Users may often glance at printed manuals, but they are reluctant to look through manuals that are too full of information, according to VAIO user responses on questionnaires. This consideration led to efforts aimed at a more appealing manual that entices users to pick it up for a look. Call center data was analyzed to sort out the content needed in a printed manual. The planners focused on setup information (required before turning the computer on) and support tips to reorganize and redesign the content for a slimmer, easy-to-use manual. What's more, the cover design was updated and more double-page spreads included, based on feedback from customer satisfaction research. The designers succeeded in creating a manual that instills a sense of owner satisfaction.
Here, the designers' main objective was getting back to manual basics by providing information in a simple, readily usable form for a smooth user experience. This edition has 40% fewer pages than the manual for the previous model, a feat achieved not through tighter spacing or smaller print but by narrowing down information needed, from the user perspective. The content was reorganized and a new layout adopted to enable users to prepare the digital high-definition TV for viewing quickly and confidently by following steps on the first 16 pages.
