Instructions, mechanical ability and performance
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Investigating Motor Skill Learning Processes with a Robotic Manipulandum
Published on: February 12, 2017
1Laboratory for Work Psychophysiology, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Yugoslavia.
Abstract:
The role of instructions aimed at non-specialist users was studied. Two groups of 15 students were given the task of mounting a window shade. The first group carried out the task using the manufacturers' original instructions. The second group used an 'improved' version of the instructions. It was found that the 'improved' instructions significantly contributed to the usability of the product, and that the original instructions failed to fulfil their basic aim: to enable the majority of consumers to successfully use the product.
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