Using Visual Mnemonics to Make Instructions Easier to Remember

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Oct 1990

Using Visual Mnemonics to Make Instructions Easier to Remember

Russel Keith Hirst

Abstract

Instructions should be illustrated so as to help users memorize steps as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Classical mnemonic theory provides an excellent description of how to create such illustrations. The most detailed description of how to form memorable images that function as cues to subject matter is contained in the ancient Roman treatise Rhetorica Ad Herennium. The basic principle is that one must form bizarre, striking pictures combining cue images with images representing the words or concepts that are to be remembered. Much modern research on memory and imagery bears out the ancient wisdom on this topic. Gordon Bower, Allan Paivio, and others have shown that subjects remember lists of items far better when they use paired associate methods of visual memorization that are based on the classical theories. Other researchers, such as Margaret Hagen, have found that the mind processes information faster and remembers it longer when it has to deal with only minimal cues (for example, a simple line drawing as opposed to a photograph or a detailed drawing). Combining insights from ancient theory and practice with those from modern research, I suggest that technical communicators use, where possible, a particular kind of image to illustrate instructions.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 1990-10-01
DOI: 10.2190/wyjm-d6wc-kpm4-qu7u
Open Access: Closed
Topics: multimodality multilingual writers

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

Hirst (2004)

Herbert Spencer's Philosophy of Style: Conserving Mental Energy

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Hirst (1996)

The Value of Faculty Internships in Technical Communication

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (0)

No references match articles in this index.

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