Online Course
I'm currently developing a work instruction design course for engineers and technicians in manufacturing, so they can go from being frustrated to being confident in creating great work instructions that others will want to use and increase quality and throughput using evidence-based techniques.
I'm taking input for a minimum viable product (MVP).
Let me know what you find valuable!
In my manufacturing career, I was frustrated with the creation process of work instructions from the designer side and the user side.
-
As a user, I was consistently frustrated by the poorly written instructions for my sub-assemblies and finished goods. I had to rely on tribal knowledge to keep things straight.
-
As a designer of instructions, I was frustrated during the review process because it seemed like everyone had an opinion of how I should make my work instruction better, but the edits would be contradictory. I would subjectively select what edits I would incorporate and ignore others.
I thought there should be a more evidence-based method to creating work instructions, so I investigated principles and techniques from a variety of fields on how we read and interpret documentation. Over 15 years, I've tested many design principles to find what works in manufacturing and field service. However, I'm just going to focus on manufacturing right now, so I can finish one course.
I would love find out what you find valuable, so I know what to focus on first. I'm also interested in what you don't find valuable, so I can understand why. This is your opportunity to help me create a course that really meets your needs and is a course you would want to take.
Please visit the pre-course page to take a survey on what you find valuable.
What Challenges Do You Face?
I get it; writing work instructions isn't easy. We are engineers and technicians, not technical writers, graphic designers, or UX/UI experts.
That's why I want to create an online course to help with all of the challenges.
I also want to create a community to provide value after the course, so we can share our best practices and feedback as we learn and grow.
Clarity and Simplicity
Writing instructions that are easily understood by all employees, regardless of their background or experience level.
Regular Update/ Maintenance
Ensuring that work instructions are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes in processes or equipment.
User Engagement
Crafting instructions in a way that engages the user and holds their attention.
Regulatory and Standards
Ensuring that work instructions comply with all relevant regulations and standards.
Standardization
Creating a standardized template for all work instructions to ensure consistency.
Access and Distribution
Making sure that work instructions are easily accessible to all relevant employees.
Language and Cultural Considerations
Creating work instructions in multiple languages if necessary
Time and Resource Constraints
Finding ways to create effective work instructions without requiring excessive time or resources.
Measuring Effectiveness
Implementing ways to gather feedback on the effectiveness of work instructions.
Training
Implementation
Term Consistency
Making sure that employees are properly trained on how to follow the work instructions.
Ensuring that work instructions are cut-in with the right parts, at the right time, with the right people.
Discriminating between technical jargon, readability, and comprehension for multiple audiences and stakeholders.
This is a new community, so by joining now you will get the opportunity to mold the community to meet your needs.
Why Focus on Work Instructions
They are the backbone of quality, efficiency, effectiveness, and safety.
1
Improve process efficiency
2
Enhance quality control
3
Ensure worker safety
4
Engage the readers