I really like Ikea assembly instructions
Oct2
Call the store if you need more help than the documentation provides.
First off, let me say that I hate shopping at Ikea, and I’m not really a fan of their products that require assembly, but I am a fan of their product documentation, or Assembly Instructions, as they are called. So I was happy to find that they make most of their quirky documentation available from their web site.
You can find Ikea’s almost complete list downloadable PDF Assembly Instructions on their web site and save yourself a trip to the store if you are interested in reading what I consider to be some of the best product documentation ever. And, now you ask, why is this documentation so loved? No words. It’s completely internationalized with line drawings to show you how to put their highly stylized stuff together. Although this material has been criticized for being somewhat sexist for the simple reason that the male figure tends to be doing all the work and the female figure tends to stand around and hand the male figure the tools when required, I am able to get past this. And, for safety reasons, Ikea has had to make some modifications to ensure safety issues are more thoroughly covered. An example of this would be found in the Japan Probe. So if you can cast all the sexist, culturally sensitivity and safety concerns brought up with this material, I still think getting rid of the bulk of the words in some documentation is a good thing if the situation is appropriate.
However, getting rid of unnecessary text in a manual can be a tricky proposition. Making the right decision comes down to knowing your intended audience and knowing how they will be using your manual in relation to the product you are documenting. Safety concerns, of course, need to be thoroughly explained, but meaningful graphical explanations can add a meaningful way of getting the message across to the reader. But when it comes to making sure widget “A” is connected to widget “B” and a screw is used to keep them connected, a well-designed illustration should be sufficient.
Your Writing Dept is a Sacramento-based writing firm that specializes in developing technical manuals and user guides. We like to say that we can be your tech writing team, without the overhead. Email us for more information about our services at info@yourwritingdept.com.
Additional Posts from Your Writing Dept
Get people to talk about you behind your back: the job search
Oct0
Make good impressions. Get your name out there to people who can talk about you to people who might need your skills. Talk with people in offices where you have worked in the past. Don’t be afraid of talking with manager in departments other than where you left. They will most likely remember you and may have a position that suits your skills.
The more people you have talking about you, the more people you have working for you.
Your Writing Dept is a Sacramento-based writing firm that specializes in developing technical manuals and user guides. We like to say that we can be your tech writing team, without the overhead. Email us for more information about our services at info@yourwritingdept.com.
Additional Posts from Your Writing Dept
Interview question with a moral/ethical twist
Oct0
We have a former manager to thank for this one:
You are driving down the road in your car on a wild, stormy night, when you pass by a bus stop and you see three people waiting for the bus:
- An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
- An old friend who once saved your life.
- The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.
Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing that there could only be one passenger in your car?
Think before you continue reading
This is a moral/ethical dilemma that was once actually used as part of a job application.
You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus you should save her first. Or you could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect chance to pay him back. However, you may never be able to find your perfect mate again.The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble coming up with his answer. He simply answered:”I would give the car keys to my old friend and let him take the old lady to the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the partner of my dreams.”
Sometimes, we gain more if we are able to give up our stubborn thought limitations.
Never forget to “Think outside of the Box.”HOWEVER….
The correct answer, of course, is to run the old lady over and put her out of her misery, have sex with the perfect partner on the hood of the car, then drive off with the old friend for a few beers.
Your Writing Dept is a Sacramento-based writing firm that specializes in developing technical manuals and user guides. We’re the leaders in technical communications in Northern California. Email us for more information about our services at info@yourwritingdept.com.
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Develop a one-minute presentation about yourself: the job search
Oct0
When someone asks you to tell them a little about yourself, you need to have an answer ready for them. No hesitation, no wavering. Spend time to write down what you say to explain what job you are looking for, your experience and qualifications that would make you the best qualified person for the job. Write it down. Practice it out loud. And keep it under a minute.
If you have a limited amount of time with this person, you want them to leave with a clear understanding of who you are and what you want to do. If you are not clear and focused, they will not be able to accurately represent you when they talk about you with others that might have open positions to fill.
From Ron’s, “The Most Important Things to do While Looking for a Job”
The sign that says it all
Oct0
Walking down the sidewalk in Cozumel, Mexico, I saw this sign on the awning of a jewelry store. A well-stated and catchy way to grab the attention.
Write thank you notes to everyone you meet who helps you: the job search
Oct0
Take the time after meeting with someone to write a personal thank you note to let them know you appreciated the time they gave you. This is often over-looked and can help set you apart from other candidates.
Use a high-quality paper. Keep the message short.
Don’t forget to send a note to a secretary who was particularly helpful in getting you in touch with a manager.
From Ron’s, “The Most Important Things to do While Looking for a Job”
Newspaper ads sometimes create a strong visual
Oct0
A curious newspaper ad
Years ago, while living on a small island in the Pacific Ocean, I was constantly finding oddities like this one in the local newspapers. With very few words, they were able to capture my imagination.
Oh, if it were always this easy to plan for graduation parties and to keep the children entertained during the summer vacation.
We love (and learn from) our unhappy customers
Oct0
I was taught years ago that the worst customer you can have is the one who is dissatisfied and leaves your business without telling you why they are unhappy. If the customer is unhappy, as unpleasant as it might be, you want them to complain. The reason goes that if they leave without complaining, you will never have the feedback for improvement.
Thus, my recent experience with an unhappy email recipient. The email I sent last week regarding our development of a blog rather than focusing on developing an email newsletter generated a negative email in response. Frankly, I was called lazy for developing the blog and putting my efforts in the newsletter. Hmmm, good point. I have my reasons, but it was good to get the feedback. So, I will alter my efforts and ask for your comments before proceeding.
Would you prefer a periodic email, or a blog that you must go visit on your own accord? How about a hybrid?
We are working on the relevance of the content we provide in the newsletters and the blog, so I’m hoping you will find the blog or emails of some use. Of course, if you do not find the content of value, please feel free to unsubscribe from the email list. However, I would appreciate an email from you to explain why you are choosing to leave us.
Your Writing Dept Twitter
- YourWritingDept: Vandalism our Instructional Design writers may appreciate. Clap for Bacon was an add-on. http://fb.me/CvXRCqG2 September 1, 2010
- YourWritingDept: Our pet peeve...the apostrophe. Perhaps The Apostrophe Song can help explain when and when not to use it. http://fb.me/Gz9kaVKk September 1, 2010
- YourWritingDept: http://m.bnet.com/blog/ceo/the-7-habits-of-highly-innovative-people/5454 Now this seems more likely to motivate... http://fb.me/D23KxSCc August 29, 2010
- YourWritingDept: Too funny! This is the federal government's Plain Language site that discusses the use of humor in technical... http://fb.me/FbKLJnic August 23, 2010
- YourWritingDept: Cutting through corporate/political speak. This is a great site with definitions for the words and phrases we hear... http://fb.me/y7Ah4Jc7 August 21, 2010