iFixit Project

Project Overview

For my Principles of Technical Communication class, we partnered with iFixit — a company that encourages people to fix their own items so users can reduce waste and save money — to create a how-to guide. I chose to teach users how to replace an eye for an Eclipse LV1 Paintball Marker.

Skills

  • Audience analysis
  • Platform proficiency
  • Problem-solving
  • Technical writing
  • User experience

Tools

  • iFixit’s guide creation platform
  • Photography equipment

I had never fixed a paintball marker, so I had to problem-solve with even the simplest tasks. My experience level was advantageous as the tech savviness of iFixit users could range, but I knew they had a curiosity and willingness to fix something themselves.

Coupled with using active voice and creating cohesion with colors, I had to decide what pictures to take and how to write a corresponding step that was explanatory yet concise to provide a successful user experience.

Anticipating the users’ thoughts, I added a note in this step about leaving the black eye sensor wire out of the way until step 13. In doing so, this eliminated confusion for the user about what to do with the wire.

View the Guide
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