When to use a job aid

A job aid: is a repository for information, processes, or perspectives is external to the individual supports work and activity directs, guides, and enlightens performance Use job aids when Use training when There is enough time to access the information. Time is critical. Job requires access to large amounts of data. Person is expected to perform unaided. Task is infrequently performed. Task must be learned as a prerequisite for higher level tasks. There are multiple steps or attributes. Steps must be performed quickly or smoothly. Safety is critical, no margin for error. Situations are novel or unpredicable. Task is simple and job turnover is high. User lacks the reading, listening or visual skills to use a job aid. Users are unavailable or lack time for training. Task is perceptual, unable to develop a useful job aid. The chart above was created using the guidelines suggested by Gordon (1994) and Rossett and Gautier-Downes (1991).