Transcript Mechanism Description

Mechanism Description
Description of a tool, machine, or other
mechanical device—usually with moving
parts—designed to perform a specific
kind of work
Examples: ballpoint pen, flush toilet,
copy machine, press, radio, camera,
etc.
Process/Procedure Description
Description of an unvarying series of
events producing a predictable outcome
Process—a natural phenomenon
governed by physical laws
Procedure—events that occur under
human control
Examples:
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Process—photosynthesis, erosion, water
cycle
Procedure—balancing a checkbook,
operating a machine, purifying water,
taking a temperature, filing a grievance
Instructions
Explanation of how to perform a
particular procedure, enabling a reader
to duplicate a process
Example: computer manuals, assembly
instructions, policy manual
Discussion
Why are technical descriptions and
instructions particularly important
in our time?
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New Technologies
Changing Technologies
More Red Tape
Mechanism Descriptions
General Description—description accurate with
respect to all such mechanisms, regardless of
variables
Specific Description—description accurate for
one particular mechanism
Examples: camera, Nikon One Touch Zoom
ballpoint pen, Ajax Super Ballpoint
Sony Z-16 Color TV, television
Components
Brief introduction defining mechanism and its
purpose
Precise description of appearance
List of major parts
Explanation of how mechanism works
One or more visuals (esp. exploded, cutaway)
Conclusion (history, availability, manufacturer,
cost, etc.)
List of outside sources
Order of Description
Top to bottom, or bottom to top
Left to right, or right to left
Inside to outside, or outside to inside
Most important to least important, or
least important to most important
Other Guidelines
Use specific, concrete wording
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Piece of paper vs. 8.5 by 11-inch piece of
paper
Colorful vs. red, hard lead vs. 2h lead
Use present tense, active verbs
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The machine stamps. . . vs. The machine
stamped OR The parts are stamped by the
machine
Add evaluative comments
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The quick release reduces change time by
33%.
The most useful feature is the cancel
option.
Use analogy (comparison)
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A-frame, C-clamp, T-square, claw hammer
. . . a disk about the size of a typical CD
Instructions
General Instructions—instructions that
explain how to perform a generic
procedure
Specific Instructions—instructions that
explain how to perform a procedure
under conditions involving particular
equipment, surroundings, or other
variables
Examples:
Trimming a hedge, using a Black & Decker
Auto Shop electric hedge trimmer
Braking a vehicle, braking in wet conditions
Installing an electrical outlet, installing a GFCI
outlet
Components
Brief introduction explaining the purpose and
importance of the procedure
List of materials, equipment, tools, and skills
required
Actual instructions: numbered, step-by-step,
detailed explanation of how to perform
One or more visuals for clarification
Brief conclusion
List of outside sources, if any
Guidelines
Use short, simple commands; start with a verb
Separate steps unless closely related or
simultaneous
If important, provide reason for step
Include WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTE
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Warning—alerts to possible injury or death
Caution—alerts to possible equipment damage
Note—alerts to information that will make the
procedure easier or more efficient
If necessary, use separate series of
steps.
Include no more than 9 steps in a
series.
Provide introduction/transition to each
series.