IKEA and the Art of Manual Writing

I just finished assembling an IKEA audio rack and I couldn't stop thinking about how great the concept of IKEA's manuals is. I wish hardware and software manufacturers were able to achieve the same effectiveness with their manuals.

Over the weekend, my girlfriend and I bought a new audio rack from IKEA to store stuff like the TV, the DVD recorder and what more. We've been searching for a nice one for ages but couldn't find one. So, we decided to get one from IKEA "for the time-being" and replace it when we find "the truly right one".

So, we went to the IKEA and bought the LIA Sömethæng (can't recall the exact name; who makes up these names anyway). After unpacking it, I was quite intimidated. The package contained over 200 (!!) parts, not counting each individual nail. The manual consisted of 31 steps, spread out over 28 pages. Pfew, what a challenge.

However, little over two hours later I was done and I could enjoy my new furniture. What seemed like an impossible task turned out to be a rather pleasant ride. On analyzing what made this so easy, the only thing I could think of was the manual (and the readily prepared parts of course).

IKEA has accomplished something amazing with their manuals. Mine did not contain a single word (makes it easy to sell the same furniture world-wide without taking all kinds of localization issues in mind) yet things were pretty easy to understand and follow.

I wish using my digital camera or mobile phone was explained so clearly. I'd be using much more of their functionality if their manuals were as accessible as IKEA's. I know I'll try to keep the IKEA concept in mind next time I author or review another user manual. Of course assembling furniture and using complex software can't be compared easily, but I think keeping the "keep it simple, stupid" concept from IKEA in mind can surely help in writing accessible manuals.


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Doc ID 402
Full URL https://imar.spaanjaars.com/402/ikea-and-the-art-of-manual-writing
Short cut https://imar.spaanjaars.com/402/
Written by Imar Spaanjaars
Date Posted 08/06/2006 20:39

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