Redesigned Instructions
Redesign and rewrite of a user guide for a Spot-On for Cats, a flea and tick treatment solution.
(Completed November 2019)
Task
The original instruction leaflet included with the product is not user-friendly, missing important information, and raises health & safety concerns. We had to write a critique of the instructions and discuss problems with A) content, (B) layout, (C) organisation, (D) writing style, and (E) graphics. Considering the points made in the critique, we had to revise the instructions to improve the original document.
Redesigned document
You can view and download my redesign.
Cover page Spot-on Solution for Cats - redesign
Original document
This is the original set of instructions that accompanies the spot-on product. It is available for download.
Critique
You can view and download my evaluation of the original instruction manual.
Why I chose this project
This assignment during my first semester in the programme was a great opportunity to put the theory on design principles, writing style, and accessibility (e.g., Markel and Selber 2018; Lannon and Gurak 2011) into practice. The project demonstrates my ability to apply theoretical concepts to evaluate an existing document and revise it accordingly.
The original manual is densely packed and difficult to read. Instructions are wordy and contain too much passive voice. The overt medical jargon could confuse the general reader. The leaflet does not contain any graphics, which are particularly important to visualize step-by-step directions and to highlight safety notices. My redesign and rewrite addressed each of the many issues. Concrete language, logically shaped sentences, active voice, and imperative mood made the manual more concise and accurate. I created an aesthetically pleasing cover page, included a preface, Table of Contents, and consistent headings for users to easily locate, scan, and navigate the document. I improved general readability and overall usability.
Skills demonstrated
Evaluate an existing product
Consider accessibility and usability
Apply principles of information design
Provide concise and clear instructions
Create step-by-step directions
Rewrite existing content
Illustrate health and safety warnings
Microsoft Word
What I learned
Above all, I learned how to keep the end-user in mind at all stages of the project. As a dog owner, I was already familiar with spot-on treatments and their application. But I decided to do further user research and contacted friends who have cats and use spot-on treatments. This helped me to gather additional information about the process. I also learned about the hierarchy for health and safety warnings (Markel and Selber 2018; Lannon and Gurak 2011). Moreover, I acquired new skills in Microsoft Word while designing the layout of the document. I am happy with the final deliverable. However, if I were to do this project again, I would use image editing software to create my own graphics that are original, more consistent, and easier to read.
References
Lannon, J.M. and Gurak, L. (2011) Technical communication, 12th ed., Boston; London: Pearson.
Markel, M. and Selber, S.A. (2018) Technical communication, 12th ed., Boston: Bedford/St. Martins.
Photo by vinnstock on Shutterstock.