Technical Writing for Children

Technical manuals are an ancient genre, one of the oldest examples of which date back to Mesopotamia and ancient Rome. They comprised simple instructions on houselhold and farm management. Instructions evolved with time and with the increase in complexity of the devices the creation of the instructions has evolved into the whole sphere of technical communication sphere. It is hard to name a field where no manuals needed. Take children, for example, modern toys are so complicated that demand instructions therefore toy industry also has a demand for technical writers.

Here are some tips on how to write instructions for children’s toys.

1. Gather the examples of the like instructions, review them. Take a look at how the instructions are presented in other products and examine the rubric for ideas of what elements to consider.
2. Target your audience. For example, it is a 1st and 2nd-grade students (ages 6–8). You can assume that most of the students can read, but don’t limit yourself. Think carefully about what is attractive to children and how they analyze the world. Just think about everything you need to know from your students to better understand them.
3. Audience Analysis. Before you create your content, compose an audience analysis that details the following:

• Who your audience is (age and gender)

• The key characteristics about this audience such as reading ability

• What problems the audience might encounter in toy assembly

• Why your product will appeal to them

• Possible language barriers

• Possible behavior barriers

• The task of the user

• How will the user be using the instructions (one-time read, back and forth?)?

• Any other elements to consider

4. Document Plan. After the audience analysis, you need to also generate a documented plan. Essentially, this is an outline that spells out the specifics of the instructions you will be generating. The goal of the document plan is to let your boss and your client know that you’re on top of this project and have a plan.

5. Create the Instructions. Now you’re ready to create your instructions. At this point it should be “in black and white”.

6. Add visuals. Visuals in the instructions for toys are essential, sometimes even the only thing in such manual (remember LEGO or IKEA). Of course this task may be for the designers mostly, but you should have an idea of what you want to describe.

7. Test it. All documents go through a testing phase to make sure they are successful. In this case, you will be testing your documents during the rough draft sequence so class members will assemble your toy and give you tips on success. Once you know they work, then you can put together the fancy, colorful, marketing element of the instructions.

When manufacturers, importers or distributors want to place a toy on the market, they have to show that it is safe. It’s astonishing how bad some of instructions are for some toys. Follow the tips above above and create a great experience for your adolescent customers.

Stay well!

Amrit.

“Follow the river and you will get to the sea.”