Database Reference
In-Depth Information
only aid in creating user manuals, but is helpful for all types of written instructions including help files, sdKs,
and other types of instructional documentation.
Required items to perform this exercise:
•
one beginner-level children's construction set such as a magnetic building set, a set of
building blocks that contains various shapes (not just cubes), a set of Tinkertoys, or a set
of lEGos that contains various shapes (not just cuboids).
A digital camera (or a camera phone)
•
•
several pens (or pencils) for each of the testers
•
several sheets of paper
•
A computer with word processing software
•
A printer
•
A small group of detailed-minded testers with a willingness to follow instructions and
give written feedback
A door (to leave one's ego behind)
•
Build something
Build something interesting and creative with the construction set.
1.
select 10 to 15 pieces from the construction set. Include at least three different
shapes and sizes.
2.
Build a unique structure using all of the selected construction set pieces.
3.
Give the structure a name.
4.
Take one or more photos of the structure with the digital camera or camera phone.
Develop the instructions
Create documentation with instructions on how to re-create the structure.
1.
Hand-write a list of the items required to create the structure with a pen (or pencil)
and paper. Include names of each item (you may need to make up a name) and
proper descriptions, such as length, shape, width, color, or whatever else is required
to describe the piece. (do not cheat and look up this information on the Internet or in
the toy's instruction manual.)
2.
Hand-write detailed instructions on how to build the structure. Be sure to number
each step, use correct grammar, and punctuate sentences properly.
