Writing Lego Instructions

For our technical communications paper this semester we’re learning about different kinds of documentation required in the engineering profession. At today’s workshop for our Instruction Writing module, we were given the task of creating a Lego model using a photo as a reference. After we created the model we then had to dismantle it and write written instructions for someone else to follow in order to recreate the same model. Although I was tempted to pick a bizarre model, I decided to stick with a more conservative mosaic-like box because I thought the instruction writing might be a bit more straight-forward. Some of the other models people chose included a moa bird, an arch-way, a helicopter, and several others.

Nearly half-way through my Lego mosaic box

The actual construction of my mosaic Lego box wasn’t actually too difficult since both sides were identical and fit together at opposite corners. However, I soon learned that the instruction writing part of the task would prove to be the real challenge. I didn’t think it would be too hard at first, but when I started to think about how to explain at what dot positions to connect the pieces without using any diagrams, I started to appreciate the effectiveness of a simple picture! My instructions started to get longer and longer and before I knew it, I had nearly written two pages of instructions – for a supposedly simple mosaic Lego box! Once we had finished writing our instructions, we swapped with the person next to us and tried to create their Lego model using their written instructions. I partnered up with Andrew and I found his instructions to be more straight-forward than mine. I figured out that the instructions didn’t have to be so precise to still make sense. Luckily I was able to put Andrew’s model together (he also had a mosaic box with a different pattern) and likewise he was able to make my model too which was a relief. It sounds trivial I know, but if you ever get the chance to write instructions for Lego without using any pictures, you’ll see what I mean!