Complex machinery needs simple explanation

摘要

This intervention presents a bunch of techniques for the production of simple explanation material for complex devices. At the example of laser scanners, we developed a user-friendly handbook spiced up with cartoons for an easy reading. As integral parts of the new operating instruction, a poster also depicts the key safety information at a glance and a three-minute film raises awareness of the system complexity. Besides, a simple checklist was drawn up to help producers of operating instruction validating their products according to usability standards. Last but not least, a detective novel was written, which compiles and explains the new product; at the end of this novel, readers have the possibility to check their understanding of the safety system with a crossword puzzle. The new concept for operating instructions was - and is still being - validated by users in a questionnaire-based survey. In this presentation, the new strategy will be presented and illustrated with the help of the products developed by the BGIA. The results of the user survey will be presented as well. Further activities will transfer our ideas into operating directives.