Redesigning for Clarity

Introduction

Instructional design is more than just conveying information—it’s about making sure that information is clear, accessible, and easy to use. When I first took on the task of redesigning the Original Black Forest Cuckoo Clock instruction manual, I assumed it would be a straightforward process of rewording confusing instructions.

I quickly realized it was much more than that. This project became an opportunity to enhance clarity, organization, and usability—ultimately improving the entire user experience.

Identifying the Gaps: The Critical Review Stage

Before making changes, I conducted a critical evaluation of the original manual. While the instructions contained useful information, several issues stood out as barriers to user comprehension:

1. Complex and Confusing Language

Phrases like “turn the clock fully topsy-turvy” and “ticking proportionable” weren’t intuitive for modern readers. The lack of plain language made some steps harder to follow (Markel & Selber, 2021).

2. Safety Considerations Were Understated

The manual contained basic safety guidelines, but considering the cuckoo clock involves hanging weights and delicate mechanisms, I realized a more specific safety section was needed.

(Foote, Y., 2023).

3. Lack of Visual Structure and Readability

The formatting did not support ease of navigation. The original manual used long paragraphs instead of clear headings, bullet points, and numbered lists—making it difficult to follow step-by-step instructions.

4. Inconsistent Flow and Transitions

Some steps felt out of order, making it hard to follow a logical progression from unpacking to setup and troubleshooting. Readers had to flip back and forth between sections.

By analysing these gaps, I was able to map out a more structured, user-friendly redesign.

The Redesign Process: A Balancing Act

Manual Cover (Foote, Y, 2023).

Redesigning the manual required balancing technical accuracy with accessibility. I focused on refining the language, improving the layout, and ensuring logical flow.

1. Refining the Language for Clarity

I replaced confusing terms with simple, direct instructions:

Example:

Instead of “turn fully topsy-turvy”, I used “Turn the clock upside down carefully.”
Shorter sentences improved readability without sacrificing technical accuracy.

2. Improving Structure and Layout

To enhance readability, I introduced clear section headers, including:

✅ Unpacking
✅ Setting the Time
✅ Winding the Clock
✅ Troubleshooting

I also replaced long paragraphs with bullet points and numbered steps to make instructions easier to scan.

Manual Page 1 (Foote, Y, 2023).

3. Emphasizing Safety and Maintenance

A dedicated safety section was expanded to highlight:

⚠️ Potential risks (e.g., incorrect weight attachment, unstable installation).
⚙️ Secure installation techniques to prevent accidents.
🛠️ Maintenance tips to ensure longevity of the clock.

4. Creating a More Logical Flow

In the original manual, troubleshooting was placed at the very end, meaning users had to flip back and forth to find solutions.

I restructured the manual so common issues were addressed at relevant steps instead of being buried at the end.

To improve usability, I also added a checklist at the end for quick reference.

Key Takeaways: Lessons from the Redesign

Reflecting on this experience, I realized that effective instructional design is more than rewriting—it requires empathy for the user experience. Some of my biggest takeaways include:

1. Simplification is Not “Dumbing Down”

One challenge was ensuring technical accuracy while avoiding overwhelming users with jargon (Lannon & Gurak, 2017; Markel & Selber, 2021).

I learned that simplification doesn’t mean loss of detail—it makes complex information easier to process.

2. Visual Presentation Matters

Even well-written content can be difficult to follow if the layout is poor. This redesign reinforced how headings, spacing, and formatting are crucial for accessibility (Clark, 2021).

3. Safety is an Essential Consideration

Instructional designers have a responsibility to anticipate user errors and risks. Making safety precautions clear and unmissable is just as important as the instructions themselves.

4. Repetition is Key to Refinement

I didn’t get everything right on the first try. It took multiple iterations—testing readability, adjusting visuals, and restructuring content—to create a manual that felt both intuitive and complete.

Final Thoughts: The Impact of Better Instructions

At first, this seemed like a simple redesign task, but it turned into a meaningful exercise in accessibility, clarity, and instructional design principles.

This project reinforced my passion for creating user-centric documentation. Whether it’s a cuckoo clock manual or an eLearning course, the goal remains the same:

✅ Make instructions clear, concise, and user-friendly.
✅ Ensure users can quickly find what they need.
✅ Improve accessibility through layout and formatting.

Better instructions don’t just explain—they empower the user.

References

Clark, D. (2021). Learning Experience Design: How to Create Effective Learning That Works. London: Kogan Page.

Lannon, J.M., & Gurak, L.J. (2017). Technical Communication (14th ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Markel, M., & Selber, S.A. (2021). Technical Communication (13th ed.). USA: Macmillan International.

Wellens, P. (2015). Practical Web Development: Learn CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and More. Birmingham: Packt Publishing.

Foote, Y. (2023). Manual Redesign for Original Black Forest Cuckoo Clock.

What’s the most confusing set of instructions you’ve ever encountered?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and share your experience with poorly written manuals and how you navigated them.