Autor: Jan Wohlmuth

Traditionally assembly instructions have been conveyed through manuals filled with text and illustrations. However, in the global landscape, designing assembly instructions without words becomes essential for a universal understanding.

Visual communication has emerged as a game-changer in assembly instructions. It serves as a universal language, breaking down language barriers and catering to a diverse audience. Here are some reasons why designing assembly instructions without words is gaining popularity:

1. Increased Clarity and Accuracy:

Visual communication excels in conveying complex information with clarity. Step-by-step visual guides can seamlessly communicate the assembly process, making it more accessible for users to comprehend and follow. Crucial points and potential errors can be highlighted through images, contributing to a more accurate assembly process.

2. Time and Cost Savings:

Translation of text-based instructions into multiple languages is both time-consuming and expensive. Designing assembly instructions without words eliminates the need for translation, saving both time and money.

3. Improved User Experience:

People inherently learn better through images and visual aids. The use of images in assembly instructions enhances the overall user experience by reducing frustration and errors. Visual communication creates a more user-friendly environment, making the assembly process not just efficient but also enjoyable.

Examples of Successful Implementation:

There are a lot of companies which have successfully adopted a wordless approach to their assembly instructions, showcasing the power of visual communication:

IKEA Furniture Assembly:

IKEA, known for its flat-packed furniture, employs simple illustrations instead of text-based instructions. The result is an efficient and enjoyable assembly process that caters to a global customer base.

LEGO Building Instructions:

Lego’s wordless instructions cater to its diverse audience, including children. Step-by-step visual guides make the building process enjoyable for users of all ages.

Dyson Vacuum Cleaner Assembly:

Dyson utilizes simple visual guides for the assembly of its vacuum cleaners. The approach aligns with the company’s minimalist design philosophy.

Methods to Design Wordless Assembly Instructions:

To delve into the realm of assembly instructions without words, various methods and tools can be employed:

When crafting assembly instructions without words, various methods and tools come into play. One approach is sketching, where visual instructions are hand-sketched, offering flexibility in design and simplicity without the need for specialized software. Alternatively, vector graphics software like Adobe Illustrator is employed, providing the means to create precise illustrations and diagrams—ideal for technical illustrations with the added benefits of versatility and easy editing. Another option is utilizing flowchart software such as Lucidchart or Visio, which allows the creation of step-by-step diagrams, offering clear and easy-to-follow visual representations of the assembly process. For those seeking dynamic and engaging instructions, animation software like Adobe After Effects or Blender comes into play.

In conclusion, the shift towards designing assembly instructions without words is a powerful move towards universal understanding. Visual communication enhances clarity, saves time and costs, and elevates the overall user experience. Companies like IKEA, LEGO, and Dyson exemplify the success of this approach.

https://graphics.stanford.edu/papers/assembly_instructions/assembly.pdf

https://www.cadasio.com/post/designing-assembly-instructions-without-words

In this blogpost I would like to focus on the negative aspect of video instructions. When I first started researching about the topic I found a lot of articles stating that video or animated instructions are either equally or even less effective. Let’s take a closer look at why video work instructions might not be the best fit for everyone.

1. Learning Pace:

Video instructions lack the flexibility for users to learn at their own pace. Unlike written or image-based instructions that allow users to pause, rewind, and progress at their convenience, videos dictate the pace of learning. This limitation becomes evident when trying to understand multi-step procedures, as users may struggle to recall earlier steps once they’re halfway through a video. In contrast, static images or animated gifs in a well-designed work instruction allow users to navigate through steps at their own speed, enhancing the learning experience.

2. Scalability and Translations:

Creating a significant amount of video content, especially in different languages, is laborious and time-consuming. Translating or captioning videos adds to the complexity and cost. In contrast, simpler visual mediums like images and gifs are more adaptable and can be easily translated without a significant increase in workload.

3. Difficulty in Updates:

Updating video content can be complex, requiring a lot of editing and attention to detail. Textual or image-based instructions are more flexible, allowing for easier modifications. This flexibility is crucial in dynamic work environments where quick and efficient updates are essential.

4. Complexity in Creation:

Creating video work instructions involves processes like editing or cutting are adding unnecessary complexity. In situations where simplicity and user-friendliness are vital, simpler formats like images and gifs can convey the necessary information effectively without added complication.

5. Dependency on Internet Quality:

A significant drawback of video instructions is their dependency on a stable internet connection. In situations where the internet is not reliable, videos may lag, disrupting the learning experience. Opting for formats less reliant on internet quality, such as images and gifs, ensures a smoother learning process regardless of connection speed.

