Effects of Manual Style on Performance in Education and Machine Maintenance

Discussed is a study of human factors that was designed to measure the time to perform maintenance using two types of manuals (format) presented in two media types, for a total of four conditions. The types of manuals were the then-current Field Engineering Maintenance Manual (FEMM) and Field Engineering Theory of Operation Manual (FETOM) in both hard copy and microfiche, and a new Graphic Integrated Manual (GIM) covering the same subject matter, also in hard copy and microfiche. The objective of the study was to compare performance in solving problems on an electromechanical machine, the IBM 5424 Multi-Funcfion Card Unit, through the use of standard and graphic integrated manuals in both hard copy and microfiche for that machine. Test results are analyzed and conclusions are presented. The general conclusion is that the new graphic integrated manuals in hard copy format lead to better performance both in education and on the job.