Technical Writing

Consumer Oriented

ClearTech creates instruction materials designed to simplify the use and assembly of consumer products. A well-designed manual makes the product easier to use. Which results in greater customer satisfaction, reduced returns and enhanced brand image.

At the same time, we believe in making products as intuitive as possible while keeping the printed materials to a minimum. When creating the material, we extensively test the product and will recommend changes based upon our user experiences.

Consumers approach instruction manuals in many ways. The advanced user may read the manual thoroughly while other users will only refer to it as a last resort. It is therefore important to organize the information in sections and highlight key points both in the manual and on the packaging so any user can unpack, set up and begin using the product with ease, while the advanced user can benefit from enjoying all the product’s features.

In addition to generating materials that are both functional and attractive, we offer suggestions to your product development staff to make your products more user-friendly. Often a minor product or packaging modification will result in a more intuitive product and greatly simplified instructions.

Our Process

We begin each project by extensively researching and testing the product during the phases of assembly, installation, use and troubleshooting. For example, we will assemble and reassemble a new product several times to determine the easiest and most logical method and then perform a similar process for installation, use and troubleshooting.

During the testing process, we become familiar with the product and then begin creating a template for the instruction materials. The template includes the layout and format for the materials as well as the structure, progression and depth of information in each section. We write the copy for the instructions, work with your staff for the accompanying vector illustrations and determine placement and wording of cautions and warnings. Throughout the process, we work with your staff to recommend changes based upon our testing experiences and ensure each phase is properly explained. 

We get involved with products at one of three stages of development to create the layout, copy and illustrations for the materials. The first stage is inception and begins with a product prototype. We will work with engineering and ID staff and offer suggestions on everything the user touches, from product through packaging, to enhance the user experience.

The second stage is a finished product. The design and packaging are established and we evaluate the user experience from unpacking through troubleshooting. We create the materials and may offer minor product labeling or packaging changes where necessary.

The third stage involves a product with existing manuals that have proven to be inadequate. These are often complicated products that may benefit from a format more geared to the user. If there are product related issues that cannot be corrected, we will suggest a temporary solution such as a Quick Reference Guide.

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