Conclusion:

In choosing between video and other visual mediums for work instructions, prioritize simplicity, flexibility, and user-friendliness. While videos have their place in instructional design, they might not be the most effective choice for procedural knowledge.

https://www.swipeguide.com/insights/video-work-instructions-bad-idea

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299015309_Individual_and_co-operative_learning_with_interactive_animated_pictures

Introduction:

In this blog post I would like to focus on the evolution of safety Intructions on air planes.

In the past safety instructions only relied on text. This approach, as illustrated by the example of early airplane safety cards, was not only impractical but also potentially dangerous. The transition to illustrations marked a significant improvement, making instructions more accessible. However, illustrations can be prone to misunderstandings without proper context. Research shows that effective illustrations must be well-matched to the text, avoiding excessive details and emphasizing key elements. The role of captions in enhancing understanding becomes apparent, stressing the importance of a balanced approach in visual communication.

Photos vs. Illustrations:

Before illustrations became prevalent on boarding passes, photographs were the norm. Studies reveal that illustrations outperform photographs in conveying information due to their ability to focus attention. The simplicity and clarity of illustrations play a crucial role in their effectiveness.

IKEA is an example of effective illustrated instructions. However if the complexity of instructions increases, videos become more favorable. Explainer videos, in particular, prove invaluable for conveying complex information, as seen in health and safety guidelines.

Four Rules for Creating Effective Instructional Videos:

There are four rules for creating instructional videos. These guidelines serve as a practical framework for content creators to enhance the impact of their visual instructions.

1.) Use illustrations to highlight key points

2.) Minimize potentially distracting elements

3.) Incorporate written instructions

4.) Consider different Cultural Aspects

Sources:

https://explainvisually.co/en/pictures-vs-illustrations-vs-instructional-video-when-to-use-what-to-make-our-instruction-effective/

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/cards-180950298/

Introduction

In this blog post I would like to focus on a study that explores under which conditions video instructions aid the learning process. The study specifically focuses on the skill of tying nautical knots, aiming to demonstrate that interactive features can significantly improve learning outcomes under certain conditions.

Why nautical knots?

The researchers of the study opted for nautical knots as the subject for their investigation. This choice was motivated by several factors, including the continuous motor skill nature of knot tying, the convenience and repeatability of video demonstrations, and the potential for variations in complexity that match individual learning needs.

The Experiment

The study involved thirty-six participants with no prior experience in knot tying. They were divided into two groups: one exposed to non-interactive videos, and the other to interactive videos where learners could manipulate time-related parameters like speed and direction. The participants were tasked with learning four different nautical knots and their performance was evaluated based on learning times, viewing times, and practicing times.

Results:

The findings revealed a significant advantage for the interactive group. Learners exposed to interactive features demonstrated faster learning times, distributed their attention unevenly across video frames, and strategically used features like slow motion and time-lapse. The more challenging the knot, the more pronounced the benefits of interactivity.

The study also showed that learners consciously used interactive features to adapt the pace of information presentation to their cognitive processing needs. Despite variations in viewing times, interactive video viewers developed a better understanding of the processes, resulting in more efficient learning.

Conclusion:

The study shows that interactive videos are helpful for learning things like tying knots. But, it’s important to know that not all subjects benefit the same way. For example, when we try to learn complex ideas, like from weather maps, interactive features may not be as useful because these things are more abstract and harder to understand. To sum up he study suggests that interactive videos are great for learning skills like tying knots. It highlights that using interactive features should match what learners need in their minds.

Introduction:

In this bog post I would like to focus on an experiment I found concerning different instructional learning methods. The Experiment delves into the realm of motor skill acquisition, specifically focusing on origami paper-folding—a task tied to human movement. The study investigates whether narrated animations outshine their static graphic counterparts in aiding learners through this complex process.

The Task:

Origami, the ancient art of paper-folding, becomes the center point for this exploration. Traditionally, static diagrams presented the different steps of origami, requiring learners to deduce the transitions between the starting and ending states of each fold. This experiment introduces three instructional formats: narrated animation, single-static, and double-static graphics.

Thirty-two sixth-grade students participated in the study, randomly assigned to one of the three instructional conditions. The Viking Helmet construction, involving 13 steps, served as the chosen origami task. The animated version provided real-time narration for each fold, while the static versions showed single or double static diagrams, mimicking the animation’s start and end states without the dynamic transition.

