daubenspeck, my husband, Aaron Smith, and Austin Scarle. These testers were a great choice because I did not know two of them so they appeared and were unbiased, as well as honest with their critiques. My husband was a great tester because I feel, he can be, and was, tougher on me than a stranger would. He seemed to be more brutally honest with me.
• The location of the tests were in their own home, which is exactly what I was hoping for and expecting.
• I wanted the testers to learn how to correctly floss their teeth.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The results of my test were that my instructions were thorough and concise. The only issue that one tester reported was that I needed to put a mirror as an optional item needed. It was a pleasant surprise to me how in depth I had to go with something so, or so I thought, basic. I am glad that I took the time to write down every little step, as if I was teaching my almost two year old how to floss her teeth.

CONCLUSION

I learned that when writing instructions on anything, not just flossing your teeth, I need to make sure that I am clear with my instructions, I need to not assume that the audience knows what I mean, instead say it, and that illustrations make a large difference in how people interpret the instructions. The only revision I had to make was to add an optional mirror to my items needed portion.