Functional Analysis for Document Design

Authors: Lentz, Leo; Pander Maat, Henk

Source: Technical Communication, Volume 51, Number 3, August 2004 , pp. 387-398(12)

Publisher: Society for Technical Communication

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Abstract:

The first part of this article distinguishes between individual cognitive and behavioral effects, and organizational results. It also shows how a main document purpose may be decomposed into a hierarchical network containing sub-goals.

But a functional analysis needs to do more than describe single purposes. Single communicative purposes are an important source of design constraints but not the only source. Often the most critical questions in document design concern the consequences of combining different purposes and different audiences in the same document, and of combining purpose-related considerations with other considerations like financial and legal ones. These issues can best be discussed by analyzing the multiple constraints that may be derived from different components of the functional context. That is shown in the second part of the article.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2004-08-01

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Technical Communication, the Society's journal, publishes articles about the practical application of technical communication theory and serves as a common arena for discussion by practitioners. Technical Communication includes both quantitative and qualitative research while showcasing the work of some of the field's most noteworthy writers. Among its most popular features are the helpful book reviews. Technical Communication is published quarterly and is free with membership.
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