English 421K, Technical Writing

First of all, wow. It's a hard topic to describe, but it's very interesting.

In regards to your usability questions:
1. Should spiral and example columns be switched?
No, although I would almost suggest putting the spiral in the first column (i.e., switching Instructions and Spiral). Of course, that could cause later confusion, so I do think it works the way you have it currently.

2. Is the final form of the poem clear?
It honestly took me awhile to "get it." The visuals did help, but if you perhaps added arrows or something to indicate just how the words move around, it'll make it clearer, at least for me.

3. Should there be more stylistic and creativity tips?
You included one in "Preliminary Steps," so I think for the sake of consistency, it'd help. However, I'm not sure how it'd really "work" with your current format. Perhaps in the "finishing" section, it'd work?

4. Should the notes all be included at the beginning, end, or stay as they are?
It seems kind of sporadic or "blurted out" randomly. I think you can find a way to make it work as is, but it'll take some time. I recommend perhaps making a "Notes" or "Helpful Tips" section immediately before or after the table of instructions.

5. Which step was the most confusing?
Two. I had a hard time connecting what you were saying to the image. The note for how it really "works" was further down, and it took a bit of time looking at the image to really decipher what you meant.

6. General comments:
I definitely think you have a good start. It's a bit of a confusing poetic approach to follow, but once I figured out what was going on, I really thought it was a cool idea. You might want to expand upon your purpose. Definitely make sure that images correspond with the instructions next to them, or it'll cause some confusion (as I mentioned above). Make sure that font sizes are consistent throughout (Step 3 has a smaller font, for example).

I really liked the "Finishing" section, but I really think you can expand a little bit more to perhaps include tips about how to revise a project - it doesn't have to be much, really; just a few tips.

Good start! I like the topic.

track changes are attached.

i don't know where your questions are so i will simply look at erins response.
1. no they shouldn't. i think it looks good the way it is.
2. again i agree with erin. as noted earlier the numbered word movement is confusing but i understand the overall form of the poem.
3. i think creativity is different for each person so i don't know how you can give advice on being creative. if you have enough material for stylistic tips you could include it in finishing or make it a new section.
4. i think the notes work well the way they are.
5. again i agree with erin, 2 is the most difficult for the same reason she gave.
6. other comments are listed in track changes.

I hand wrote your usability test, and have attached a copy of your paper with tracked changes.

I really like how your paper is set up. I agree with Erin on some points, like how there could be a Notes or Helpful hints section. Also, could you reference or suggest other poems that vary in style and feel? The best was to learn all that can be done in a subject like this is to see multiple examples. I think the use of graphics and layout in this really help the reader to visualize how each stanze is set up and created.