As you complete your assignment, please allow these ideas to guide you:

The two manuals compared are a Huffy 3-Wheeled Scooter at http://www.huffybikes.com/resources/pdfs/3-WhScootersOverall.pdf and
Kodak's G600 Printer Dock Manual at http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/publications/urg00536toc.jhtml?pq-path=9368

As you compare and contrast the two manuals, please notice their common components. For example, both manuals use simple sentences, fragments actually, to convey their directions. This simplification allows user to understand clearly the instructions they are trying to perform. In other words, these manuals use strong, action verbs.

Besides strong verb use and short sentences, both manuals also offer clear visuals for users. Both Huffy and Kodak use bullets to highlight main points. Another similarity is that both manuals offer visual examples (drawings and diagrams) to illustrate parts of both items to the owners. The visuals contain clear labels to allow owners to thoroughly identify key parts for usage. Both manuals also clearly list warnings of actions not to perform, almost like rules for users. They also both use language that is common, not too difficult or too juvenile. They seem to keep the vocabulary at a newspaper reading level for users.

As you examine contrasts, Kodak is much more thorough and elaborate in its coverage. Kodak offers over 11 pages, while Huffy only provides 2 pages of assistance. Huffy also does not use effective font; the use of font is too small, hindering readers. On the other hand, Kodak's easy online navigation manual makes it more visually attractive and accessibility. It also allows users better font by its organizational scheme. Huffy just covers three main sections: safety, warnings, and assembly. However, Kodak includes "setting up your digital camera, printing without a computer, installing software, using the printer dock with a computer," and numerous other features within its manual. Kodak definitely offers a more thorough approach to its manual and better organization.

Is there any one component included in the manual(s) that you feel is most effective?

I feel that Kodak's table of contents offers a more structured, organized approach to the manual. I also think that Kodak is overall more visually appealing to users by its colors, font size, and other features.