STC Usability SIG Newsletter
How to Thaw a Turkey

by Joyce Thomas

I open my usability presentations with this true story:

I was given a large, frozen turkey a few years ago. When it came time to prepare the turkey, I placed it on a kitchen counter to let the turkey thaw. Several hours later I was able to reach into the cavity of the thawed turkey to remove the neck, kidneys, etc. At this point, I found a piece of paper inside the turkey. The paper had directions; the font was readable, the use of white space was admirable, the numbered steps were easy to follow, and the content was technically accurate. The directions, unfortunately, were for "How to Thaw the Turkey"! By the way, the recommendation was to slow thaw the turkey in the refrigerator.