The importance of using the ISO 20607 standard to producing better instruction manuals
Luis Ricardo Jamelli
???? & ???? citizen transitioning career to Italy. ??Project Management & Product Development ??CE & ATEX ??Technical Documentation & Technical Writing ??Mechanical & Product Engineering Design ??Computer Engineering
Instruction manuals are a critical aspect of product design, and they are essential in guiding users on how to use a product effectively and efficiently. However, poorly designed instruction manuals can be frustrating for users and may result in misuse of the product. Let's try to understand and discusses, the into the intricacies of the ISO 20607 and how it can help in producing better instruction manuals.
ISO 20607 - Safety of machinery - Instruction handbook - General drafting principles
ISO 20607 is a standard that provides guidelines for the creation of effective instruction manuals. The standard was developed by ISO's Technical Committee on Learning, Education, and Training (ISO/TC 232) and published in 2019. The primary goal of ISO 20607 is to provide a comprehensive set of guidelines for creating effective instruction manuals that are user-friendly, accessible, and easy to understand.
1. General Principles for the Design of Instruction Manuals?
These principles require that instruction manuals be designed with the end-user in mind, ensuring that the manual is easy to understand and use. The standard emphasizes the importance of using clear and concise language, avoiding technical jargon, and ensuring that the manual is organized logically and consistently.
2. Content Development and Organization
This section provides guidelines on how to develop and organize content effectively, ensuring that the manual is easy to read and understand. The standard emphasizes the importance of using a consistent format, providing clear and concise instructions, and including appropriate visual aids and illustrations.
领英推荐
3. Visual Design and Layout
This section provides guidelines on how to design and layout instruction manuals effectively, ensuring that they are visually appealing and easy to navigate. The standard emphasizes the importance of using clear and legible fonts, appropriate colors, and consistent formatting.
4. Production and Distribution
This section focuses on ensuring that the manual is produced and distributed in a way that is accessible to all users. The standard emphasizes the importance of providing multiple formats for the manual, including print, digital, and online formats. It also provides guidance on how to test and evaluate the manual to ensure that it is effective and meets user needs.
In conclusion, ISO 20607 is important because it provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for creating effective instruction manuals. By following these guidelines, manufacturers can produce instruction manuals that are user-friendly, accessible, and easy to understand. This can help reduce user frustration and improve the overall user experience.
Instruction manuals are an essential aspect of product design, and they play a critical role in guiding users on how to use a product effectively and efficiently. ISO 20607 provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for creating effective instruction manuals that are user-friendly, accessible, and easy to understand. By following these guidelines, manufacturers can produce instruction manuals that meet user needs and improve the overall user experience.
Teamleiter Technische Dokumentation - Technischer Redakteur
1 年The 20607 is a "simplified" version of the old 82079-1:2012. I was quiet upset by its imprecise content, missing references to other standards and other topics. Considering the 82079-1:2019, you have much more topics, processes and references, applicable to all manufactured products. In a nutshell, the minimalist content of the 20607 is adapted to some machineries and that's it. Regards
Formatore di Comunicatori Tecnici Aziendali | Progettista di manuali istruzioni | Fractional Documentation Manager
1 年Excellent article!!! I would only add that in the attachments it also provides very clear and useful examples of how to write instructions and how not to write them
Civ ing (mostly retired)
1 年Hey there, very well but as ISO 20607 covers instructions for machinery, you could highlite also the general international standard on the item, which is ISO/IEC/IEEE 82079-1, Preparation of information for use (instructions for use) of products - Part 1: Principles and general requirements.
Development and Engineering Director at Vulkan do Brasil
1 年Parabéns Jamelli, excelente artigo! ????
Diretor da MANUALTECH Consultoria de Assessoria Ltda.
1 年Parabéns Jamelli pelo artigo. Apenas afirmar que a ABNT NBR 16746 foi baseada no projeto desta ISO 20607 em 2020. Logo seria interessante mencioná-la pois ela foi elaborado levando em conta o idioma português. A ISO é um documento normativo importante no aspecto de manuais de instru??es, mas é necessário o apoio de outras normas como a ABNT NBR ISO 12100 e as fo tipo C para manuais de maquinas. Parabéns novamente pelo artigo e continue publicando. Abra?o Luiz Carlos Devienne