Technical Instruction - Assignment Example

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION Introduction From a technical perspective, task analysis refers to organized on task performance. Task analysis contains detailed information on both mental and manual procedures involved in executing a specific activity. In practical contexts, users’ guide for consumer products contains numerous components of task analysis. For example, consumers who buy a new cell phone will have to plug in the charger on their own. In this case, all instructions pertaining to charging a new phone constitutes a component of task analysis.

According to Hannum and Tessmer (2009), task analysis falls into two groups; cognitive analysis and hierarchical analysis. This essay revolves around task analysis for a 4th generation iPod Touch from Apple Inc. IPod Touch from AppleBreakdown of Task AnalysisHierarchical analysis entails decomposing a complex task into subtasks that are easy to understand. In case of operating an iPod, Hierarchical analysis provides detailed description of all steps starting from switching the device on to playing a tune and adjusting audio volume.

On the contrary, cognitive analysis provides informative knowledge on optimizing functionality of a product. At this juncture, iPod task analysis can be broken down into subtasks as in the layout below. A. Hierarchical Analysisa. Operating a new iPodi. Switch on using the on/off button near the camera.ii. Gently touch the home button on the bottom right corner.iii. Move application list by scrolling up and down the touch screen.iv. Tap on an application with your finger to open and explore.v.

Expand and pinch fingers to zoom in and out the contents on screen. vi. Power off the device by holding down the on/off button for 10 seconds.b. Charging the iPodAfter acquiring a new iPod, charging is necessary to ensure battery durability. A green light code on the top right corner indicates the device’s battery status. Presence of 3 or more green light codes signifies a strong battery status while less than 2 codes indicates a low battery. Charge an iPod Touch through the following steps;i.

Plug in the cable it shipped with into the charging port.ii. Connect the USB part of the cable into a computer port.iii. Wait until the iPod pops out a “battery full” icon on the screen.iv. Disconnect the cable from both the computer and the device. B. Cognitive Task Analysisa. Configuring the iPodConfiguration of a device is necessary in order to enhance its security and enhance its functionality. Failure to configure an iPod Touch from Apple will restrict the device’s ability to accept and install certain applications from iTunes Store.

Configuration of a new device is achieved through the following steps;i. Connect the iPod Touch to the internet using a wireless network.ii. Alternatively, connect the device to the internet through your computer.iii. Create your Apple ID and enter email address in the fields provided.iv. Synchronize downloads to the email address for purpose of backup security.v. Disconnect from the internet once the configuration is complete.b. Modifying an iPod’s ContentsModification of contents falls into two broad categories; adding applications and removing applications.

Apart from these two tasks, users can engage in other minor modifications like customizing background theme, hiding applications and customizing the lock screen application.a) Adding Applicationsi. Access iTunes by connecting the iPod to the internet.ii. Click iTunes store.iii. Scroll through the numerous apps categories like games, utilities and education.iv. Tap on your favorite app and click download.v. Click “install” to run the new application on your device.b) Removing Applicationsi.

Scroll through the application list and select the one to delete.ii. Touch and hold the app icon until an “X” appears adjacent to the icon.iii. Gently tap the “X” icon and select “Yes”.Reference ListHannum, W. & Tessmer, M. (2009). Task Analysis: Methods for instructional design. Harrisburg: Psychology Press.