instructions

cad logic, ss2010, alison mcnicol

prof. daniel dendra
instructions are step-by-step explanations of how
to do something: how to build, operate, repair,
maintain, prevent or guide action.
the methodology was conceived as a result of
people needing to understand and respond quickly
to domestic and industrial mechanization.
the directions provided always appear in hierar-
chies of information. it has been observed that
users prefer instructions that present procedures
across a sequence of diagrams rather than a single
diagram showing all the operations. instructions
need to be clear, implement simple graphics, place
the consumer, illustrate procedure and include
technical detail
instruction designs utilise various methodologies

fixed order steps 1 2 3 4

variable order steps 1 2 2 2 3

3 4 4

alternative steps 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 7 8 9

nested steps 1 2 3 4 5
1a 4a 5a
4b

stepless 1
assembly
 instruction designs by lego provide a good framework in which
similar information is communicated to users of varying age
groups, intellectual capabilities and cultural backgrounds. the
graphic representation refers literally to the toys components,
minimising text and thus maximising both the consumer profile
www.me.univ.edu and product usability.
www.gamervision.com
 staging of procedures is communicated by image sequenc-
ing or exploded diagrams of various complexity. when detail is
introduced the process of graphic communication remains the
same, symbols such as arrows and numbers direct the reader to
a highlighted location, then guided through the as process only
now at a smaller scale.

www.toystoreguide.com
www.foundrydx.com
www.miltontrainworks.com
the observed consistency of lego’s instruc-
tion design allows the user group to build
on their knowledge, introducing advanced
levels of information in the same visual lan-
guage. as a result, maximising the products
capabilities and the audiences ability to
make creative decisions of their own. it is
significant that these instructions not only
tell you what to do, but also show you what
is possible.

www.articleslash.net
Nathan Sawaya www.onlinelibrary.com
ikea are another company famous for their assembly instruction
design techniques. once again there is little, if any language
based direction, the designers relying entirely on built levels of
diagrammatic detail, exploded diagrams and (in this case) ab-
sence of colour. communicating the installation of componentry
requires a level of background knowledge on behalf of the user.
The success of the guidance provided therefore varies, and thus
all instructions are partnered with “helpline” support.
by mike sacks, illustration by julian sancton, www.mikesacks.com
www.ikea.com
www.papertoys.com
www.academy.com
safety
safety instructions highlight potential danger, provide
guidance to avoid accident and show actions to be taken
in cases of emergency. in public situations their role is to
communicate behavioural guidelines that relate to the op-
eration of a generalised service. they can also implemented
to communicate private or public law or policy. the design
often uses bright primary colours that attract attention,
allowing visual elements to be easily distinguishable from
one another. Images of the operator or user are almost
always included to indicate a personal action on behalf of
the audience. symbols can be overlayed to indicate correct
or incorrect behaviour and text is often included explain-
ing the circumstance into which the instruction has been
placed.

www.drinkingsafetyinstitute.com.au
TRUE, “evacuation” 1994-1999, www.trueart.biz/cityarts/lifeinstructions.html
safety instruction stickers, www.saladder.co.za workplace safety stickers, www.csisnq.com.au
workplace safety instructions require an element of flexibility built into their designs in order to accommodate alterations to machinery and the
turnover of specialised people operating them. instruction templates are often designed by manufacturers, graphically representing the object/
machine being used, then separating text instruction as a list of procedures. these designs are tailored to the product and a specific user, allow-
ing for a more complex format. fire safety instructions also require an element of flexibility in the workplace dependent on internal policy, but
can more commonly be seen in the form of evacuation plans that highlight current location and direct fast and safe exit from the building. these
plans are basic colour coded way finding instructions, employing symbols to indicate relevant equipment and assisting in personal orientation.

custom signage, www.premierautoworkers.com www.supremesafety.com.au

evacuation plan template, www.stclaire.com www.locationmaps.com
www.jfkislanders.net
www.airlineworld.wordpress.com www.allsafetycards.com
the objective of airline safety cards
is to communicate information quick-
ly, effectively and cross-culturally in
a potential state of impending panic.
it is interesting that not only across
the world, but also over time these
types of infographics share common
design principals such as flat primary
colours, minimal text and signage in-
spired graphics. the layout varies in
complexity depending upon aircraft
and the influence of cultural aesthet-
ic infiltrates some of these examples
more than others.
http://nabeelzeeshan.blogspot.com
professional
designers are required to generate instructions in the
form of planning documents, communicating both the
methodology and final outcomes of their intent. these
directions require a professional understanding of how
each symbol or graphic component should be inter-
preted in context with one another, in order to gener-
ate clear and accurate instruction. industry standards
are referred to in the designing of each drawing, along
with the use of symbols that can indicate the location
of an object, represent materiality, or direct the read-
er to further detail represented on another drawing.
these instructions employ hierarchies of information,
as in previous examples, but also sort information into
areas of detail, then expertise. This allows the user
to direct themselves through a drawing package based
on the specifics of the instruction they require access
to.

www.tpub.com
tglab.princeton.edu
www.desousadesigns.com
unlike the layering of information communicated in architectural
instructions, the process of construction can also be directed
through a combination of graphics and linear steps. these types of
instructions communicate the physicality and movement of a proc-
ess at a tangible human scale by simplifying technical information
into a set of components assembled over a number of stages.

global village shelters, ferrara design inc. 1995-2005

global village shelters, ferrara design inc. 1995-2005
shelter in a cart, ryan mulroney, www.designboom.com