Class Activity 13 - Reading Response (Design)

The title is Chinese Dumplings and Potstickers.

The reader is given really nice graphics and images with background information regarding the process of dumpling making. Initially, when I navigated through the page I thought that the instructions under the pictures were the instructions for dumpling making. After scrolling down I noticed that within the background information were some instructions. All the design steps are there; proximity is shown by the grouping of pictures and headings, alignment is used to create white space and show a hierarchy within the document, repetition is shown by the same sized pictures being used and the same type and style of text being used, and contrast is show by black print is used on a white page with color photographs. There was a combination of both background information and instructions so the reader should be aware that there is a bit of bouncing back and forth through the article to get the information to perform the task.

It is hard to say if there is or is not enough information in each step. The reader must read through all the steps and attempt to discern what an actual step is and what background information is. A novice cook may find these instructions hard to follow, however; an advanced cook may see where the instructions are amid the author’s dialogue. An example of this would be under the picture labeled “adding some sesame oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch to the mix” there is a beautiful picture of chopped food in a large bowl but the statement underneath that picture is a slight discussion about food processors verses hand chopping ingredients. The organization is not quite right.

The author uses both sentences and phrases. The author tells you to do something but at the same time gives you a discussion revolving around what she has discovered in the process of learning how to make dumplings. The language is not as effective as it could be.

Graphics are used and they do follow the four design principles. They are group related, most show examples of what each step should look like (excluding the picture of a dog, that picture might confuse people). All the pictures line up; they are centered. Repetition is shown by the use of bold and plain font; the pictures are also following a pattern of showing similar items. Contrast is shown by the use of black and bolded black text and plenty of white space.

Basic structure for instructions:
1. There is a title
2. There is an introduction
3. Safety information is given in between the background information (not clearly listed)
4. Equipment and materials needed are listed at the end of the document
5. Steps and procedures are listed throughout the document and are hard to discern from background information
6. No conclusion is listed at the end but if the reader searches he/she might find something that can be called a conclusion at the end of the second to last picture.

The instructions are not very clear and can confuse the reader. The author should not add so much background information before and after each picture but list clear instructions. The author should also list materials and ingredients list at the beginning. The author should state clear safety information at the beginning of the document and possibly remind the reader when the particular process comes up, such as adding water to the frying dumplings will cause splashing and possibly burn the skin.

I would like the writer to review how recipes are setup in cookbooks and have the writer tailor her recipe in that format. The pictures are beautiful and should be kept but the instructional design needs work.