Instruction guide for the production of assembly instructions for preliterate cultures.

By James Burchill

Goal of this booklet

This booklet provides information on the correct production of instructions to be provided to pre-literate cultures, The goal of these instruction was to find reliable ways of communicating in picture form about the complicated processes. The end instructions were able to communicate to all users tested how to assemble a rig of my major project. An important point to be made is that these instructions were designed to cater to the least technically able individuals. If they were catered to then anyone could potentially assemble the devices using these instructions Those who are very good with instructions and problem solving in general will also benefit but may find certain parts of these instructions childish.

Rule 1 Perspective of photos

The rule
When taking photos try to take pictures from a consistent perspective which only varies by small degrees. It is also important to not change the cropping of the photo and stay at a single zoom setting. Doing this helps people stay orientated with the process. Changing angle of view abruptly can lead to confusion resulting in errors in construction.

Recommendations

Take photos form a 3/4 perspective to the product. It allows the most visibility. When taking photos try to include humans in the image as it also provides reference to both scale and orientation. Use a consistent platform or set for the process as this also aids orientation. Pick your scale after looking through all components and processes involved in the assembly. Being cropped to wide can cause problems if the project has many small components.

Rule 2 Changing angle

The rule
If you must change perspective or rotate the product, do it through procedural images of the rotation, Changing the view step by step keeps peoples orientation with the product and makes mistakes less likely. This can also be applied if you need to zoom in on certain elements to continue showing the construction of the product.

Recommendations
You should not need more than four photos to convey a transition unless it is particularly complicated. After showing one transistion you can reduce number of the steps showing the transistion if it is repeated. When showing transitions do not show the object revolving purely on its own. Its more advisable to show humans moving it as in the pictures as seen here. Zoom images requires only two images, one of the before zoom and one of the after zoom which is taken from same angle and of the same content.

Rule 3 One process per image

The rule
Only complete one process per image. By only having one process per image the instructions are much less likely mis interpreted. Each image has only one thing to communicate and so individuals find easier to notice what is going on in each image. This also goes for repetitive tasks. For example do not try to show multiple screws being placed in one image just because they are the same process. This can lead to individuals missing components or not perceiving every screw.

Recommendations
When taking pictures of processes do not expect users to do anything they have not been instructed to. An image of a nut on a screw thread is not enough to communicate that nut must be done up.

Rule 4 Proper tool use

The rule
When showing instructions relating to processes such as tightening screws show procedural images to imply direction of movement. Using two photos instead of one to show a user tightening up a nut has been more effective in improving users use of tools. Many users for go the use of tools and just use fingers if not properly instructed.

Recommendations
When taking photos try to make the movement as unambiguous as possible. In two pictures adjacent you can see the arm clearly move clockwise. This can be perceived because it would be highly unlikely for the arm to go from the first step to second in counter clockwise manner. In processes requiring precision or small amounts of force this method can also be used to communicate a need for a gentle touch. This is done by showing pictures of very small movements which help communicate the need for delicacy. .

Rule 5 Showing details

The rule
When communicating small details use zoomed in images of the details referencing a larger image which is of a similar format to the rest of the instructions. This helps users keep a consistent view on the assembly but allows detailed views of important components and if the are details that may be missed this tool helps bring attention to them

Recommendations
When using these detailed images only use one per image. Format the picture differently in this example a zoomed section has an outline and is circular so it instantly warns users that the image is different to standard images. Place the zoomed in image close to the larger image so it is apparent they are connected. There can problems when individuals believe they are being instructed to do an additional process. Try to keep enough detail in the zoomed image to allow user to see where you are referencing the larger image as this also helps alleviate the problems mentioned in the paragraph above.

Rule 6 Colour coding.

The rule
Use colour coded icons on pieces and tools to help users identify components and where they should go. Being able see this colour coding will allows users to know where to place items like screws or nuts. Colour coding should also be linked to tools to identify which tools are used on which components.

Recommendations
It is also advisable to use minor variations in shape as well as colour for benefit of the colour blind. For example hexagonal nuts relate to a blue hexagon (as in top left picture) and a circular screw head might relate to a red circle When using colour coding it is a support tool and should not be relied upon to communicate processes such as where to place nuts and screws, the still needs to be images depicting their placement.

Rule 7 Separate sections

The rule
Break up the instructions into clear sections using colour. The sections should change when a different components are introduced or there is a change from a repetitive process to a new process. This is to stop a common problem in which users skipped through sections of the instruction guide and missing small details. By adding this they can see from the side bar when they have reached the end of repetitive process and draws attention to changes in the instructions.

Recommendations
Using layout like a side bar of colour that correspond with the colour coding of the components used in that section. In the example images the colour down the side and round the zoom image are the same as the components involved in the process. Do not be afraid of having sections a hugely differing length. If you need to depict a change in process but still using the same colour coding break up the sections using a review image as explained in the next section.

Rule 8 Parts and review images

The rule
Begin each section with a picture showing the components which will be used in that section. The components should be laid out clearly and grouped so that the number required of each components can be clearly seen, At the end of each section include an image or images which serve no purpose but to aid as a tool to review the processes completed in that section. The images should allow users to see if they have made any errors at this point. They do not need to bring attention to the processes involved as long as they can be seen in the image.

Recommendations
Review images should be larger than other images to establish they serve a different purpose. Both types of image should not include a human presence as this might make those using the instructions think the image depicts a process. It also helps establish that this image is different to regular images. The review image should not use a colour coding bar so as not to imply there is a process taking place and allows when flicking through to quickly find the end of the section.

General rules and advice.

No icons should be used, the use of iconography can be confusing if not properly implemented. This includes arrows and any icons you may consider standard. This is due to a potential difference in culture. Use the smallest amount of tools possible to complete the job. Always use more images rather than less. Use of shapes added to components can be helpful to differentiate pieces. Components of similar size should be colour coded very differently so it is immediately obvious what is being used. No text should be used either as a support or to explain what is going on in the picture, it may lead those who cannot read to believe they are missing information. The layout of the instructions should be consistent throughout the publication as to reduce any misconceptions. If using pictures are unclear as to exactly what components they are using place small images of the components being used by the side of the image.

Contact

jbburchill@gmail.com