The Usability of Print and Online Video Instructions

Kara Poe Alexander Baylor University

Abstract

This study investigates the usability of print and online video instructions for computer tasks. Usability tests, comprehension tests, and questionnaires were collected from participants, and 4 areas of usability were analyzed: effectiveness, retention, satisfaction, and preference. Findings show marginal differences between the 2 mediums, except in terms of user satisfaction and instruction length. This research helps technical communicators better understand the affordances, or potentials and limitations, of print and video instructions.

Journal
Technical Communication Quarterly
Published
2013-07-01
DOI
10.1080/10572252.2013.775628
CompPile
Search in CompPile ↗
Open Access
Closed
Topics
Export

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (14)

  1. Communication Design Quarterly
  2. Technical Communication Quarterly
  3. Technical Communication Quarterly
  4. Technical Communication Quarterly
  5. Technical Communication Quarterly
Show all 14 →
  1. Technical Communication Quarterly
  2. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  4. Communication Design Quarterly
  5. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  6. Communication Design Quarterly
  7. Technical Communication Quarterly
  8. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  9. Communication Design Quarterly

References (60) · 8 in this index

  1. Training for 21st Century Technology: Applications of Psychological Research
  2. 10.1037/0022-0663.76.3.408
  3. Le Travail Humain
  4. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  5. 10.1177/001872087501700306
    Human Factors  
Show all 60 →
  1. 10.1518/0018720024497637
  2. 10.1207/s15327051hci0204_2
  3. Technical Communication Quarterly
  4. 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2736(199711)
  5. Educational Technology & Society
  6. 10.1016/0272-4944(95)90012-8
  7. Writing and technique
  8. A practical guide to usability testing
  9. Strategies for improving visual learning
  10. 10.1006/ceps.1996.0012
  11. Technical Communication
  12. Technical Communication
  13. The conditions of learning
  14. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  15. 10.1016/0749-596X(92)90008
  16. 10.1080/01638539909545067
  17. 10.1145/3166.3170
  18. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  19. 10.1145/1065226.1065326
  20. 10.1145/223904.223915
  21. Designing and writing online documentation: Hypermedia for self-supporting products ()
  22. User-centered technology: A rhetorical theory for computers and other mundane artifacts
  23. Multiliteracies: Literacy learning and the design of social futures
  24. Multimodal discourse: The modes and media of contemporary communication
  25. 10.1207/s15516709cog1202_3
  26. 10.1007/BF03173279
  27. 10.1145/357436.357440
  28. College Composition and Communication
  29. 10.1016/S0959-4752(02)00016-6
  30. 10.1037/0022-0663.83.4.484
  31. Reshaping technical communication: New directions and challenges for the 21st century
  32. 10.1145/634067.634290
  33. Usability engineering
  34. 10.1145/108844.108906
  35. 10.1207/s15327051hci0803_1
  36. 10.1016/0020-7373(91)90019-4
  37. 10.1109/VLHCC.2005.57
  38. Technical writing theory and practice
  39. 10.1037/0022-0663.77.3.285
  40. 10.1034/j.1600-051X.1999.t01-8-261101.x
  41. Computers, graphics, & learning
  42. 10.1080/10447318.2002.9669127
  43. 10.1177/105065198800200105
  44. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  45. Dynamics in document design: Creating texts for readers
  46. Foundations for teaching technical communication: Theory, practice, and program design
  47. Designing the user interface: Strategies for effective human-computer interaction (5th ed.)
  48. Eye for Design
  49. Writers UA: Better UX through better UA
  50. 10.1037/0022-0663.73.3.419
  51. Instructional design in technical areas
  52. 10.1037/0022-0663.80.4.424
  53. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  54. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  55. 10.1016/S0747-5632(01)00049-8