Visual Manual
Created by: Neal Connoly

MM290 - Information Architecture
Instructor: Heather Shaw

Goal:
Introductory course to basic concepts, methods, procedures of information architecture focused on managing information complexity towards accessibility and understanding by a targeted audience. Basically, to visually communicate complex information in a clear and concise way. The course addresses the fundamental principles or organization in the context of both dynamic and traditional media. (meaning print / animation / interactive)

Assignment: This assignment is the creation of a visual set of instructions for explaining a process you are familiar with. Instructions should show the correct series of actions, operations and motions for which to accomplish something. Use no words, or symbols. Arrows can be used. Numbers cannot be used to designate manual steps (ie. “Step 1... Step 2...” etc.) but can be used to designate such things as measurement, temperature or time.

Purpose
To understand how to visually explain and represent a series of procedures that are taking place over time. For example: using a hula-hoop, loading a camera, folding an origami paper sculpture, etc. Understanding the breakdown of a process—from start to finish—in a way that can clearly communicate this process to someone who has never seen or experienced the process prior to viewing your manual.

Objective
To analyze a complex process and break it down into its logical parts. To clearly define a process not just analytically but also is visually designed.