RE: Features of a well-written procedure

["Michael West" <mike -dot- west -at- oz -dot- quest -dot- com>]

John Garison wrote:


> There have been several references to 
> the Rule of Seven. Here are a couple
> of links you might find interesting:

> http://www.research.microsoft.com/users/marycz/chi981.htm 
> which includes this:

> The Magic Number 7

> Four decades ago, G. Miller [9] offered a general rule 
> of thumb that the span of immediate memory is about 
> 7 +/- 2 items. [...]


This is interesting, but its application to technical writing 
is qualified by the fact that Miller is talking about loading 
items into short-term memory.

When I am following written procedures, I do not usually 
attempt to load all steps into short term memory, close 
the book (or window) and perform the procedure. 
Instead, I perform one action at a time, glancing back 
and forth from the text to the work area.

Accordingly, when I am writing user procedures, I do not 
fantasize that my reader will attempt to memorize what 
I write.

The main reason for trying to shoot for '7 +/- 2' in 
written instructions is that this is within the ballpark of 
an easily managed list. Beyond that, it is too easy to 
lose your place.

-- 
Michael West
Melbourne, Australia



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