Technical Publications and the User

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The low cost of technical publications relative to hardware costs is asserted to be no reason for minimizing the important role of publications in equipment functioning and system performance. The mechanistic orientation in psychology and elsewhere is challenged and reasons are given for added human factors contributions to make technical information more usable. Studies are cited which reveal numerous inadequacies in technical handbooks at the point of use. Conventional studies of technical message variables are suggested to be of only slight relevance to military publications design due to different populations, environments, and conditions of stress. A concept of technical handbooks as devices to control behavior is explained. The need is put forth for a more empirical rather than subjective orientation to technical writing. Recommendations include a proposal for investigation of “user-designed” handbooks, integration of publications development within system development, and study to determine new criteria for effective writing and for the selection and training of writers.

This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit: