Instructional WOM…

In between the arguing, wrapping paper and turkey (actually, we had beef) this Christmas, I stumbled across a delightful post from Andrew McDonald. In it, he shares a neat method for ensuring that should he ever lose his camera, it will probably find its way back to him safe and sound. I’d post a picture, but I don’t want to spoil the effect. Do jump over and have a look though.

It’s a nice idea. Giving a very personal touch to something generally dry, and often boring. It’s a  method I’d love to see adopted elsewhere. Imagine the same thinking applied to the instruction manual for the camera. Or giving details on where to order new accessories. There’s a lot of scope to be more creative with how information is presented.

It emerged post Christmas, that the Amazon Kindle ebook reader, was the most gifted item in the company’s history. Imagine if the thousands of people turning them on during The Queen’s speech had been met with some quirky title, say ’100 Things You Can Do With A Kindle’. And while we’re at it, why not a second: ’100 Things You Can’t…’. It would be amusing, it would be offbeat, it would be different. Further, it would give you information while you used the thing. I’d guess that it would also be something you’d keep on the device to show friends. It would be something you’d talk about.

I’ve mentioned before the idea that anything can be conversational. I’d love to see instruction manuals taken in a more interesting direction. What else would you like to see?

(Oh, and if there are any great examples of well crafted instructions, let us know in the comments!)

Brought into the world on Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 and filed under 1000thoughts, Creative.