Methods:

Participants were given the task of folding the Viking Helmet after viewing their assigned instructional format. Each group received narrated explanations with visual information. The hypothesis stated that students exposed to narrated animations would outperform those receiving narrated, static-image-based instructions.

Results:

The group that watched animated instructions did better than the group that saw only pictures. They learned the task faster and spent less time figuring it out. In the test, more students in the animated group could complete the task compared to the groups that saw only pictures.

The results of this Experiment support the idea that animated instructions are better for learning motor skills. Animated instructions, especially when someone is explaining in real-time, help people understand and learn complex tasks faster.

Conclusion:

From the findings of this Experiment, we can see that animated instructions are better than static pictures for learning motor skills. This study suggests that using animated instructions with real-time explanations is a strong way to improve learning outcomes. It sets the stage for more interesting and effective ways of teaching.

Introduction

In this blog entry I would like to focus on effective learning through animations. Even though learning with animations might sound like a perfect method, there are some facts to be aware of. Animations, despite their charm, come with a tricky trait that’s often overlooked. Animations are fleeting, like a passing breeze. This transitory nature can cause a bit of a memory challenge, especially when dealing with complex new stuff.

Animations don’t stick around for long in our memory unless we make a conscious effort to remember them. This can make it tough for learners when trying to grasp new, complicated information presented in animated form. Juggling current and past details for a full understanding can be quite a challenge.

Static vs. Animated

Now, think of static images like pictures. You can go back to them as many times as you want, like flipping through pages in a book. But animations don’t let you do that easily. This flexibility with static images might make them a better choice, reducing the memory challenge and making learning smoother.

A Peek into Human Evolution

Delving more into our learning journey, a fascinating revelation emerges—the human brain may have evolved a specialized memory mechanism tailored for animations, particularly those depicting human movement. This mechanism acts as a cognitive tool, facilitating understanding and learning through imitation—an innate ability akin to the way we observe and mimic others.

Neuroscience and the Mirror-Neuron System

The field of neuroscience offers valuable insights, notably the discovery of the mirror-neuron system. The mirror-neuron system shows that our brains light up in similar ways when we watch someone do something as when we do it ourselves. It’s as if our brains engage in a dance, enhancing our capacity to comprehend and replicate actions demonstrated in animations.

Exploring how animations, human movement, and memory connect helps us see that animations can be really helpful for learning certain things. If we understand how our minds work, we can make learning better by finding a good balance between fast animations and our natural way of learning by watching and copying.

So, to sum it up, learning with animations is like an exciting and varied world. Knowing about the difficulties and good things helps us use animations well, making learning more enjoyable and helping us understand things in new ways.

I decided to focus on the topic „Learning through static images vs animated graphics“. In this blog entry I would like to focus on Cognitive Load Theory. Understanding CLT is like having a map for learning. As we delve into the world of static and animated images, CLT gives us a solid foundation. It tells us how our minds handle information, pointing out where things might get tricky and where we can make learning smoother. By keeping CLT in mind, we can design learning experiences that are just right—neither too overwhelming nor too bland.

Developed by Sweller, CLT sees our minds as natural information processors. Helps us unterstand how we absorb, process, and remember information, making it a good starting point for exploring the differences between learning from static and animated images.

There are 5 basic principles of CLT:

1. Long-term Memory and the Information Store Principle:

Most of what we do relies on the vast library in our brains called Long-Term Memory (LTM). It’s like our personal information storehouse, driving actions like problem-solving based on what we’ve learned before.

2. Schema Theory and the Borrowing and Reorganizing Principle:

How do we fill up this memory bank? CLT suggests we borrow from others by imitating, listening, or reading. Schemas, mental structures that help us organize information, play a big role in this process.

3. Problem Solving and the Randomness as Genesis Principle:

When we can’t borrow knowledge, we turn to problem-solving. Trying out new things and seeing what works becomes a source of fresh understanding.

4. Working Memory and the Narrow Limits of Change Principle:

Our working memory handles new information, but there’s a catch—it can only juggle a few new things at once. Trying to process too much at once leads to a mental traffic jam.

5. Relations Between Long-term and Working Memory and the Environmental Organizing and Linking Principle:

This principle helps transfer organized information from our long-term memory to our working memory, making it easier for us to function in our surroundings. It’s like upgrading information from storage to the front of our minds.

Cognitive Load Theory provides valuable insights into the workings of the human mind during learning. It’s a tool that helps us make sense of the learning journey. Whether we’re dealing with static images or animated ones, understanding how our brains process information is key. 

Sources: