Formats to teach procedures were developed to incorporate appropriate learning strategies. The formats contain a preponderance of graphics with supporting text and include a foldout, or paper mock-up, showing the face of the equipment. Exercises are provided for recalling individual steps and for chaining steps. These materials, called learning aids, were developed and field-tested on two pieces of complex equipment: tuning an oscilloscope probe and starting a helicopter engine. Results showed the learning aids reduce errors and produce quicker learning compared with narrative manuals commonly used to teach procedures.

A computer readability system was developed to serve as an author's aid in improving the ease of comprehending technical manuals and training materials. The system has features to (1) flag uncommon and misspelled words and long sentences, (2) suggest simple replacements for difficult words and phrases, and (3) calculate the readability grade level. Each feature was tested to verify that it provides useful feedback to editors and authors. The program is written in Wang BASIC-2 and can be run on computer equipment costing about $25000.