Infographics Step of the Day - Hands

Today’s theme – HANDS. As we’ve mentioned in previous entries, it’s often important to show users how to interact with parts and components when assembling or using a product. Using hands (rather than just arrows) to show details about how to handle products can make it much easier for users to understand important sequences. In this case, we use hands specifically to show how to grasp and squeeze parts to engage or release components. This sequence was developed for our friends at OXO who are particularly focused on the user experience with their products.

Infographics Step of the Day - Plumbing Part II

Continuing on our plumbing theme...Today’s step demonstrates how a toilet functions by comparing new plumbing technology to conventional technology, specifically showing how the lever actuates the flush valve and flapper. This step was later turned into an animation embedded in PowerPoint presentation and used in training plumbers. By showing the conventional toilet functioning on the left hand side it’s much easier to understand how the new technology from our friends at Geberit works. Carefully planned sequence illustrations can do a great job of communicating the concept – but a well executed animation can get the concept across even more effectively and efficiently.

To see the animated version, visit our YouTube Channel.

Infographics Step of the Day - Plumbing Part I

Infographics has done quite a large number of plumbing instructions over the years and we’ve found that plumbing can often present some unique challenges from an instructional perspective.

Today we address how illustrated instructions can help provide a clearer picture of steps in the installation process. A very common approach is to rely on photos to represent and communicate installation steps, but there are considerable limitations when using photos. For example, you can only see how the parts connect from one side of the countertop surface, either above or beneath. Our example uses illustrations to show users how parts interface both above and below the mounting surface at the same time, which communicates the concept much more clearly and effectively.

Establishing context, orientation and perspective is an important consideration when communicating an installation sequence and, of course, making sure parts are clearly identified in each step illustration. In this case an inset illustration also provides a profile view to reinforce how parts should be assembled. Careful consideration of how to show parts—and which viewpoint will best communicate key information—can make a very big difference. More on plumbing in our next installation…

Infographics Step of the Day - Rubbermaid Commercial Products

After a brief summer hiatus we’re back with more step-of-the-day samples. Today’s topic is PEOPLE. Often those developing assembly and usage instructions are content to show products, parts and components, but frequently they leave out the most important part of all – the user… One thing we strive to keep in front of us at all times is the user - as in today’s sample. Showing users how adjust a product to fit them properly can be a challenge. Often an illustrated example is the best solution – offering a clear view of how to fit and adjust the product without adding unnecessary information or distractions.